Burt Gambill Jr.
In Loving Memory of
Burt Gambill Jr. passed away on June 28, 2026. He was a deeply devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a cherished fixture of the Santa Barbara community.
Born in Texola, Oklahoma on October 28, 1932, Burt developed a strong work ethic early in life that defined his life and achievements. He graduated from Texola High School before attending Oklahoma A&M College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree with top honors in 1954. Burt was a proud member of Phi Eta Sigma, Phi Mu Epsilon, Sigma Tau (President), Eta Kappa Mu (Vice President), and Phi Kappa Phi societies.
He began his impressive 60-year career professional journey in Schenectady, New York, with GE Engineering Lab, where he attained the GE Advanced Engineering Certification in 1957. During this time, he also served as chairman of the AIEE-IRE and was active in the IRE National organization. Burt was a special emeritus member of IEEE since its inception in 1963.
In 1959, Burt relocated to Santa Barbara, California, where he settled permanently and dedicated decades of service to GE Tempo, Kaman Sciences, and ITT companies before his retirement in 2015.
Beyond his professional achievements, Burt was deeply committed to enriching his local community. He spent countless hours volunteering and supporting the Goleta Valley South Little League and San Marcos High School, mentoring youth through sports. His passion for youth development led him to become a proud co-founder of the Page Youth Center, leaving a lasting legacy for generations of area athletes. An avid and competitive golfer, Burt was a familiar face on the Rancho San Marcos Golf course, where he was an equity owner, and a fixture in the Santa Barbara Classic Golf tournament, competing with passion for over 25 years.
Burt had a deep passion for exploring the world, a love he joyfully shared with his wife. Together, they traveled the globe, visiting France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, Russia, Italy and the Alaskan Fjords. While he especially loved the leisurely pace of river cruising through Europe, Burt’s absolute favorite place in the world was Paris, France.
Above all, Burt was a family man. He shared 66 beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Pat. Together, they built a large, loving family that was his greatest source of pride.
He was preceded in death by his beloved son, David, in 2009.
Burt is survived by his wife, Pat; his children (and spouses), Stephanie & John, Kevin & Pei, and Craig & Kathy; his six grandchildren (and spouses), Paul, Jason & Olivia, Brianna & Rachel, Katlyn, Justin, and Dylan; and his three great-grandchildren, Weston, Colton, and Hudson.
Burt’s generous spirit, dedication to family, and love of life will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.
Memorial services will be announced at a later date. For those who wish to honor his memory, the family requests that donations be made to the Page Youth Center or the Goleta Valley South Little League.
