Larkin Robert Stites

L. Robert Stites, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Friday, June 24 at home in Santa Barbara, with family at his side.

Born in Sparks, Nevada to Letha and Lloyd Ernest Stites, he was the second eldest of 4 children. He graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art and subsequently taught classes in drawing and painting at the university. Bob married Sandra Newell, whom he had known since high school, in 1959. In 1962, he moved his family to Santa Barbara where he continued his career as an artist.

Bob was active in the Santa Barbara art scene for many years and worked every single day until his health prevented him from doing so in 2015. His work has been widely exhibited across the United States and is in several noteworthy collections.

A kind and gentle man, with immense interior strength and dignity, and a wonderful sense of humor and mischief, he lived his life on his own terms and to the fullest.

Bob was preceded in death by his brothers, Lloyd and Michael. He is survived by his wife, Sandy; daughters, Laura, Deirdre (and husband John), and Susan; granddaughter, Amber (and great-grandson Bassam Robert); sister, Patricia; 7 nieces and 1 nephew.

Memorial donations may be made to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care, Santa Barbara; the family is very grateful for their support.