Randall “Randy” Alexander Barnes
Born in Burbank Hospital under the shadow of the Disney Studios, Randy was the instant darling of his family, especially for his older sisters, Deborah and Pamela. Randy was a joyful, loving little brother who loved to dance and sing. He never stopped loving the water, music, art, history, sports and people. He grew up in Canoga Park and later moved to Northridge where he lived until high school graduation. He then moved to Santa Barbara where he attended Santa Barbara City College.
Randy surfed his entire life from high school on, traveling the world and following his passion. He worked a job in Dubai for a British firm building a skyscraper with a revolving restaurant, and also became a merchant marine with Mohammad Obaid of Mubarak Shipping, allowing him to experience Africa, Yemen and Oman. Upon his return to Santa Barbara, he built a significant business, Signal Construction, Inc. Santa Barbara is all the more beautiful because of Signal’s successful commercial and residential projects.
In 1988, Randy married Julie Sheets, and together they have two beautiful children, Taylor and Pierce. They shared the world with the kids and taught them to respect and value the diversity of people and places (of course most of the destinations had to include surfing!). Randy worked hard to make his dreams come true, and his ownership of a shared parcel at Hollister Ranch was one of the most cherished parts of his life. Time in the water at the Ranch was his time. It came to be his place to reflect, be at peace and rekindle his spirit and this was a gift he shared and passed onto his son and daughter. Family and friends often enjoyed time at the Ranch and we have created beautiful memories to last a lifetime.
Randy was blessed to find a second love in his life, CJ Talbot, with whom he has traveled much and had many plans cut short by cancer. In his last few years, Randy made the most incredible travel companion for his partner, sharing everything from spontaneous trips in the Sprinter van up the California coastline, to extended travel exploring the ruins of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.
Even in the very end, he spoke of imagined trips to wine country, to the Bay area, and to L.A. for a day outing to enjoy fine dining and drink. Randy’s mind was never far from dreaming of unconquered destinations; he even kept a folder on his Mac desktop labeled “Travel Ideas”.
He will be remembered as being a unique and passionate man: a voracious reader, a gifted writer who never fully explored that talent to its potential, a lover of people and a student of human nature, an admirer of beautiful things, a seeker of zany fun and goofy laughter, a researcher with the most curious mind, and an avid follower of all things relating to climate, geography, the earth and solar system. One of his most commonly used phrases was, “It’s the right thing to do,” and he lived his life guided by this simple precept. He was generous to a fault, a friend to so many, and a caring soul who
protected and put others before himself.
Randy loved giving back to the community. He volunteered with the Bucket Brigade driving heavy machinery and moving large debris flow materials, he was part of the Courthouse Legacy Foundation, and constantly sung the praises of the nonprofit organization Heal the Ocean. He also appreciated the nonprofit Santa Barbara Beautiful for upholding and contributing to the standard of beauty that this town rightfully deserves.
Forever in our hearts. He is survived by Taylor and Pierce, Pam & JT Greenwell, Deborah & his niece Magda Barnes, and CJ Talbot.
“The story of life is quicker than the wink of an eye/The story of love is hello and goodbye, until we meet again.” Jimi Hendrix
Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, 6/14 from 5-9pm at Shalhoob’s Funk Zone Patio. Details of a paddle out will be released soon. Donations in his memory can be made to Heal The Ocean: https://www.healtheocean.org/
