Albert Steven Frederick Elwood

Albert Steven Frederick Elwood was born April 1, 1943 and peacefully left this earth on February 23, 2017. Albert was the great-grandson of the first President of Panama, Manuel Amador Guerrero. Albert’s father was an American engineer on the Panama Canal and his mother, Esperanza Amador, was born and educated in Panama teaching Music and English. Alber’s older siblings, (Richard, Edna, Betty, and Mary-Esther) were born in the Panama Canal Zone: The two youngest Elwood’s, Ruth and Albert were born in America. Albert’s family crossed Ellis Island during the end of the Great Depression They made their way to Mississippi where Albert was born; and when he was 3 they moved West to Campo, California. There, they lived on a farm and raised chickens and goats. He graduated from High School in Vallejo, California where he found his niche working after school in an electronic repair shop. He would fix just about anything and his nieces and nephews still marvel over their childhood memories of him taking transistor radios apart and then diligently putting them back together and making them work! Albert’s siblings married and spanned the coast of California. He would visit them and eventually made Goleta his hometown. Goleta Pier was one of his favorite spots to take his nieces and nephews fishing. He worked for the Santa Barbara County over 20 years. During his later years of life, Albert spent a great deal of time at the Devereux Foundation surrounded by peers and staff who adored him. He would come daily rain or shine ready to work at the Greenhouse—from tending to the plants to cleaning up roads or running errands to Home Depot. Albert graciously made himself available. He was and will continue to be an honored member of the Greenhouse Guild. Albert never spoke ill of others and was loved by all who knew him. He had tremendous integrity and was fiercely independent. He will be remembered by his kind, caring, and considerate spirit. He was a wonderful person, brother, uncle and friend – He was respected and cared about by all who crossed paths with him. May you rest inpeace. We love you (Uncle) Albert.

There will be a Mass at 11:30 on Friday, April 7, 2017 at St. Mark’s Church in Isla Vista. A Celebration of Life for Albert will take place at 1:30 the same afternoon at Devereux. The family would like to thank Devereux and Serenity House for their gracious support. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either of these programs.