John Switzer

1929 – 2023

John Switzer passed away to join Christ, May 23rd 2023 after a fall and brief hospital stay in Goleta, CA where he lived with his wife, Mary. He was born in Glendale, CA in 1929, went to High School there joining the Seminary studying to be a Catholic Priest. After opting to leave the Seminary, he proudly served 4 years in the US Air Force. Returning to Glendale, he went to college and went on to teach Industrial Arts at Cal State, Los Angeles where he married his wife (of almost 70 years) had 3 sons and made his home in Arcadia, CA. To get out of the big city he wisely moved his family to a new home in Santa Barbara in 1964. He went on to teach high school Industrial Arts at SB High, San Marcos High, and felt fortunate to help start the Industrial Arts Program the year Dos Pueblos High School opened. He was dedicated, loved his job and his students loved him. It was there he started the metal shop, drafting, and later the aeronautics program, helping many students go on to obtain lucrative careers in those fields. John was very proud of his Country and his community… He donated many hours to jail and Eucharistic ministry, Church lecturing , RCIA and Parish Vocations.  Among other passions, dad loved being a pilot and was a Major in the Santa Barbara Civil Air Patrol for years, logging many hours in search and rescue. His true passion was collecting old tools and blacksmithing equipment. In the early 70’s he loved sailboat racing and later boating in his 25′ Bayliner, and in the last few years, he enthusiastically began restoring a 1929 model A pickup truck (just like his first car). He was President of the local Model A club and could be seen driving all over the streets of Goleta and beyond… John will be greatly missed by his family and many friends and students he loved so much. He is survived by his wife Mary, sisters Jean Barens and Ellen Montgomery, his sons Scott (Cheryl) and Larry (Jill) in Santa Barbara and his son Robert (Tricia) in Prescott, AZ. and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Services to be announced. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Hospice Care Santa Barbara.