Tag archives: RIP

Celebrating Donald McInnes
By Richard Mineards   |   January 21, 2025

The life of Donald McInnes, Camerata Pacifica’s first principal violist, was celebrated at the Music Academy of the West’s Lehmann Hall. McInnes, who studied at the academy from 1954 to 1956 and was a member of the faculty from 1982 to 2012, died in October at his home in Rancho Mirage aged 85. The UCSB […]

Lilli Margrethe Jensen Tragos August 31, 1934 – November 3, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   November 26, 2024

Lilli Margrethe Jensen Tragos, 90, beloved wife, mother, Mormor/Farmor, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2024, in Santa Barbara, California. Lilli lived her life with the deeply held conviction that there is inherent goodness in all people. She shone her unshakable optimism on her family and friends who always felt grateful to […]

The Hon. Judge Nancy Guthrie — November 9, 1943 – October 19, 2024mont
By Montecito Journal   |   November 19, 2024

The Prettiest and Smartest Girl in Law School (…AKA the Only Girl!) The Honorable Nancy J. Guthrie, 81, a respected judge, dedicated public servant, and devoted mother, passed away among loved ones at her son’s home in California on October 19, 2024. Judge Guthrie was a pillar of the legal community in Wyoming for over […]

David Lawrence Raber: January 26, 1934 – September 18, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   October 1, 2024

Dave Raber died peacefully in his sleep on September 18, 2024, after living a full life and crossing the 90-year-old finish line. Dave never had to win an election to be proclaimed the Mayor of multiple jurisdictions – Starbucks in Montecito, Cody’s on Turnpike, and Harry’s Plaza Cafe. He will be remembered for his engaging […]

Ann Kale
By Montecito Journal   |   September 17, 2024

It is with sadness that we mourn the loss of Ann Kale, who lost her battle with cancer on August 11th. She was surrounded by friends and family to the last and will be forever in their hearts and minds. Ann, born in Los Angeles, graduated from Cal State San Diego and afterwards accepted an […]

Gray Bauer: Feb. 1, 1940 – Aug. 23, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   September 10, 2024

Gray Bauer, born on Feb. 1, 1940, in Boston, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Gray spent her final days doing what she loved, laughing, joking and celebrating with her family. Gray was the oldest daughter of Tom and Mary Hartigan. After years of moving around the country, the Hartigan family finally […]

Barbra Rudvall Schutte: November 6, 1926 – May 30, 2023
By Montecito Journal   |   June 11, 2024

Barbra Rudvall Schutte, born November 6, 1926, in Fresno California, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2023, in Montecito, California Robin had a very full life with many accomplishments. She was a woman ahead of her time, who was gifted in so many ways. Born in Fresno California, she moved after college to San Francisco […]

Jerry Dean Springer: August 05, 1935 – May 12, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   June 4, 2024

Jerry Dean Springer, 88, beloved husband of Julia, father to Kurt, Jill, and Amy, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2024, at Serenity House in Santa Barbara.  Born in Reeve Township, Iowa, the fourth of six children, Jerry attended many different schools before finally settling in Carpinteria in middle school. After his itinerant childhood during […]

Diana Basehart: May 29, 1934 – April 12, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   April 30, 2024

Our community mourns the passing of an icon…  Diana Basehart, longtime animal activist, actress, sculptor, and mother passed away on April 12 at Cottage Hospital surrounded by family and friends.  She was born May 29th, 1934, in London, England. Daughter of Edward and Gwenyth Lotery. In 1939 the family fled to New York to escape […]

Remembering Lynda Millner
By Richard Mineards   |   April 23, 2024

On a personal note, I remember Lynda Millner, the MJ’s longtime society columnist who retired in August 2022, after 27 years as a scribe for this illustrious organ. Her Seen Around Town column was a regular must-read chronicling the comings and goings of our rarefied enclave’s bustling social scene. Octogenarian Lynda leaves her long-lived husband, […]

Lynda Lee Millner: August 13, 1936 – April 9, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   April 23, 2024

One of Montecito’s most elegant, fashion forward, socially dynamic woman has left us. Lynda Lee Millner passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, surrounded by her family and loved ones.  Lynda was born in 1936, in Washington state, to Aage and Zula Olesen. She grew up in Spokane, WA where she […]

Lynda’s Legacy: Columnist and Local Cultural Icon Lynda Millner Passes
By David Bolton   |   April 23, 2024

Santa Barbara and Montecito have lost an icon. For two decades, Lynda Millner’s articles and photographs opened the window on countless local nonprofits. She was the first social writer for the Montecito Journal. Week after week, Lynda’s column “Seen Around Town” appeared every Thursday. Her column went beyond merely photographs of those in attendance. It […]

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.  […]

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, […]

Remembering Susan Rosas
By Richard Mineards   |   February 6, 2024

On a personal note, I mark the move to more heavenly pastures of Susan, wife of pianist and entertainer Gil Rosas, at the age 86 after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. Gil, 88, and Susan, a former model and artist-illustrator, were married for 49 years, spending the final chapter of her colorful life at […]

Maryan Schall’s Celebration of Life
By Montecito Journal   |   February 6, 2024

Friends of Maryan Schall are invited to join her family in a celebration of her life on April 18th at 4:30 pm at Birnam Wood Country Club. Seating is limited, so please RSVP at: celebratemaryan@gmail.com.  

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 […]

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 […]