William Wallace “Wally” Marantette was born in Detroit, Michigan. He was a Michigan State graduate, but Santa Barbara was his home for 50 years.

He opened the Sojourner Cafe with co-owner Bob Stout in 1978 as a coffee house, long before coffee houses were trendy.

Later, Wally was the sole owner of the Sojourner for 21 years, where he created a family and a legacy of acceptance. His employees and customers stayed on for many years.

The Sojourner supported the local artist community by showcasing a new artist each month.

Wally was a local hero, yet so quiet and humble. He was a visionary who led by example, and he touched more lives than he ever realized.

He loved sports. He rowed competitively in high school, along with baseball, football, golf and hockey. In Santa Barbara he added triathlons, marathons, and ultimate frisbee, where he played with the Ducks and was known as the “General.”

Wally completed the Iron Man triathlon at age 52, and the Boston Marathon at age 54.

He served on the Santa Barbara Athletic Association Board, timed Nite Moves and Reef and Run, and donated time and effort to many local and charitable events.

More often than not, if there was a competitive event in town, Wally was at work in his ubiquitous blue van handling timing and results.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Elaine Campo; sisters Nancy Fisher (Jeff); Susy Houk (Jim); brother Tommy Marantette (Patty); many nieces and nephews; many Campos; all who dearly loved him; and many local friends.

I would like to thank Drs. Michael Bordofsky, Michael Bernstein, and Ben Diener, who all tried heroically to to help and care for him.

A Celebration of Life is TBD.