John Karys

John Christopher Karys, beloved brother, uncle, and friend, died March 5, 2018, at the age of 54. John was born May 5, 1963, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He grew up in Santa Barbara, where he spent most of his life. John was a man of many trades, among which were working as a house painter and finish carpenter until chronic illness forced him to put down his tools. He loved to fish from ocean-going boats or at streamside, to join his friends at Burning Man, and to read aloud from his voluminous collection of hand-written poetry at cafés and coffee shops in downtown Santa Barbara. He was a cherished elder, a loving and encouraging friend and mentor to many, and will be missed. John was predeceased by his father, Christopher John Karys; and his mother, Carla Jevine Karys. He is survived by sisters Lisa Karys-Schiff (David Karys-Schiff); April Karys (Bob Campbell); and Chris Sobenes (Jeremiah Sobenes); brother Frank Karys; and three nieces.