It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Gabriel Contreras Jr., age 62, on Jan. 1, 2026. Gabriel died unexpectedly but peacefully at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Gabriel, known simply as “Gabe” or “Uncle Gabe” to his family, was born on Nov. 2, 1963 to mother Theresa Mary Brookins (Acosta) and father Gabriel Mark Contreras, Sr. at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara.
He is survived by and was a proud father to Moriah Contreras and Caleb Contreras; brother to Elise Contreras and Beverly Ruiz; son to Marilyn Contreras; uncle to Arlyne, Kayla, Patty, Anthony, Steven Jr., Lea; great-uncle to Jessie, Emily, Kennedy, James, Ava, Gabe, Opal, Laurel, Clementine, Clover, Maisie Rae; and great-great uncle to Auryn and baby Eli.
He is preceded in death by his mother Theresa, father Gabriel Sr., sister Laurie, and brother John. He is also survived by his much loved cat Richard “Richie” Contreras.
Gabriel graduated from Santa Barbara High School and went on to study photography and cinematography at the Brooks Institute of Photography.
In his early 20s, Gabriel moved to Sweden to continue his photography and film studies. He lived in Kalmar, Oskarshamn and Stockholm. He made several friends there and spoke fluent Swedish.
Upon returning to the states, Gabriel trained and served in the Army National Guard and California Army National Guard. During this time, he became a father to daughter Moriah and son Caleb.
Gabriel continued to work in photography and cinematography. He worked several jobs as a film loader and later camera operator in California’s film industry.
Gabriel also studied fine art conservation, apprenticing for a master gilder, where he learned century-old gilding techniques. He was a proud member of the Society of Gilders.
During much of his middle age, Gabriel lived with and took care of his mother Terry in Santa Maria, California and later Las Vegas, Nevada. Gabe and Terry lived together with their gray-tabby cat Richard who they loved to spoil.
In Las Vegas, he continued his art conservation work where he restored antique frames out of his apartment’s gilding studio. He also volunteered his camera expertise to his church where he helped film live sermons.
Gabe loved the world and all the art and beauty within it. He loved music and listening to Depeche Mode, Pink Floyd and Mozart. His absolute favorite band was U2 which he had the pleasure of seeing live several times.
Gabe was a Christian, with a strong faith, who remained involved in the church for most of his life.
Like his mother Terry, Gabe was also a proud liberal Democrat who believed in helping those who are less fortunate.
He loved his family dearly and had a special connection to his hometown of Santa Barbara.
His legacy will live on through his photography, cinematography and art conservation work, his children, and his many nieces and nephews. He will be forever missed.
A memorial service for Gabe will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 31 at Veronica Springs Church, 949 Veronica Springs Road., Santa Barbara. A Celebration of Life will follow the service.