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Steven Carter Obituary
Passed away peacefully at his home in Santa Barbara on December 7, 2015. He was the loving husband of Peggy Carter, devoted father of Katie Cota (Justin) of Lompoc and Patrick Carter (Rachel) of San Francisco, stepfather of Todd Brais of Santa Rosa, adored grandfather of Cassie, Jack and Clara Cota, brother of Jan Carter (Oliver) of Berkeley and Dave Carter (Barbara) of Escondido, and son of Jean Carter of West Covina. He was predeceased by his first wife, Suzan Carter and his father Jack Carter.
Steve was born December 15, 1950 in Little Rock, Arkansas and grew up in West Covina, California. He graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Architecture and moved to Santa Barbara to begin his career. He spent the last 26 years as a partner at DesignArc where he was Project Architect on the Santa Barbara Bowl for 20 years. Other projects included UCSB Manzanita Village. He was project manager for the Entrada project on lower State Street at the time of his death.
Beyond Steve's passion for Architecture, he loved taking back road trips. He was also an avid surfer as a young man, and he always loved good company and good food. One of his greatest joys was the time spent with his family and grandchildren.
A private family celebration of his life will be held in accordance with Steve's wishes.
Donations in Steve's honor can be made online to The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research (lustgarten.org)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steven Carter
Gordon Brewer
December 6, 2020
Can't believe it's been five years since Steve left us. I think of him every time I jog by Design Arc or his house in Samarkand. Besides being the first co-worker to welcome me to lunch, I remember the housewarming basket he and Susan left on the porch when we bought our Santa Barbara home. A great friend and talented architect, he is missed dearly.
Diane Brighton
December 6, 2019
You are so missed, such a wonderful gentle soul. I pray for you often.
December 21, 2015
So sad to learn of Steve's passing. He was a good friend and the first coworker to welcome me to share lunch when I arrived in Santa Barbara 30 plus years ago. I remember his wry sense of humor, his impeccable gold Datsun, his hand drawing ability, and his fondness for my organic wheat berries at a dinner. The world is a sadder place. My deepest condolences to all Steve's family and friends.
Gordon Brewer, Santa Barbara
December 17, 2015
I feel so very blessed to have known Steve. What a radiant man who always had a warm smile and a glint in his eye. All my love to Steve's family and Peggy his loving wife.
dottie milici
December 16, 2015
Dearest Peggy, my heart and prayers go out to you, it has been a joy knowing you and Steve. I pray you you love, peace and joy, love, dottie
Bob Cunningham
December 15, 2015
I am so very sorry to learn of Steve's passing. I don't recall ever seeing Steve without a smile on his face. A truly nice man. My sincere condolences to his family and all who loved him.
Diane Brighton
December 15, 2015
What a wonderful man. Such a huge loss for all family and friends.
Cindy Jeske LeFever
December 14, 2015
Bill and I are very saddened to hear this news . We all have great memories of being neighbors on Herring St, and attending school with Steve. He was a very kind quite friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family .
December 14, 2015
Dear katie and Patrick,
I am very sorry to learn of the passing of your dad. I remember his kindness and soft-spoken ways when you two were at Marymount. A true gentleman - may he rest in peace.
Sheila Wiley
December 12, 2015
Katie and Justin- Here's knowing we are thinking of you and your extended family at this time of loss!
Alison Leslie and Les
Alexia Leslie Fisher and Family
Cameron Leslie and Family
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