Gary Arden Lee

Gary Arden Lee, a Korean War veteran, businessman, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to many, died peacefully in his sleep with his beloved wife by his side on Nov. 29, 2023. Gary was 90 years old. His legacy was a mighty one! He is survived by his beautiful wife, Beverly (Odegard), five children: Robert Lee of Pismo Beach; Cindy (Lee) Daly (Dan) of Goleta; David Lee (Gail) of Chicago, Illinois; Daniel Lee of Goleta; and Cathy (Lee) Jordano of Arroyo Grande. He had 17 grandchildren: Katie Lee, Shelly Lee, Andrew Daly (Katie), Ryan Daly, Crystal Daly, Sean Daly, Lauren (Lee) Titonel (Alex), Gary Lee (Emily), Lexi Lee, Christian Lee, Conner Lee, Cameron Lee, Callan Lee, Caeden Lee, Christopher Jordano, Michael Jordano, Jessica Jordano; and 11 great-grandchildren: Abigail Daly, Emery Daly Joel Daly, Jonathan Daly, David Daly and Eli Daly, Malakai Daly, Noah Titonel, Victoria Titonel, Evan Titonel and Wyatt Lee; nephews Denny Coltrin and Barry Coltrin; and niece Sarah (Lee) Nelson. Gary Arden Lee is survived by many members of his family. Gary was born to June Shepherd Lee and Charles Hamilton Lee on Feb. 3, 1933, in Los Angeles, California. His father was an immigrant from England and a vaudeville actor who was rumored to have performed with Charlie Chaplain. His mother was also a vaudeville performer and dancer. With his father’s passing when Gary was 2 years of age came a childhood filled with change. At age 5, Gary became a big brother to Ronnie and frequently moved from school to school. His late sister Violet and her husband Robert Coltrin would also play an integral part in Gary’s upbringing. With the help of a fake ID, Gary enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 16 and was deployed to Korea. Upon his return, Gary acknowledged the importance of education and began night school to complete his high school education. When Gary walked across the stage to receive his diploma, a short bio of his life was read, and he was honored for his service in Korea. After receiving a standing ovation from the audience, Gary said his life was changed forever. He relocated from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara and worked for Aerophysics Development Corp., where he met Beverly. Shortly after their marriage, Gary started his own business in Goleta, California. To meet the needs of the growing area, Gary opened Goleta Valley Glass Company and quickly expanded to become Goleta Valley Paint and Glass Company. Together with his late partner, Chuck Coker, the business thrived for many years. In the late 1970s, the remaining interest in the Goleta Valley Paint Company was sold, and it remains in business today. Gary expanded his focus and began building a real estate portfolio. During the 1960s and ’70s, Gary was very active in the Goleta community, where he served two terms as president of the Goleta Chamber of Commerce. He was remembered for great additions to the community throughout the years. Once, during an Old Goleta Days festival and parade, Gary bought a large steer and had it for viewing on the side of the Goleta Valley Paint and Glass building. It was said the steer escaped at one point, running down the streets of Goleta before it was wrangled and brought back. Throughout their marriage, Gary and Beverly enjoyed extensive travels with friends and family. Together the family enjoyed outdoor sports such as snow skiing, camping and water skiing. Bass Lake, California, was a frequent destination for many of the family’s camping trips. In 1988, they bought a home in Bass Lake. Gary would spend countless hours adding special touches to create a place of rest and recreation for his family and friends. Each year, his labors would culminate with an annual 4th of July gathering for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. On one of his many handmade plaques in the cabin you will find the words, “A grandparent’s house is a place where cousins become friends.” This was his gift to his family, a resting place for pastors and friends. Gary, whose life was defined by his relationship with Jesus, love of family and friends, a strong work ethic, integrity and his contributions to his church and community, will be missed by all. There will be a celebration of life for Gary at noon on Dec. 14 at Calvary Baptist Church, 736 W. Islay St. in Santa Barbara. A luncheon reception will follow. A viewing is planned from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapel at 15 E. Sola St. in Santa Barbara. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church Youth Group fund helping children to afford camps, or VNA Health.

Gary Arden Lee

February 3, 1933 - November 29, 2023