Edhat Reader
David Barton Carr, 69, of Santa Barbara went to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 17, 2023.
Raised in Guilford, Connecticut, David grew up as an avid outdoorsman. He earned Boy Scouting’s top honors, Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow, under the instruction of his Scoutmaster/father Richard S. Carr, Jr. David always found beauty, magic, and wonder in the natural world. He especially loved the time of day he called Magic Hour, when life momentarily slows down following a sunset and a sheet of color is pulled over the sky revealing the stars.
David received a B.A. in History from Gettysburg College and attended Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston. After completing a climbing school in the Sierras, he stayed in the West and became an excellent carpenter, making Santa Barbara his home. There he fell in love with and married Espie (Gaitan) Carr. Together they raised a blended family of four children.
David’s faith in Jesus Christ was integral to his life. Despite a life of adversity in developing Multiple Sclerosis in his early thirties, he always found ways to help others. He could be an intimidating figure when standing up for what he thought was right, but he always sought to understand and respect others. Even in his weakness, he was strong. Even so, he would consistently find ways to break tense moments with his well timed humor and wit. David felt that he had been graced with more than he deserved and, as a result, had an unusual amount of grace for those around him.
David is survived by his wife Espie; daughters Christina, Nikki, and Sophia; son and daughter-in-law Dylan and Stacy Carr; and four grandchildren – Tarek, Lexi, Phoenix, and Declan. David was a tender man, a loving husband, a wonderful father and grandpa. He loved his family well and will be deeply missed.
A Viewing will be held at 6:30pm on Thursday, December, 28th.
Veronica Springs Church
949 Veronica Springs Rd
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
A graveside service will be held on Friday, December 29th at 1:15pm. Reception details TBA.
Santa Barbara Cemetery
901 Channel Dr
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
