On Oct. 16, 2025, Richard A. Yee, a lifelong resident of Santa Barbara, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. Born on Nov. 23, 1958 in Santa Barbara, Richard brought smiles to everyone around him from the very beginning.
As the youngest son of James Thoon Yee, who immigrated from China, and Katherine Grace Yee, Richard grew up in a home full of love, laughter, and strong community ties.
His parents owned and operated Nanking Gardens, a beloved Chinese restaurant on State Street that became a local favorite and gathering place.
Richard’s childhood on Santa Barbara’s Eastside was filled with friendship, curiosity and creativity. He loved exploring, delivering newspapers, collecting recyclables around his neighborhood and Franklin School, and tinkering with anything mechanical.
Those early experiences reflected both his engineer’s mind and his care for the environment, values that guided him throughout his life.
After graduating from Santa Barbara High School, Class of 1976, where he was a proud Marching Don and member of the trumpet section, Richard attended the General Motors Institute in Michigan (now Kettering University) before earning a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Michigan – Flint.
While in Michigan, he immersed himself in Motown and the state’s automotive heritage, and it was there he met Mary, who would become his wife and lifelong companion. They married in November 1980 and raised two children together, James and Katherine, building a life rooted in love, laughter and community.
Richard began his law enforcement career as a reserve officer in Flint, Michigan, before returning home to Santa Barbara to serve the community that raised him.
He dedicated more than 30 years to the Santa Barbara Police Department, continuing as a reserve officer for another decade after retirement.
Over the years, he served in many capacities, from patrol and CSI to the Detective Bureau, and even appeared in local public service announcements.
His smile, compassion, empathy, and fluency in Spanish helped him connect deeply with people from all walks of life.
Outside of his career, Richard gave back tirelessly to his community. He volunteered for DRAGG (Drag Racing Against Gangs and Graffiti); served as a teacher’s aide for over 20 years with the Santa Barbara Unified School District; and was an active member and alumni supporter of the Santa Barbara High School Band Boosters, continuing to help with events and fundraisers long after his children graduated.
Richard had many passions that reflected his generous and curious spirit. He had a deep love of music, from Elvis and Earth, Wind & Fire to Harry Styles.
He was also an avid car enthusiast, attending car shows and Cars & Coffee meetups, always eager to share stories and admire the craftsmanship that inspired him since his youth.
His care for the environment led him to support the World Wildlife Fund, Humane Society, Arbor Day Foundation, and local environmental organizations.
Richard is survived by his children James and Katherine; his older brother Leonard; and his beloved “fur grand-babies” Willow and Forest. He is also remembered by godchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends whose lives he touched.
Richard will be honored with a Celebration of Life, 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19 at McDermott-Crockett Mortuary, 2020 Chapala St., Santa Barbara.
A Mass service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20 at San Roque Parish, followed by a memorial reception at McDermott-Crockett.
Family and friends are encouraged to share stories and memories in celebration of his life.
Richard’s warmth, humor, and dedication to others defined him. He will be remembered for his unwavering service, his love of family and friends, and the deep roots he planted in the Santa Barbara community he so dearly cherished.