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Robert Heeley Obituary
1970-2014
The local Santa Barbara Surfing Community is reeling from the loss of beloved Artist and Waterman Robert Heeley. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Robert's family arrived in Goleta when he was in middle childhood, and very early on, two things became blatantly obvious: 1) He was a gifted Artist, and 2) He loved The Ocean.
As Robert grew up, his surfing skills and athletic prowess in general developed rapidly. When he wasn't in the water surfing, Robert's time and energy were spent drawing scenes inspired by print magazine cartoonists found in magazines he loved to read in his youth such as Heavy Metal. Soon Robert discovered for himself surf art, and from there the momentum gathered. It was in high school when his Art teacher recognized his special talent, and Robert received an award placing him in the top 5% of aspiring young artists.
Robert later studied Art formally at Santa Barbara City College, gaining both historical appreciation for his craft and also practical studio training. By the time Robert was in his late 20's he was blowing up on fire. He had his own graphics company, and was designing and printing for the top Surf brands on Earth such as Hang Ten and Lightning Bolt. Robert's ascent perhaps culminated with his being the Featured Artist at Hawaii's Anniversary Triple-Crown of Surfing. Robert had made it to the top!
A few years later Robert settled into the Gaviota Coast, sailing the Channel Islands, fishing, trapping lobster, and painting scenes he found most inspirational. His work continued to grow in popularity and locally his greatest fame would be that of being the Artist behind the Rincon Pit Crew line of t-shirts and other products. Robert also took great pride in being the artist for the charitable nonprofit Rincon Invitational (Sharing the Stoke) event.
Not only a great artist, Robert was a great surfer, a true waterman. A traditional Hawaiian-style memorial paddle-out will be held for Robert this Sunday at Rincon Cove at 9:30 am. For more information, please visit www.SantaBarbaraSurfer.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Heeley
Sponsored by Victoria Ruggiero-Diaz, loving mother.
Victoria Ruggiero
February 1, 2024
Rob, Missing you everyday. Love you sweetheart with all my heart and soul. You are a part of me . I Will be with you again someday in a better place! Mom (Victoria Ruggiero
Dennis aka DenRA
February 1, 2024
Aloha Blessings Robert! Remembering the spirit and legacy of a gifted Artist/Surfer and friend ...Love and blessings
Dennis Proffitt aka DenRA
February 1, 2021
Remembering Robert and his legacy of Art and Surfing. Robert is a one in a million soul who is loved and honored by all of us who knew Robert. His legacy and art will live on forever Blessings brother
Victoria Faith Ruggiero
February 1, 2021
I miss you every day my sweet boy. You would have turned the big 50 on 12/16/20! It would have been an amazing event! Love you forever, until we are together again in heaven. Love Mom
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Victoria Ruggiero-Diaz
March 5, 2014
I will always miss you my sweet boy, for the rest of my life...until we can be together again.??
February 20, 2014
i remember working with Rob at the 'DC' for The Territory Ahead in Goleta...super nice guy, very likable and so talented. I'm so sorry for your loss...
February 10, 2014
Robert was a very gifted and special person to many many people. He will be missed greatly by myself and everyone that knew him. He had the ability and selflessness to share his wonderful work and pictures and words of daily wisdom with many people..R.I.P. Robert...
Darci Leigh Owens
February 10, 2014
Forever grateful for the inspiration you gave to me. May you rest in peace sweet man. Never will I forget you?
malisa Neal
February 9, 2014
Today we celebrated Roberts life , friendship and love . At Rincon his home away from home. So loved and missed.
Robert I love you and miss you. May your next journey be filled with light love and bliss . Until we meet again, you are always in my heart forever loved and never forgotten .
Valerie Ritchie
February 9, 2014
We are so sorry you are gone. May God Bless and hold you safe. Love, Val and Bill Ritchie
Jim Tourville
February 8, 2014
Sorry to hear this and so young and talented. I went to Dos Pueblos with Rob and met him later in life but still spent hours enjoying his one of a kind art and even managed to catch a few waves with Rob. Aloha brother and see you again for a surf in the after life.
Eunice Hawke
February 4, 2014
To the family of Robert Heeley, I didn't know him personally, but I love his art!!!
May God comfort each and everyone of you especially his father who I do know!!
God Bless!
Aloha Rob!
Dimitrious Nichols
February 3, 2014
Rob was like a brother to me in the brief time I had to share and enjoy his spirit and company. Forever inspired by his passion and life vision and blessed by his encouragement and kind words. RH made poetry with his brush and found the words buried in mother ocean like jewels of sea glass or abalone outlined in mystic surf breaks so perfect they were heavenly. Our surf art connection was is forever cherished and I look forward to honoring you in my prayers daily. Mahalos and Alohas. I see you in my minds eye surfing endless waves of bliss~
Lori Tuller
February 3, 2014
Vicki~
I have great memories of living with you and Rob all those years ago. He was a happy-Go-Lucky guy, always a smile on his face and so full of life. My heart hurts for you. I know the bond you and he shared. He will be missed. Love you my friend.
@Ave Azul De La Osa in CR
Rosalinda
January 31, 2014
Robert, I must say your Artistic juices definitely flow in Costa Rica! You've been Blessed not only with the Gift to Create Beautiful Paintings, but also with the ability to write Moving Poetry! AMAZING! You are at Home in Costa Rica! You are Balanced, in Harmony and at Peace. Perhaps the snake was your animal Spirit Guide last night in the jungle. The snake represents explorations of the Mysteries of Life, psychic energy, and Connection to or forms the Magic Cord which the Shaman travels to the Soul World. I look forward to your postings. Vaya con Dios my Friend.
Robert ~ Thank you Friend. I feel at Home here more than any other place in the World. I feel Balanced. I'm just now after being here for weeks getting back into the rhythm of what is so Beautiful to me here... I enjoy the many Journeys in the World. Something happens to me here that is, well... I feel like I truly belong.... I loved living on the ranch, Hollister Ranch. I found the same Harmony away from the freeways. The closer to nature the closer to the Source... Thank you for your kind words and it's nice to hear that my Inspiration has touched at least one other... Gracias, you have a Wonderful Day... Sincerely RH
Vicki, Pain and suffering have come into your life and my heart aches for you. But remember pain, sorrow, suffering are but the Kiss of Jesus ~ a Sign that you have come so close to HIM that HE can Kiss you.
January 31, 2014
Vicki and Carlos, so sorry for your loss. No words can express sympathy. Prayers for you as you go through this difficult time. So glad to have recently reconnected through FB cousin. Wish this hadn't happened. But am glad I know and can be supportive. Your son's art is wonderful! What talent. His art is his legacy and will live longer than any of us. Love.
Randy Lockhart
January 31, 2014
Rip it up my friend!
Nora Perez
January 31, 2014
Will forever miss you.. My condolences to the family
Ken Compton
January 30, 2014
So RH had that amazing gift of photo realistic art that i appreciated, we shared our mutual concerns about Fukushima and my diet is better due to his advice. He was scheduled to couch tour here in OB and surf Sunset Cliffs as my guest in two weeks time and it is very difficult to accept his loss.
January 30, 2014
Robert I remember when you were just a little kid running around with my little brother in Isla Vista and to see you turn out the way you did makes me proud to have known you and to watch how you progressed into a fine Artist that the world will miss immensely. One love Brother, I.V. locs forever.
January 30, 2014
The world will not be the same without your beautiful contributions through your art. My prayers are with you and your family during this time. May you find peace. Sincerely,
Kit Holmlund
Monica
January 30, 2014
Robert and I went to high school, and shared the same art classes. I remember him as always inspired, light hearted and passionate about what he did. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. Sending condolences to his family and loved ones near and far.
patrick mcdowell
January 30, 2014
Robert, we have known each other through Santa Barbara for over 20 years. We surfed together, and you tried not to laugh as I launched off a wave. Your artwork will always hang proudly in our home, now in Texas....... See you paddling into the endless set someday.....adios Bro
Earth Harmonics by Robert Heeley
Dennis aka DenRA Proffitt
January 30, 2014
Dennis aka DenRA Proffitt
January 30, 2014
I met Robert in 2001 in Santa Barbara,Ca. at the SB Clean Water Surf Classic that i helped with Kevin Rivera. I met Robert's Mother also there and she was a very lovely nice lady. Robert did 2 logos for me and I will never forget him and send my condolences,Love and Blessings to Robert and the family of a very talented man,artist,surfer and lover of nature.
Andrea Pratt
January 30, 2014
We did not know Robert personally, but our family was lucky enough to recently receive two of his beautiful paintings as very special gifts from his great friend and supporter, Kim Church Brooks. Because of this we were introduced to Robert's work and his art became a much loved and treasured part of our family home, and it always will be. To Roberts family...I am so very sorry for your tragic loss, please know that Robert's spirit has touched many hearts and will continue forever, as his paintings will be passed down for generations to come, in many homes and families around the world.
Colette
January 30, 2014
Rob, I am so saddened by the news of your death. I had known you since 7th grade. I will always remember your smile & laugh and some of the great conversations we had. Your art was a gift to this world that will live on past all of our lifetimes. I hope you have found peace on the other side and that it is all you thought and hoped it would be. The world is a lot less colorful without you here. Rest in peace, my friend.
The Ranch
Rim Stanley
January 30, 2014
Thanks for the memories of watching you do your creations. Truely a gifted artist. Much love mi amigo.
Lilly Ruggiero Mikol
January 30, 2014
I wish I'd have had the pleasure of knowing Robert. My thoughts and prayers go out to Vicki and The whole family at this very difficult time. May God bless you. Love you
Rinconcovedweller
Rincon Pit crew
January 30, 2014
Robert I love you and always will, you have done so much for me, I well keep living the dream for you. Rincon pit crew well live forever...RPC
Bryan
January 30, 2014
I was an admirer of Rob's for many years through his art and fortunately had the pleasure of getting to know him a few years ago. Although we were not close, he was always welcoming, humble and interested. Even in our short time together I got the feeling he would have taken the shirt off his back and given it to me if I needed it - and had he been wearing one. Perhaps the sandals off his feet would be a better way to put it. Anyway, very sad but his legacy will live on through the hundreds and hundreds of incredible images and memories he captured. Talented, genuine and passionate. RIP my friend.
Vicki Ruggiero-Diaz
January 29, 2014
My only child, I love you and will miss you every day until we meet again, you left this earth too soon. Honey, you were just getting started with such a wonderful life. I'll miss you smile and teasing. I'll miss your bear hugs....growlly bear!
Diane Sawyer
January 29, 2014
What a beautiful soul and spirit that manifested itself in your gorgeous paintings. Will be praying for your family, especially your mom and all the lives you have touched a you shared your paintings with us. Rest in peace...Aloha...
January 29, 2014
Robert will forever live through his paintings and his friendships all over the world. He touched so many lives! Such an inspiration to us all. He also inspired the children. I am sharing my 8 year old daughters tribute to Robert as she captures his profile picture. May peace be with us all as we reflect on his life.
Gina Rodarte and kids
Josie & Bob Duke
January 29, 2014
Our deepest sympathy... Praying for encouragement. May the Lord hold you close
Kim Church Brooks
January 29, 2014
You were loved by many and touched our hearts with your beautiful art work and positive outlook on life. I will hold you in my heart, always! I know you are riding perfect waves and painting us awesome sunrises and sunsets. I'm so grateful to call you my friend and to be able to look at my beautiful paintings that are all around my home...Mahalo and Aloha...until we meet again my friend!
John & Judy Parker
January 29, 2014
We are very sorry for your loss.
Les Falls
January 29, 2014
Robert, in so many respects you are not so far away. So many things will let us know you are near as you have left the trail for us to follow. Mahalo Kid! Pura Vida Mae! Thanks for your friendship. Your friend, Les, Pavones, Costa Rica
January 29, 2014
Vicki, Carlos, Glenna & All. Johnny & I would love to be there with you to support you all, but we are sending our love and prayers to you knowing God is with you all at this time. LOVE WORKS. Johnny & Sue
Ray Kepper
January 29, 2014
I am at such a loss of a great friend! I will miss him always!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you!
C Street Ventura CA.
Christy Davis
January 29, 2014
There's a man I knew. He was talented, kind, good looking, special and he was loved by many all across the world. I knew him. He's the type of guy that people wanted to be around, because he has integrity, character and there's a tenderness in him. He really shined and knowing him made you feel special. You can't fake that. He is a man that really shines. A man that we will never be able to tell again how much we cared for him and how special or have him nearby. Thank you Robert for your friendship, kindness and for the beautiful paintings. Thank you for touching so many lives and for being you. He will be missed and will always hold a special place in my heart. His paintings are on my wall and every time I look at them I will think of Robert. XOXO
Terri and Bob Gehrke
January 29, 2014
We am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dawn Skinner
January 29, 2014
Robby I will miss you!!!! You were so very loved!!! Give Grandma DELVIA, Grandpa, and Jessie and Ricky a hug for me please!!! I will see you again!!!!! I will miss your morning posts and those beautiful artwork...
Tina Lewis (Ice)
January 29, 2014
My heartfelt prayers with family and loved ones in this time of deepest loss and sorrow! God's love and peace surround you!
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