Gary Colson

Ron Ely

Jun 20, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024

Santa Barbara, CA

Actor Ron Ely, who played “Tarzan” in the 1960s, took his last breath at 86. Ron Ely, a veteran television actor popular for his role as an urbane, educated vine swinger on the 1960s show titled “Tarzan,” died on September 29 at the home of one of his beloved daughters near Santa Barbara, California. It is surprising that Ely did his own stunts on the famous show, “Tarzan,” working precariously and directly with the chimpanzees, tigers, and various other wild animals that were supposedly his servants and friends on the show. He also played the main character in the action film “Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze (1975).” Other than these roles, he mostly played smaller roles in films and TV, including the 1958 movie musical “South Pacific.” Ron also wrote a number of mystery novels featuring a detective “Jake Sands,” in “East Beach (1995)” and “Night Shadows (1994)." In the early 1980s, he hosted the Miss America pageant. It was then he met Miss Florida – Valerie, whom he married in 1984. The couple had three children, and Ron retired from acting to pay attention to his family in 2001. Back in 2019, Ely dealt with unthinkable grief due to a family tragedy. Born in Hereford, Texas, and raised in Amarillo, he married his high school sweetheart in 1959, but the couple ended up in divorce two years after their marriage. Along with Kirsten Casale Ely, Kaitland Ely Sweet, his beloved daughter, also survives him.

Ady Barkan

Dec 07, 1983 - Oct 31, 2023

Santa Barbara, CA

In Loving Memory of Ady Barkan (December 18, 1983 - November 1, 2023) Santa Barbara, California, and the nation mourn the loss of a dedicated activist, Ady Barkan, who passed away on November 1, 2023, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on December 18, 1983, Ady would have celebrated his 40th birthday later that year. Ady Barkan was not only a fierce advocate but a loving husband to Rachael King, an English professor. Their union blessed them with two beautiful children, a son born in 2016 and a daughter born in 2019. Ady, Rachael, and their children made their home in Santa Barbara, where they shared a life filled with love, despite the challenges posed by Ady's battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A beacon of resilience, Ady Barkan's advocacy extended beyond his personal struggle. His 2019 memoir, ""Eyes to the Wind: A Memoir of Love and Death, Hope and Resistance,"" and the 2021 documentary ""Not Going Quietly"" stand as testament to his unwavering commitment to social justice and healthcare reform. Ady's valiant fight for universal healthcare, improved home health support, and broader reforms to the American healthcare system impacted the lives of countless individuals. His legacy will forever be intertwined with the progress made in the pursuit of a more just and compassionate society. Ady Barkan's passing, caused by complications from ALS, serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing need for healthcare advocacy and the indomitable spirit of those who strive for positive change. May his memory inspire continued efforts toward a world he envisioned—one of inclusivity, compassion, and accessible healthcare for all.

Charlie Munger

Dec 29, 2023 - Nov 27, 2023

Santa Barbara, CA

"California mourns the loss of investing legend Charlie Munger, who passed away in the state on November 28th, 2023. He died at the ripe old age of 99. He was born on January 1st, 1924, in Omaha, Nebraska. Munger's influence extended far beyond just the financial world. A close confidant of Warren Buffett and vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway since 1978. So, Munger's wisdom and inspiration were instrumental in building the business world to its present status. The duo's remarkable relationship began in 1959 when they met at a cafe in Omaha. Eventually, this duo had a life spanning over 60 years. We can see Munger's unique perspective on life in his advice to Buffett. This was to live life backward, remembering the obituary one desires and then shaping life accordingly. In a recent interview with CNBC's Becky Quick, Munger reflected on this advice. Beyond the world of finance, Munger was famous for his dislike for self-important authority. His legacy, built over a lifetime, leaves an indelible mark on Berkshire Hathaway and the broader financial world. So his impact and wisdom helped him amass a fortune valued at $2.6 billion. He left a legacy that will endure in the archives of investment history. "