George Armstrong
George Armstrong, a cherished resident of Santa Barbara, went to be with the Lord on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024, at the age of 86. Born on December 21, 1937, in Owosso, Michigan, George was the son of Floyd and Frances Armstrong. His passing on Thanksgiving was particularly meaningful, as his family and so many others remember with profound gratitude the incredible life he lived.
George met the love of his life, Barbara, while attending Woodbury University in downtown Los Angeles. During their college years, the couple enjoyed dining at iconic Los Angeles landmarks like Clifton’s Cafeteria and Miceli’s, creating memories that carried them through their 65 beautiful years of marriage. After graduating, George served two years in the U.S. Army, stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco, marking the start of a life together filled with love, adventure, and devotion to their family.
George’s professional career started with a diverse set of occupations. After early roles as a record store owner, state auditor, and bank professional with Crocker Citizens National Bank, he discovered his true passion as a real estate agent and broker. George honed his realty deal-making skills under the orange sign of MacElhenny and Levy, before eventually starting his own firms of Armstrong & Stanley and later Armstrong Parsons. His dedication and leadership led him to serve as President of the Santa Barbara Board of Realtors, making a lasting impact on his profession and community.
A man of strong faith, George was an active member of Family Baptist Church of Carpinteria and served in leadership roles at Trinity Episcopal Church the First United Methodist Church and Calvary Chapel of Santa Barbara. An avid listener to Grace Community Church sermons, George found immense blessing and encouragement in the teachings of Pastor John MacArthur. The last sermon George listened to—John’s Thanksgiving message on thankfulness through physical trials —deeply touched his heart, as John’s recent ailments mirrored George’s. (The Unfailing Promises of God https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/82-26).
George’s love of travel was deeply tied to his faith and family. He led his family on many memorable adventures, including a trip to Ireland in search of his ancestral homeland and visits to Biblical sites, which strengthened his spiritual connection to the stories and teachings of the Bible. Some of his greatest travel joys were trips back to Michigan to visit cherished relatives and enjoy pontoon boat fishing on Houghton Lake or a rousing game of Hearts.
An active sportsman, George could hold his own in a game of pick-up basketball or ultimate frisbee, delighting friends and family with his energy and competitiveness. He was also a passionate fan of the Rams, Lakers, and Dodgers, and celebrated with pride as the Dodgers rewarded their fans with a World Series Championship this year, a fitting capstone to George’s lifelong love of sports.
George’s service to his community extended beyond his professional and family life. He played a pivotal role in helping the Montecito YMCA acquire its current property, ensuring its future as a vital resource for the community. Additionally, he served on the board of WillBridge Ministry for the Homeless, demonstrating his compassion and commitment to helping those in need. He was also an organizer for Santa Barbara’s iconic Old Spanish Days celebration and a devoted member of the Christian Businessmen’s Connection (CBMC). One of his greatest joys was planning and leading CBMC’s annual prayer breakfast, a tradition he cherished for many years.
George is survived by his wife Barbara; his son Brad and wife Susan, their daughters Shannon (and her husband Ryan Rinaldo, along with their children Avonley and Ayden) and Stephanie (and her husband Jesse Sczublewski); his son Joe and wife Claudia, and their four sons Shane (and his wife Kari, along with their children Vida, Logan, and Walker), Nathan (and his wife Alyssa, along with their sons Corey and Liam), Ryan, and Jordan; and his son Craig. He is also survived by his sister Marjorie Rogers of Lansing, Michigan.
George was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Frances Armstrong, his sister Pat of Santa Barbara, and his brother Bruce of Grayling, Michigan.
Known for his humor, generosity, and devotion to others, George found fulfillment in his faith, family, and community. His life was rich with purpose, joy, and a profound love for those around him.
A celebration of George’s life will be held on January 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara. Contributions can be made in lieu of flowers to Family Baptist Church of Carpinteria at https://fbccarpinteria.org/give or to WillBridge Ministry for the Homeless at https://www.willbridgesb.org/santa-barbara-homeless-services.
George Armstrong will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, as well as a dedicated servant of faith and community. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.