Aaron O. Case Jr

Aaron O. Case. Jr. passed away peacefulJy on April 14.2012, in the presence of his loving and devoted wife. Erma, He was 89 years old. Born in Santa Ynez on August 28, 1922, Aaron was raised in Santa Barbara, and attended Wilson Elementary, Santa Barbara Junior High, and was a graduate of Santa Barbara High School. Aaron's father Aaron Case Sr .• his mother Catherine Case, along with his parent s parents. came from Pennsylvania by train to Oregon, then traveled down the coa t in a covered wagon landing in Santa Barbara in 1905. Their first campsite was where MacKenzie Park is now located. They eventually bought property along Mission Creek. and established a family compound consisting of three separate residences housing aunts, uncles, and Aaron s grandfather. Aaron had three brothers. David, Lewellyn (Lew). and Henry. and one sister Eleanor all of whom predeceased him .. Aaron's father served as the first Fire Marshall for the City of Santa Barbara. Many happy years were spent growing up in Santa Barbara playing along the banks of Mission Creek. When the freeway came along, the property was sold to the State and the families relocated to residences throughout Santa Barbara. Aaron was raised in the Church of the Open Bible which his father helped construct along with Reverend Henry Cowie. Since the 1930 s the Case and Cowie families have been close, having spent generations worshiping together at the Church of the Open Bible. Aaron later served as an Elder at the church for many years. Upon turning 21, Aaron joined the Santa Barbara Police Department, and two years later married Erma Daugherty. Aaron and Erma celebrated their 67th Wedding Anniversary on January 28th of this year at a luncheon hosted by their family. Aaron, having served with the SBPD transferred to the Santa Barbara City Fire Department, serving at Stations located on Sola Street De la Vina Street, Cliff Drive, subsequently being assigned as tillerman for the hook and ladder truck stationed at the headq uarters buiJding on Chapala Street. After several years he was recruited to the County Fire Department, and stationed at the Airport After a time, he was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief. In 1954 Sheriff Jack Ross asked Aaron to join the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department, where he first served as Resident Deputy of Carpinteria. He was promoted to Detective, and after having first served in the main office (headquartered in the Court House). he was transferred to Santa Maria and became the first Detective assigned to the Santa Maria Sub Station under Captain Roy Oxford. After a year he was promoted to Sergeant, and was transferred back to Santa Barbara, where he was assigned to oversee the construction of the Honor Farm. Once that facility was completed Aaron was promoted to Lieutenant, and worked out of the main office as a Watch Commander. Upon promotion to Captain, Aaron was placed in charge of the Jail Division, and upon his retirement (due to a heart attack) had been serving as Commander of the Jail Division, and had begun work on the "new" jail now located on Calle Real adjacent to the current Sheriff's headquarters. Two years after his retirement, Aaron Case formed the Case Detective Agency, providing security officers. process serving, and private investigative services. After graduation from college, his son Craig, joined the business, which continues today under his leadership. Aaron Ioved his wife. Erma, his son, Craig and daughter-in-law Laura, adored his two grand-daughters. Jennifer and Lindsay and her husband. Jeromy. and his two great grand sons. Lincoln and Shane. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved their' Uncle Aaron: The Case family has always been close knit. Craig refers to his father as . my hero.' Aaron was a great husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He loved his family and thoroughly enjoyed family gatherings, Barbeques dinners and vacations which many times included his entire family. According to those who worked with him over the years, he was a good friend. a great boss, and a true inspirational leader. A Memorial Service will be held on April 25. 2012 at St Andrews Presbyterian Church. 4575 Auhay Drive in Santa Barbara. The Service will begin at 3pm, with a reception at Harry s Plaza immediately following the service. Donations may be made to the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara.

Aaron O. Case Jr

August 28, 1922 - April 10, 2012