I lost a special friend in July. Charis Holbrook, the younger daughter of Ruth Johnston and Wales Holbrook (a long-time teacher at Santa Barbara High School), and I went together from kindergarten at Montecito Union School through Santa Barbara Junior High and Santa Barbara High School.

During those times I have fond memories of spending time together at her home; attending church at All Saints-by-the-Sea; gathering with other friends from our Y Club on Miramar Beach; and swimming in the pool at San Ysidro Ranch, a citrus ranch that her grandparents, Harleigh and Mary Prichard Johnston, owned in the 1880s and sold in 1935.

Unlike I, who as a fourth-generation Montecitan stayed put, Charis ventured out in the world and by 1993 after two marriages and two children, extensive travel, various residences like London and Edinburgh, she chose to settle down in Montpelier, Vermont.

She became a hand weaver and even an organic vegetable farmer. I remember that while I was totally inept at school in our sewing class, Charis could make her own clothes! No surprise I suppose that she became a pen-and-ink artist.

Over her life time long-lasting and active friendships defined Charis. A friendship with Charis was a friend for life.

Charis is survived by her daughter Lesley Grogan of Santa Barbara, and her son Keith.

Friends may choose to remember Charis by donating to the Santa Barbara High School Alumni Association, Class of 1959 Perpetual Scholarship, P.O. Box 6121, Santa Barbara, CA 93160.