My husband and life partner John Minjarez passed quietly away Aug. 6, 2026, in our home. John had many illnesses but chose to keep them private. Rather, he wanted to enjoy each day as a blessing, sharing a smile and laughter with all he met.
John was born in Brawley, California, in 1946. He had an older brother Pete, now deceased, who came to UCSB for school. John visited and never left. He thought Santa Barbara was “Paradise.”
John was drafted for Vietnam, earned a business degree at Santa Cruz City College, then he eagerly returned to “Heaven.”
Over 50 years he rode bicycles, motorcycles, and worked in several shops as parts manager. One of his proudest accomplishments was climbing Mt. Whitney to the top.
Many stories were told and retold as John became well known for his exploits. He will be missed, but these stories will keep him in our hearts long after he is gone.
John loved going fast on a motorcycle, or a bicycle, alone or with friends. Over the years they rode miles and miles, camped in the mud, rode rain or shine.
The friends he made in both his sports have remained with him for years and years. They went up San Marcus, mountain trails, through neighborhoods, campus and to the beach.
If he could not be riding the TV was his passport. Formula 1, NASCAR, Supercross. Dirt racing or pavement, the faster the better.
Match box cars was another passion. I could always find John in any store by looking for him near the tub of tiny cars. He bought his last a week before he passed.
We spent many evenings looking at his latest car acquisition or discussing our coin collections, or what trip we would take next.
Never did a day go by that our families were not spoken of, always a birthday or celebration: what the latest was when we would see them again. Uncle John was “the best” with all the family, the silliest, the most fun, always childish.
John is survived by Lydia “the best wife,” according to John; nephew Anthony; nieces Stephanie, Melissa and Sabrina; and the next generations in the families.
John received Military Honors at the Veterans Wall in Goleta Cemetery on Sept. 4, 2026.
A gathering of family and friends is planned for 1-4 p.m. Oct. 3 at Eling’s Park, 1298 Las Positas, Santa Barbara.