John Howard Self

John passed peacefully at home March 24, 2026 after a long struggle with pancreatic insufficiency. John dictated this biography to me for his daughter and grandchildren. There will be a memorial at a later date. I want to thank everyone for their love and support at this sad time. Michael Self

I, John Howard Self, was born May 18, 1942 in Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, to Howard “Bud” Self and Evangeline “Jean” Days-Self. Dad, was of Northern European descent, left high school early to become a cowboy, breaking polo ponies for the Jackson Ranch in Montecito. Mom’s parents were Azorean Portuguese immigrants; she spoke several languages and graduated college in language arts and secretarial skills.

I was raised on a lemon orchard in Goleta, attended Goleta Union School, and was dubbed “wrong bus John”. After school I just hopped on the closest bus, what could go wrong? We moved to town and I attended Harding Elementary School and still have many friends from that experience. I was 12 at La Cumbra Junior High. when my sister, Barbara Jean, 18, succumbed to Leukemia. I graduated from Santa Barbara High, “GO DONS”, and with my uncle’s encouragement joined the Navy Reserves in my Junior year. I went active in January ’61 and was deployed on a Landing Ship Tank (LST) “Large Slow Target”. I was Marksman in Boot camp and Honor Man during my military service. My time was spent in Hawaii and San Diego. This was before the Viet Nam war was very active.

After my two years of active duty I took SBCC classes to become an electrician. I thoroughly enjoyed my career of 33 years. I founded John Self Electric in 1974.

My Father loved horses. I loved horse power and was an enthusiastic member of the Los Viajeros Rally-Slalom Team, which is where I met and married Carole Morag McDonald. We had no children but many memorable adventures, this union lasted 20 years.

In 1984 I married my dear beloved Michael Kathleen Markopulos-Oglesby. We golfed, did target shooting, backpacked, scuba dove, fished, skied, collected antique cars and took many a trip in our small travel trailer.

I dearly regret leaving my adopted daughter, Cynthia Markopulos-Harris and granddaughters, Chandler Nolan-Rojas (Hector), Dr. Hana Nolan (Jake). Nancy and Keith Newquist-Nolan, who adopted us many decades ago to share in the love and memories of their children. Love is the tie that binds us.

I have been blessed with fantastic parents, family and friends and am ever grateful for a very wonderful life.