Luis Martinez Castillo

Luis Martinez Castillo was born on April 8th, 1948 in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. He was the only son of four siblings. Luis grew up very quickly and at a young age he started working to support his mother and sisters. Luis later migrated to the United States in search for a better life and decided to settle in Santa Barbara. Soon after he married his wife Teresa Vazquez in 1975. A couple years later Luis and Teresa welcomed their only son Luis Alonso to the world.

Luis worked over 20 years at Santa Barbara City College. He began as a grounds keeper and was later promoted to maintenance. He loved his job fixing anything and everything at the college and SBCC was his last employer before he retired.

Luis really enjoyed do-it-yourself projects at home and always had a new project he was working on. He liked fixing things and in many ways he would put his own personal touch to the repair. His home and mobile home have many remnants of his fabrications and repairs.

Luis also had a love for BBQ. On any special celebration he was quick to buy plenty of meats and BBQ for the occasion. He even built his own grills that are used to this day by close family members. He was known for his “famous” chicken among his friends and family.

Although Santa Barbara was Luis’ residence, he also enjoyed visiting his old home, Mexico. Whether it was going back to his old home town in Jalisco or going on a vacation, Mexico was his favorite destination and it felt like a second home to him. He also visited his family frequently in Tijuana.

Luis was very opinionated and outspoken, but he had a tremendous heart. He was always lending a hand to help his friends and family in a time of need. He also loved spending time with his wife, son and grand daughter. He often made time to be with close friends as well.

Luis left this world December 14th at home near friends and family. He joins his mother Bertha and his sisters Trinidad, Carmen and Lucila in paradise.

Luis is survived by his wife Teresa, his son Luis Alonso and his granddaughter Kaitlin Rose.

Rosary will new held Jan. 2nd at 7:00pm at the Welch-Ryce-Haider chapel in Santa Barbara.
Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church Jan. 3rd at 10:00am.
Reception is at Parish Hall (behind Our Lady of Sorrows Church) immediately after mass from 11:00am-2pm.