Owen E. Patmor
Owen E. Patmor, 94, of Goleta, California, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to John and Beatrice Patmor on April 14, 1931, Owen lived a full life defined by love, humor, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.
Owen proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict before beginning a long and dedicated career at Delco, from which he retired after 25 years.
Owen began raising his four daughters in Greendale, Wisconsin, with his first wife, Rosalie Patmor. There, he embraced the outdoors and simple family traditions— many camping trips in the family tent trailer, attending the Wisconsin State fair in West Allis each year, watching the Greendale Fourth of July parade with sparklers in hand, and piling the kids into the station wagon for evenings at the drive-in theater.
In 1972, a job transfer brought Owen and his family west to Goleta, California, where he would spend the remainder of his life and continue creating lasting memories with family and friends. In Goleta, Owen embraced an active lifestyle he truly loved. He took great pride in gardening, found joy in running—including completing a marathon in Santa Barbara—and became an avid cyclist. He rode his bicycle to work every day, a reflection of both his discipline and his enduring love of the outdoors.
Owen’s love of cycling led him to his second wife, Doris Phinney, with whom he shared many joyful years before her passing last year. Together, they traveled far and wide by bicycle, reveling in the freedom of the open road. Owen would take the lead on the climbs, while Doris delighted in speeding past him on the descents. The friendships they formed along the way enriched their lives, and their many adventures reflected the deep bond and devotion they shared.
Owen’s passions revolved around the outdoors—from bike riding and hiking to tending his garden and visiting the local farmer’s market. He also enjoyed classical music and the theater, finding joy in both. And after a long ride or a day spent outside, he was always happy to relax with a good IPA, savoring both the flavor and the moment.
Of all the things he loved to do, Owen found his greatest joy on a bicycle and was an active member of the Goleta Valley Cycling Club. He rode from Seattle to Milwaukee to attend his 50th high school reunion, and for his 60th birthday completed the Davis Double, riding 200 miles in a single day. Over the years, he participated in many long-distance rides across the country, including RAGBRAI, the seven-day ride across Iowa.
Owen was also a devoted fan of the UCSB Gauchos Women’s Basketball team. He was a longtime member of the Fastbreakers and held season tickets for nearly 30 years.
He is survived by his daughters Debbie Johnson, Mary Simpson, Linda Palid, and Sue Sikkink; stepdaughters Charla Bregante and Daria Bregante Laudeman; twelve grandchildren from his six daughters; five great-grandchildren; and Rosalie Patmor. His family and friends will remember him for his gentle spirit, keen wit, and the kindness he showed to everyone around him. He will be missed by all who knew him.
A memorial “happy hour” celebration of Owen’s life will be held at Stowe Grove Park Area 2 on May 30th from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Plans are also underway for a tribute bench along a Santa Barbara County bike path—a fitting honor for a man who found such joy on two wheels under the Goleta sun. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to MOVE Santa Barbara County, a non-profit organization that supports cyclists or Cycling Without Age, a group that provides bike rides to older adults.
