Tag archives: obituaries

David A Morley: 12/31/1939 – 2/3/2024
By Montecito Journal   |   April 2, 2024

The dates above are merely the frame of Dave’s life on earth. It is what he invested in that small dash in-between that has had a lasting impact on the lives of those of us who knew him, and what we will remember about him. This brief recount of his life serves only as a […]

Toni V. Fox: 9/25/1947 – 8/20/2023
By Montecito Journal   |   April 2, 2024

Our beloved Toni passed away on August 20, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with melanoma. She is fondly remembered by family and friends for her warmth, contagious smile, and vivacious personality.  Toni V. Fox was born in Los Angeles to Vance and Carole Basler and was one of three children with an older […]

John “Jack” Kerr Wilson: August 29, 1937 – February 25, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   March 26, 2024

John “Jack” Kerr Wilson, born on August 29, 1937 in New Jersey to John and Elizabeth Wilson, passed away on February 25, 2024. He leaves a legacy filled with laughter, steadfastness, and a deep love for his Scottish heritage. Jack, known for his friendly demeanor, hospitality and exceptional humor, made a significant impact on many.  […]

Cynthia Impey Nolen : April 18, 1933 – February 27, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   March 19, 2024

Cynthia I. Nolen, a lover of dogs, birds, books, and gardens passed away peacefully at Casa Dorinda in Montecito, California on February 27, 2024. A self- proclaimed “collector” of plants, her gardens and landscape designs continue to inspire around the U.S. Anyone who knew Cynthia was aware that she never left the house without dog […]

Leo (Lee) Artman : January 1, 1947 – February 9, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   February 27, 2024

With a life lived fully, we bid farewell to Leo (Lee) Artman, a remarkable soul whose presence graced our lives in countless ways. Lee ascended peacefully on February 9, 2024, surrounded by his wife, Heidi, and family and friends, leaving a legacy of love, kindness, and joy that will continue to resonate with all those […]

Lillian Pierson Lovelace: September 9, 1927 – January 16, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   February 13, 2024

Lillian Pierson Lovelace, 96, wife, mother, and gracious philanthropist, died at her home in Montecito on Tuesday, January 16, herfamily announced.  Born September 9, 1927, in Los Angeles, CA, Lillian Claire Pierson grew up in Santa Monica, the youngest child of George Mercer Pierson and Rena Waltz Pierson. She attended Antioch College in Yellow Springs, […]

Sharon Brown Bevan: January 26, 1932 – October 28, 2023
By Tim Buckley   |   February 6, 2024

Sharon (Sherry) Bevan’s legacy of light and love came to a beautiful close on October 28th, 2023, at home in Casa Dorinda surrounded by her loving family. A private family ceremony will be held January 26, 2024, at Santa Barbara Cemetery. Sherry was a rare Mayflower descendant and fourth-generation Californian. In 1923, her parents built […]

Karen Louise Morley: April 25, 1953 – December 13, 2023
By Montecito Journal   |   January 16, 2024

Karen Louise Morley, of Santa Barbara, went to be with the Lord on December 13, 2023. In recent years, she had fought a long and often painful battle with ocular melanoma, but in her last weeks and days in this world she was peacefully surrounded by family and friends in the light and comfort of […]

Maryan Strathy Schall: September 10, 1930 – January 2, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   January 16, 2024

“Who can turn the world on with her smile…?” Those of us of a certain age hear those lyrics and immediately think of the theme song to The Mary Tyler Moore Show. We propose those words could fit just as nicely as the theme to the life of Maryan Strathy Schall, who turned the world […]

Colleen Kirst: September 14, 1924 – December 21, 2023
By Montecito Journal   |   January 16, 2024

Beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Colleen Kirst passed peacefully into heaven on December 21, 2023, at the age of 99. A brilliant, beautiful woman inside and out, Colleen devoted her life to God, family, country, and community. Colleen’s life history is a classic American story of faith and hard work resulting in success, but she […]

Frank Davis Umanzio: September 10, 1934 – December 7, 2023
By Montecito Journal   |   December 19, 2023

Frank Davis Umanzio was born on September 10, 1934, in East Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Pasquale and Felicia Umanzio, and passed from this life on December 7, 2023, at age 89. Frank and his beautiful wife Jean met in Medford, Massachusetts, in 1956 and married in 1957, living happily together for 66 years.  In 1974, Frank […]

Keith Roger Austin: May 11, 1944 – September 22, 2023
By Montecito Journal   |   December 19, 2023

Keith Roger Austin, beloved father and grandfather, entrepreneur, traveler, lover of life, and rock ‘n’ roller, passed away on September 22, 2023, at the age of 79, after a short battle with cancer. Keith, still working in his studio, listening to vinyl records and was on air with his radio show The Rock Files, doing […]

Donnie Carolan: May 28, 1957 – October 18, 2023
By Montecito Journal   |   November 28, 2023

Donnie Carolan, 66, of Santa Barbara, California, passed away on October 18, 2023. He was born on May 28, 1957, in Morristown, New Jersey. Donnie was a passionate individual who had a deep love for music. He was actively involved in various choirs such as the Master Chorale and the Trinity Episcopal Church Choir. Donnie’s […]

Reuben Walker Eliyahu Smith: May 17, 1987 – November 6, 2023
By Montecito Journal   |   November 28, 2023

As we bid farewell to a soul who embraced life with an extraordinary fervor, we mourn the passing of Reuben Walker Eliyahu Smith. His departure leaves an indelible void, and we reflect on the poignant words from one of his own poems, asking the profound question: “Did you love this world of ours the best […]

Don Bushnell: January 7, 1927 – June 19, 2023
By Tim Buckley   |   August 15, 2023

Don Bushnell was born January 7, 1927, as an identical twin. Both he and his twin brother, David, were radio Quiz Kids, and both were awarded scholarships to the University of Chicago at age 16. Their adult lives followed very similar educational and professional paths. Don was devoted to social issues his entire life, starting […]

Nicholas Proctor Palonen: April 10, 1981 – May 31, 2023
By Montecito Journal   |   July 18, 2023

Nicholas Proctor Palonen, beloved son, brother, husband, and father, was welcomed into the world by his parents, Marjorie and Craig Palonen, on April 10, 1981, in Santa Barbara, California. From that day forward, he became an indispensable part of a loving family, joining his older brother, Tye, on countless childhood adventures — from explorations of […]

Byron Lyle Fairbrother : September 22, 1958 – March 17, 2023
By Montecito Journal   |   July 4, 2023

Byron Lyle Fairbrother was born at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital to Edwin Henry Fairbrother and Randi Tangvall Fairbrother. He had a heart attack while sailing in San Diego. Their team won last year’s race. He learned to sail as a youngster at the Santa Barbara Yacht Club. At least he passed doing something he loved. […]

Michael Oliver Brayton Cherry: June 20, 1937 – March 29, 2023
By Montecito Journal   |   June 20, 2023

Michael Cherry (85) died peacefully in his home in Palm Desert, California on the morning of March 29th, with loved ones at his side.  Michael was born in Fall River, Massachusetts to Nelson and Constance Cherry (Brayton), and was raised in Bristol, Rhode Island. Michael graduated from The Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut (’55). He […]

Benjamin Fay Brode: 1937 – 2023
By Ann Brode   |   June 6, 2023

Ben Brode had logged a lifetime of exciting adventures out in the world by the time I met him. But when destiny opened the door, he was ready for one more – a 44-year journey of the heart. As he told his kids recently, “when I got together with your mother, it felt like setting […]

Robert Louis Veloz: January 31, 1934 – April 13, 2023
By Montecito Journal   |   May 9, 2023

Bob Veloz passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 13, 2023, with his beloved family by his side.  Bob was born on January 31, 1934, in New York City to Louis and Adelaide Veloz. Three years later, the family welcomed identical twin boys who brought so much joy to the family. When Bob was […]