Ken Macaulay passed away on July 14, 2021 at Serenity House in Santa Barbara after a seven-year battle with multiple myeloma. He was 72.

Ken was born in Pensacola, Florida, at the Navy Hospital and grew up a “Navy brat” with his family moving several times, including several years in Italy while they were kids. He always used to say, “I’ve lived all over and Santa Barbara is the best place,” and he never wanted to leave.

Ken was recruited for gymnastics to University of Colorado at Boulder and competed nationally before injuries cut his career short. He graduated with a bachelor of science in business and made a career in accounting, starting with Sambo’s Restaurants as an internal auditor, accounting manager at Motel 6, Inc., and ending his career at Soilmoisture Equipment Corporation in Goleta as chief financial officer. 

Ken played slo-pitch softball for many years in the Santa Barbara Rec leagues, and was a passionate golfer. He loved meeting up with his buddies at Los Paisanos Golf Club at Muni and playing 18 holes in Sunday tournaments. He even took their “insults” calling him a sandbagger in stride. He always tried his best no matter what or how he felt.

Ken met his wife Cathy and they were married in 1984, settling in Goleta where they raised their two boys. Ken was a Cub and Boy Scout leader for their troops, helped out with GVS Little League and YFL football, and eventually was an avid fan of Dos Pueblos High’s football team while the boys played.

Ken leaves behind his wife Cathy and his two sons Sean and Kevin. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Edna Hagen Koek; his brothers Cliff, Tom (Joy), his beloved sister Kathy; his brother-in-law Harry Hagen (Julie); and his nieces and nephews Melissa, Mandy, David and Karen (Tim). He also leaves behind numerous close friends, you know who you are.

Ken was pre-deceased by his parents Alvan L. Macaulay and Doris V. Macaulay.

The family would like to thank the staff at Serenity House and the staff at Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Cancer Center in Los Angeles, including Dr. Robert Vescio and his staff. We would also like to acknowledge the staff at the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center of Santa Barbara, with a shout-out to Marissa, who in her short time with Ken made an impact in his life.

Arrangements are handled by Welch-Ryce-Haider. At Ken’s request, a small family gathering will be held at graveside with a celebration barbecue to be planned at a future date. Please contact the family for details. At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers please make a contribution to VNA Health designated Subsidized Care at Serenity House or to Cedars-Sinai Foundation in Ken’s memory.