obituaries
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Lester “Les” Randolph Ford, Jr. 09/23/27-02/26/17
Lester “Les” Randolph Ford, Jr., PhD, passed away on February 26th, 2017 at age 89. He was born September 23rd, 1927, in Houston, TX, to Lester R. Ford, Sr., and Marguerite Eleanor Ford (nee John). He was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Houston Olson, and is survived by his wife of 49 years, Naoma Gower Ford (nee Gower), his nine children from his first wife, Janet Johnson (nee Lux): Diana Tashjian, Barbara Daniels, Pamela Ruggiero, Andrea Crebassa, Randy Ford, Melinda DiMartino, Ilisa Kim, Fred Ford, and Ken Ford, along with their spouses and their many children and grandchildren. For a full obituary, please use the following link: http:// bit.ly/2mLM7Gq A celebration of his life will take place on April 8th, 2017, at 2:00, at the Valle Verde Theater, 900 Calle de los Amigos, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Direct Relief, www.directrelief.org, or to a charity of your choice.
Jorge Luis Montalvo, Jr. 02/18/61-02/25/17
Jorge Luis Montalvo, Jr, age 56, beloved resident of Santa Barbara, California passed away suddenly of 18
THE INDEPENDENT
heart failure on 25 February, 2017. Jorge was born in Brooklyn, New York, on 18 February 1961. He graduated from the Queens, NY, Aviation High School earning an air frame and power plant (A&P) mechanics certification, moving to California upon graduation to begin his career at Lockheed in aviation mechanics. Jorge a true Renaissance man found great pleasure playing bass with local musicians, in his passion for media, producing medical training programs for Cottage Hospital and local TV broadcasts with TVSB. He was so proud of “his team” and his W.A.V.E award for “Ken Boxer Live” Community Media Producer. An excellent videographer Jorge brought his eye for the romantic to many a wedding, never missing the most poignant detail. As an entrepreneur, Jorge contributed his expertise to train the next generation of media videographers through his latest love, teaching "his kids" at Crane School. Jorge brought an unparalleled perfection and enthusiasm to all of his projects. Jorge also loved engineering and mechanics. A swap meet “treasure”, became an opportunity for tinkering and dreaming. Jorge loved being a "fix-it" guy, willing to share his abilities with anyone who needed help or shared in his joy making something out of nothing. He enjoyed fishing, biking, riding his motorcycle and making movies...he even had a role in a "zombie" movie, an experience he treasured. Although Jorge’s untimely passing leaves family and friends with an ache that only time will heal, we take comfort that his brilliant smile, infectious laugh and joie de vivre will live on in all of our hearts. We are all so blessed to have known this man, for Jorge loved with his entire being and his transparent attention to friendship his highest value. He lived that sacred truth every day. Jorge is survived by his large and loving family, parents, sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and grand-niece. Jorge L Montalvo Sr. and V.S. Montalvo; his siblings, V.S.M.Knudsen, L.M.M.O'brien, M.D.Montalvo and J.A. Montalvo; ex-wife, Jo Marie and a special friend who was like a son. His family along with countless friends will miss him dearly and daily. Jorge's body will rest in Florida alongside his treasured grandmother, his spirit will fly free. God bless you, Jorge. May your lesson of what friendship truly means live forever in all of us. Celebration of Life service Friday, 3/10/17, 4-6pm Officiated by Rev. Pam Washburn at Crane School, 1795 San Leandro Ln, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Please have a Jorge STORY for the video montage and PHOTO (copies) to donate to his family's picture montage and bring a favorite sweets and/or beverages to share.
MarcH 9, 2017
independent.com
Jorge never said no to anything sweet! Private TVSB remembrance: 6-9pm (same day) for close friends and family (including KBL family.)
Alanna Nicole Henderson 03/11/86-01/16/15
May Alanna's soul and spirit travel this universe with euphoria and love. Her light will forever shine bright with the people she touched. Rest in Paradise. Lana
Lee Stone 06/24/49-11/05/16
Lee Stone, a longtime resident of Santa Barbara passed away on November 5th, 2016 at the age of 67. Lee was born in Town Creek, Alabama. However, over the course of her life she lived in many states. In 1966, after graduating from high school in Ridgecrest California, she attended the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls. While a student there she earned an AA degree, was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and received honors in English. She then attended Abilene Christian College in Abilene Texas, where in 1968 she earned her B.A. in English Literature. While at A.C.C. she was a member of their “Big Purple” marching band, and again received honors in English as well as membership in Sigma Tau Delta, a nationwide English honors society. Always committed to expanding her knowledge and possibilities for career advancement, Lee went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in English from Idaho State University. After college Lee returned to California where she worked at several jobs, most notably in sales and marketing for Cox Cable. Shortly after joining Cox in 1987, Lee was in an automobile accident that left her permanently wheelchair bound. This
accident put an end to a highly ath athletic life of skiing, bodybuilding and jogging. Undaunted by her disabilities, she continued to work for Cox Cable for well over the next decade. Her heroic adjustment to her injuries was emblematic of how Lee lived all facets of her life. She was a fervent defender of women’s rights with a passionate focus on women’s advancement in the workplace. She was active in the Santa Barbara Professional Women’s club, where in 1977 she earned the designation of Young Career Woman of the Year. That same year she was honored on a state level as well. Lee was happily surprised to learn that she had been awarded 3rd place as the California Federation of Business Professional Women’s, Young Career Woman of the Year. Politically engaged as a fighter, she, in 1979, was elected to the board of directors of the Democratic Women of Santa Barbara. Lee was also a champion of animal rights and an outspoken supporter of DAWG and PETA. Lee found support for these convictions and deep spiritual comfort in the Unitarian Universalist Church of which she was a member and regular attendee. As her health continued to decline her active participation in these organizations diminished as well. Her uncompromised view of the importance of fairness and compassion for all living creatures will remain an inspiration to all those who knew her. Lee leaves behind several fine and loving friends; sisters Linda Hayhurst of Idaho, Margaret Hicks of Colorado, and brother Bob of California. She will be honored with a private celebration of life.
Dana Brian Steele 05/17/53-02/23/17
Dana Brian Steele was born in Ventura, CA, and was a long time Santa Barbara resident and owner of Der Volks Werks for more than 33 years. He was in a one-vehicle accident on Saturday, February 18. Dana lived and breathed Volkswagens, and he had an encyclopedic memory about antique Volkswagens and how to keep them running. He will be dearly missed by his wife Francine, two sons Daniel and Christopher, his brother Bruce, sister Robin, and Terre Mekker, his
long time VW partner, as well as the many people who over the years needed help with their cars. There will be a memorial celebration of Dana’s life, at Tucker’s Grove, Sunday, March 19, at one o’clock PM.
Alyssa Reginato 07/06/74-02/10/17
Alyssa was a beautiful, giving, loving daughter and sister; she worked as a stylist at Red Studio in Montecito for 18 years, and was a loyal employee, coworker and friend. Please join us to celebrate her life Saturday March 11 at 2:30, at Elings Park in the Singleton Pavilion. Bring a blanket or chair and any photos that the family may keep.
Dustin James Gifford 08/30/78-03/03/17
My mind can't believe this is real and my heart is broken beyond words. Baby I Love you so much, thank you for giving me beyond what I ever thought was possible. For being my rock and my soul mate for loving me for me. We knew from the first time we met we were going to be something special to each other. Thank you for being a wonderful Daddy to Jadyn and always putting us before anything else. Jadyn and I are so blessed to have had you. We miss you Baby and we love you always and forever. Rest In Peace my Love. Services will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, March 11,2017 at Hope Community Church 560 N La Cumbre Rd Santa Barbara Ca 93110.
Death Notices Isidro Torres, DOD 02/07/17 (55) Santa Barbara, CA Winifred M. Blair, DOD 02/08/17 (96) Santa Barbara, CA Cora Jean Hardoin, DOD 02/08/17 (87) Santa Barbara, CA