Andrew “Andy” Albert Ruiz passed away peacefully with his two oldest daughters by his side on Oct. 22, 2025 in Lompoc. Born on April 3, 1955 in Santa Barbara to Beatrice Ruiz, Andy was a proud Santa Barbara native and carried his hometown spirit with him wherever he went.
Andy cared deeply for his family and loved ones, and always wanted the best for everyone. For many years Andy was a father figure to many nieces and nephews (Danny, Isaac Angelica and Melissa), and his kind eyes and warm smile were a safe place for so many people.
He loved to travel and enjoy life’s simple pleasures with the ones he loved the most. There was nothing more important to him than family. His faith was strong, and he strived to be a good person at all times and to make sure to always try do the right thing by everyone.
We as a family are forever thankful for the Santa Barbara Alcoholics Anonymous community, where Andy found hope, healing, and lifelong friendships. He devoted much of his time supporting others on their journeys, always with wisdom and humility.
He enjoyed visiting those in jails and prisons to encourage others, and to share that there is hope in healing and sobriety is possible for all.
Our family would like to thank Bill McCarty with McCarty Electric in Santa Barbara, who, many years ago, gave Andy a chance. My dad was a loyal employee and until the day he passed, even through his illness, they allowed him to continue to work like he wanted to.
He loved his job and those he worked with. He enjoyed the clients as well as all of his suppliers who became true friends.
Andy is survived by his wife; sister Kathy; children,Arlene Orsua, Chana Ruiz-Mack (Keith Mack), Olivia Calandra, Kaylee, and his twin boys Andrew and Bryon; grandchildren Monica, Raymond, Anthony, Veronica, Aiden, Mikayla, Kiani, King and Weston; and several great grandchildren.
Andy made sure to devote his last years of his life to being the best father he could be to Andrew and Bryon. They spent many days camping, fishing, boating and many other activities. His goal was to impart all that he knew into them.
They kept him going and made his life worth living. His only hope for them was for them to grow up healthy, happy, and full of life. All he wanted for his family was to enjoy every day because each day is a gift.
Andy was preceded in death by his mother Beatrice Ruiz, who gave him unconditional love and who he deeply missed. He learned to go on and love each day like she would have wanted him to. We strongly believe she lovingly called him home and they are now together once again.
There will be a graveside service at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14 at Calvary Cemetery in Santa Barbara. A celebration of Andy’s life will follow at Tucker’s Grove Park area 3. All who knew and loved him are welcome to come.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Pueblo Del Rey Funeral Services.