Patrick Strebel
Patrick Strebel – loving husband, Daddy, Papa and friend – was born in Columbus, OH on January 22, 1945 to Dick and Micky Strebel. He died on October 7, 2023 in Santa Barbara, CA at the age of 78.
After graduating high school, Patrick attended the Columbus College of Art & Design where he studied illustration and design. He was working his way through college as a respiratory technician at Riverside Methodist Hospital when he saw a beautiful nurse at a friend’s house and knew he would marry her one day. Charleen and Patrick’s first date was New Year’s Eve 1966 and they were married February 17, 1968 in Columbus, OH. Soon after Patrick was accepted to Brooks Institute, School of Fine Arts in Santa Barbara, CA where he majored in three dimensional design and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with Honors. He enjoyed sculpting with clay and metal, and painting with acrylics and watercolor throughout his life. Many of his pieces are still in their home and are cherished by his family.
Santa Barbara was known as the West Coast Detroit where Patrick was employed as a fabrication specialist with top notch prototype companies for over 25 years. Some of his memorable projects include the Oscar-Meyer Weiner mobile, Mr. Peanut Hot Rod, Kissmobile, the Volkswagen New Beetle, and Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray III concept car; he helped fabricate a full size working electric car for Ford and General Motors and worked on a prototype hybrid motor in the late 70’s; Patrick also worked on the Minicar prototype Research Safety Vehicle (RSV) and Large Research Safety Vehicle (LRSV) for DOT and NHTSA, transportation trams for Universal Studios, and numerous other prototype projects throughout his fabrication time.
Before retiring full time, Patrick worked for the Family Service Agency installing grab bars and building wheelchair ramps for many residents in the Santa Barbara area. He enjoyed this work, especially the conversations he would have with the people he was helping to continue their independence. Patrick had an intuitive ear and offered sage advice to all.
Patrick and Charleen enjoyed spending time with their many friends made in Santa Barbara, who became their West Coast family. They were known for their gatherings, especially their annual St. Patrick’s Day party, Wednesday night fishing at the breakwater and late nights hot tubbing with friends. The fun continued as they welcomed their children, Erika and Ken, with outings to the beach, camping trips up and down the West Coast in their Volkswagen Camper Van, and family adventures in Baja California. Patrick loved speed and instilled this love into their son; they spent many hours on their dirt bikes exploring the Santa Ynez mountains and he later helped pit for many of Ken’s motorcycle races in Western desert areas. Patrick fostered a love of the ocean and art in his daughter who cherished their time at the beach and has delighted in art throughout her life.
Once Charleen retired they headed off on spectacular trips to Alaska, Belize, Grand Caymans, and numerous National Parks. He loved being Papa to his grandkids; watching them play sports, introducing them to the original Godzilla movies, and strumming the ukulele together brought him great joy.
Patrick was never without his cowboy hat and appreciated a classic hot rod. He had a quick wit, sly sense of humor and fierce love for his family and friends. He is missed beyond measure. His family wishes to thank everyone that has called, stopped by, brought food and flowers; your love is felt.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Micky and his younger brother, Jimmy (Ali).
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Charleen and their children, Erika Coday (Brian) and Ken (Jen); his older brother, Mike and younger sister, Sally Eilts (Hank); his grandchildren that lit up his life, Kali, Wyatt, Kingston and Scarlett; and cousins, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to: Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation, PO Box 689, Santa Barbara, CA 93102 in Patrick’s name.