obituaries
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James Richard Ayala Jr. 02/03/60-03/03/16
James Richard Ayala Jr., 56, passed away on Thursday, March 3, 2016. Jimmy Jr. was born on February 3, 1960. Jimmy Jr. survived by his mother and father, Barbara and James, Sr.; sisters Wendy Ayala-Hinds, and husband Bill, Delee Ingram and husband Bob, his brother Michael and wife Tracy; his daughter Riley Mae Hardy-Ayala; two nephews Christopher Ingram and Matthew Herzog, three nieces, Ailea Ingram, Cassie Herzog and Katie Ayala. His daughter Riley Mae was the sunshine of his life! A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 4, at Goleta Beach starting at 2:00pm, Site A. Please bring your favorite side dish in a disposable container for the BBQ.
Charles Finley Hamilton 12/28/30-05/12/16
Charlie was lovingly referred to at times as “The Energizer Bunny” because of his ability to bounce back from numerous serious health problems. But, sadly, his “batteries” finally gave out on May 12, 2016, when he passed away due to complications from a stroke. Born on December 28, 1930, in Bay City, Michigan, to Charles and Ruby Hamilton, Charlie was the youngest of four. He attended Bay City Central High School, where he was the quarterback for the football team; he also lettered in basketball and tennis. The University of Michigan was his choice, as his father and two older sisters were also “Wolverines.” He was an avid U of M booster all his life. After two years there, during which he pledged Chi Phi Fraternity, Charlie took a hiatus and joined the army, where he attended the Army Language School in Monterey, CA. He eventually became a member of the Army Security Agency, and served as a Russian-German translator on the train between East and West Berlin. He also played quarterback for an army football team. After three years, he returned to the University of Michigan and graduated as a pre-med major in 1955. The U of M was also his choice for his Medical School, Internship and Dermatology Residency. He was a member of Phi Rho Sigma Medical Fraternity and Galens 16
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Honorary Medical Society. He wrote many of the songs for, and performed in, that society’s annual fundraising event. As a junior in Medical School, he married Peggy Zuelch, a recent U of M graduate. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2007. His first medical practice was in Van Nuys, CA, but the lure of beautiful Santa Barbara caused him to move north and join the dermatology practice of Dr. Larry Nelson in 1964. When Larry retired, Dr. Kevin Osburn joined Charlie’s practice. Charlie’s patients, as well as his friends and family, were familiar with his unending memory for a good joke or great song. One could hardly believe the number of them that he could tell or sing, in his booming bass voice, at a moment’s notice. It was never “dull” around Charlie!! In Santa Barbara he was a Board Member of The Lobero Theatre Foundation, La Cumbre Country Club, TriCounty Dermatology Society, United Way, and The Memorial Rehabilitation Foundation. He enjoyed reading for “Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic.” Playing a round of golf with his buddies or his family was his idea of a perfect day. He loved tending to his roses and puttering around his house and took great satisfaction in “professionally” fixing anything that needed fixing. He was “Scottish” to the core and a devoted husband, loving father, revered uncle and faithful friend. He loved being called “Papa Charlie” by his two young grandsons and delighted in them. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters. He leaves his loving wife of 58 years, Peggy; older son, Chuck, of Goleta; and younger son, Robb (Anita), of Long Beach. He also leaves two grandsons, Grant and Dylan, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, many of whose lives he touched deeply. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to either The Page Youth Center (P.O. Box 6766, Santa Barbara, CA 93160), Galens Medical Society (C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, Room F-5770, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., SPC 5250, Ann Arbor, MI 48109), or a charity of your choice.
Joan Marie Malette 1944-2016
Joan Marie Malette died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Santa Barbara California, on April 8. She was 71. Gone too soon... Her warm light has gone out, but her glow remains. She will be dearly missed by her family and many friends. She'll be remembered for her love of family, sharp wit, intelligence, devotion to books, her cat Miki, as well as her sunny, kind personality. Born in Oregon, Joan grew up in South Pasadena, moving to Santa Paula with her beloved husband, Harry, and children. After 30 years living in Santa
may 19, 2016
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Paula she and Harry moved to Indepen Independence, Oregon, where they started HLM Air Services, living part of the year in Anthem, AZ. Following the loss of her dear Harry in 2009, Joan settled in Santa Barbara to be closer to her family. Joan did her undergraduate work at UC Santa Barbara and got a master's in Library Science at UC Berkeley. Always on a quest for knowledge, Joan was in love with learning. Her passion for literature and books sent her on a lifelong journey of collecting. Her library is extensive and beautiful. She shared her love of books with her family. Joan volunteered her skills as a librarian most recently at Planned Parenthood. Joan leaves a loving legacy: daughter Beverly (Greg) Martinez, son Steve (Wendye) Malette, daughter Leslie (Rob) Spero, and sister Cathy (Dick) Lampman. Grandma Joanie adored her grandchildren, and they will miss her loving counsel and big hugs: Nicholas Martinez, Brittany (Walter) Maldonado, Haley Malette, Ross (Corinne) Spero, Victoria (Patrick) Dullenty, Alyssa, Josh and Jenny Smith, and great-grandson Brenden Malette.
Bobby Purkait
01/10/50-04/19/16
Bobby Purkait unexpectedly passed away on April 19, 2016. Bobby was born on January 10, 1950, in Kolkata, India. From an early age it became obvious to his parents and teachers that Bobby had an exceptional intellect and deep concern for others. He completed his early schooling in his native India, earning a B.S. degree from the University of Kolkata, before moving to London and then the U.S. to continue his studies. Bobby earned a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of London. He then moved to the U.S. where he earned a M.S. degree in Polymer Science and Engineering from University of New York. Continuing his educational pursuits, Bobby moved west, attending Stanford University, where he completed an executive business program. These educational experiences were the cornerstones of what would become an illustrious career in the research, development and marketing of specialized medical devices, products, technologies and therapies which enhanced and prolonged the lives of many. Bobby began his career in the medical device industry with Abbott Laboratories as a senior executive for cardiovascular products. In 1986 Bobby joined the team at Mentor Corporation and within two years was promoted to vice president of Science and Technology. In 1998 Bobby was appointed senior vice president of Research and Development at Mentor Corporation where he continued to pioneer new medical technologies and develop new products. A true entrepreneur with limitless energy, after leaving Mentor Corpora-
tion Bobby launched two companies. His long career in product development led to Bobby being granted more than 12 patents for medical devices and material technology. Bobby’s personal accomplishments were as significant as those of his professional career. He was a devoted father, son, brother, uncle and friend. After marrying Shirley in 1998, Bobby welcomed his son, Ryan, into the world. There is no doubt that of all of Bobby’s achievements, Ryan was his greatest, and was the joy and the love of his life. It was being a father and a mentor to Ryan that gave Bobby the most meaning and brought him the most pride. Theirs is a bond that will endure forever. Bobby will be most remembered for his intelligence, creativity and unconditional love for his son. He was a fierce competitor who enjoyed a good game of tennis and the friendship of both opponents and partners off the court. A very self-disciplined man, he preferred to follow routines that maintained good physical health and hygiene. He enjoyed working out at the local YMCA and found joy, peace and spirituality in attending the Vedanta Temple. He is survived by his son, Ryan, and Ryan’s mother, Shirley, both of Santa Barbara; four brothers and five sisters; his sister-in-law, Bea Purkait and numerous nieces and nephews. A rite of passage ceremony was held on April 29 at Welch, Ryce, Haider, for close family members. A big thank you to Hindu Priest Vinod Dave. A memorial service and celebration of Bobby's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in his name to the American Heart Association or the Vedanta Temple, 927 Ladera Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93108.
a total of six years, adapting easily and enjoying the foreign lifestyle with the many exotic customs and celebrations of the Malaysians, Chinese and Indian people as well as the British influence. Joan learned to master the skills of batik and Chinese brush painting. In 1972 the family came back to the States and settled in Santa Barbara where Joan joined the S.B. Art Association, among others. Inspired by the coastline, the Santa Ynez Valley and the Southwest, she formed a large collection of landscape and seascape oil paintings as well as florals and abstracts. Joan had her work shown in many galleries and won numerous awards including 1st place in the '95 Semana Nautica Art Show. Joan was married to Frank for 57 years until his passing in Oct. 2012. She is survived by her children, Susan, Frank (Gloria) Michael (Catherine) Marie and Peter, son-in-law Dale and grandchildren Jon and Crystal. Her daughter Tina Cummings sadly passed away May 1, on Joan's birthday. We will hold them both in our hearts forever. "And in the end I will seek you out amongst the stars". Thanks to Visiting Nurses & Hospice Care. There will be a gathering of friends and family at the Glen Annie Club on June 2 at noon.
Barbara Sue Schmidt 04/16/45-05/05/16
Joan Florence Manchak 05/01/32-04/07/16
Our beloved mother Joan Florence Manchak passed away peacefully on April 7 after a 20 year battle with Parkinson's. She had an extraordinary attitude of acceptance and courage, gentleness and kindness, always putting others first. Joan was born on May 1, 1932, in Colfax, WA, the daughter of Joseph Stravens and Florence Cronin (whose cousin was the writer A.J. Cronin) and was the fourth of seven children. She attended Holy Names Academy in Spokane and the University of Seattle. She moved to Long Beach, CA, in 1954 for modeling and secretarial work and met Frank Manchak, a civil engineer whom she married. They moved to Madrid, Spain, where they lived for eight years and had four of their six children. While in Spain, Joan studied oil painting with Concha Maria Navas, and Spanish at the University of Madrid. After a brief return to California where the two youngest were born, the family then moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Singapore for
Barbara Sue Schmidt, née Levine, was born on April 16, 1945, married the love of her life, Stephen Craig Schmidt on November 12, 1973, and died at home in Santa Barbara on May 5, 2016. She was an outlier to the end, living almost 14 months after her diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. In those months, she traveled, spent time with family, played tennis, read novels, and generally enjoyed many of her favorite things. A recently retired computer programmer, Barbara had a career that spanned Burroughs and the Bay Area, New York, Michigan, England and California. Most recently she enjoyed working at Yardi Systems in Santa Barbara. Sailing and sunset watching were lifelong joys. She is survived by her husband, Stephen Schmidt; daughter, Michelle Howard; granddaughter, Adrienne Howard; and Carol and Marty Levin and their daughter, Danielle (sister, brother-in-law, and niece). Barbara had a habit of experiencing good things, be they sunsets, glasses of champagne, or amazing meals, as the “best ever". She possessed an authentic capacity to be fully present in the moment and find great joy in life’s pleasures. The family invites you to celebrate Barbara’s life with a champagne toast over the next sunset you see.