Daniel McKiddie Jr.

We are sad to announce the passing of Daniel McKiddie Jr. on the morning of October 13, 2023, in Arizona; he was 71 years old. Daniel was born the middle child of 3 children in Monterey Park, California, on June 1, 1952, to Daniel and Dorothy Mckiddie  In 1958, Daniel moved with his family to Carpinteria for a year before arriving in Santa Barbara.

As a young boy he was able to work with his father in the family construction business. He would go on to join the Operating Engineers Local 12 Union in the early 1970’s. This would be his lifelong career as a heavy equipment operator. He was able to add work experiences throughout his life that would help build his character and skill set. Some include a gas station attendant in Yosemite Valley, snowplow operator in Mammoth lakes, test riding motorcycles for Harley Davidson, and painting motorcycles in his shop in Ojai. All these experiences were able to give him a foundation for lifelong learning that he was able to pass on to family and friends.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved traveling with his wife in their Toy hauler to visit friends, new places, rides and small-town museums. He loved sharing his passion for motorcycle riding with lifelong friends, his son and son in law as well as his granddaughter. As he moved into his later years, he found the joy of music more by playing his guitar daily and learning new songs. He spent every morning with quiet reflection and prayer as he believes that was the best way to start your day. He loved his black and white westerns like Wagon train, Gunsmoke, and Bonanza which he watched every afternoon. He was the best at sharing the knowledge of all things he loved with his family from fixing a car to grilling the best Tri-tip.

To his grandchildren, he was extremely encouraging and imparted the knowledge that they could do or be anything that they set their minds to. These high expectations were always balanced with unconditional love and support.

To his wife of 37 years their love was unconditional, caring, funny, and an example of what a true partnership is.

He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Daniel is survived by his loving wife Brandi; two children, son Jay his wife Carrie and daughter Chelsea her husband Justin. His six grandchildren – Bailey, Brooke, Tess, Danielle, Isla, Jaxson and Josh. Daniel was preceded in death by his father, Daniel (1985), mother, Dorothy (2017) and sister Gayle (2018).

A service for family and friends will be held on Saturday, November 18th, at the Santa Barbara Elks Lodge at 12:00 pm.