Allan Gary Brostrom passed away peacefully in Santa Barbara on Aug. 3, 2026 surrounded by his loved ones, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Stillwater, Minnesota, to Robert and Lucille Brostrom, Allan spent his early childhood there before his family moved west.

He grew up alongside his brother Steve in Menlo Park, California, and graduated from Woodside High School in 1967. He went on to San Jose State University, where he was a proud member of the Theta Chi fraternity, graduating in 1971.

Allan began his career in Santa Paula, California, working in the family jewelry business and earning his credentials from the Gemological Institute of America.

He welcomed two children Elizabeth Erin in 1976 and Grant Anton in 1978. Later, he moved to Hawaii, where he continued working in jewelry and fell in love with the islands, their culture, and their spirit of aloha. That love stayed with him throughout his life and became part of the warmth and hospitality he shared with others.

Eventually, Allan settled in Santa Barbara to be closer to his children. There, he met Daniel Bifano, his partner of more than four decades and husband since 2015. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, friendship, support, and countless happy memories.

In 1999, Allan opened Brostrom’s in Montecito, an antique furniture business that brought together his entrepreneurial spirit, eye for design, and love of people.

There, he began collecting glass Christmas ornaments, particularly those designed by Christopher Radko and Patricia Breen, and became known for his elaborate Christmas tree displays in both his store and home. He ran the business for two decades before retiring and closing the store in 2018.

Allan was a devoted father, but his greatest joy was his four grandchildren, all of whom grew up in Santa Barbara and knew him fondly as “Fun-Pa.”

He loved being part of their lives, showing up for milestones, cheering them on, and filling family dinners, which he loved best of all, with laughter and stories.

He had a deep love of music, with a record collection spanning nearly every genre. He loved discovering new artists and sharing old favorites, passing that appreciation on to his children and giving them a lifelong love of music.
 
Allan also had a remarkable green thumb, filling his home with plants that flourished under his care. He loved animals, too, and in his later years, his beloved dog Rosie was a constant source of companionship and comfort.

Allan will be remembered for his warmth, humor, generous heart, and genuine interest in others.

He loved to tell a joke, laugh until he cried, and find joy in everyday moments. Whether through his work, friendships, or stories shared over a meal, he had a way of making people feel welcome.

He is survived by his husband Dan Bifano; children Elizabeth and Grant; grandchildren Addison, 18), Isla, 16, and twins Frank and Cate, 13; and many extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Lucille, and his brother Steve Brostrom.

His family is deeply grateful for the love and support shown throughout his illness and for the many wonderful memories shared over a life well lived.

A celebration of Allan’s life will be held at a later date.