Ronald Joseph Liechti

Ronald J. Liechti, 59, of Goleta, CA, formerly of the Chicago area, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2023 after battling cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Danae Michele and their daughter Kaila Rae, and by his son, Lincoln Trevor (Madeline) and predeceased by daughter, Shaina Joy from a previous marriage. He is cherished by his parents: mother, Dolores Kral Schark (Richard-deceased) and father, Stewart Ramsey Liechti (Susan). His siblings deeply mourn his loss: Stephen Liechti, Beth Anne Johnson (Stephen), Frederick Liechti (Christine), Nancy McDonal (Kurt), his bonus brother and sister, Mark Schark (Kathy) and Karen Eberhardt (Kevin). He is beloved by his in-laws, Anna Campbell (John-deceased), and sister-in-law, Heather Campbell-Unterman (Bernard). Ron graduated from Northern Illinois University, earned a CPA, and worked in accounting in Chicago. In 1992, he married his first wife and they relocated to CA. Sadly, they lost their daughter Shaina, but rejoiced in the birth of son Lincoln. A man of Midwest values-honest, strong work ethic, dependable, and responsive-he was an accountant with Hollister Co. then spent most of his career with the City of Santa Barbara, first in Finance and rising to Fire Business Manager for Santa Barbara Fire Department until his retirement in 2022. In 2004, he and Danae married. Soon after they welcomed Kaila Rae. They enjoyed hiking, parades, hot springs, the beach, dancing, sunsets, and shooting stars. Ron loved to play disc golf. Proud of his public-school education he sought to pay it forward in 2020 when he ran for Trustee of District #2, Santa Barbara City College but lost to the incumbent. Ron's love of music sustained him throughout his life. Schooled as a drummer (percussion), he played the Cajón with many bands in the Santa Barbara area as recently as April 2023. Through men's support circles and the brotherhood of firefighters, he formed lifelong connections. Always the 'fun" guy, family, friends, firemen, and fellow musicians will miss him dearly. In the spirit of Ron's generous nature, if you wish, donate to a cause of your choice or to VNA Health Foundation-Serenity House, Santa Barbara, CA or Hospice of Santa Barbara, CA. A celebration of Ron's life will be held in September in Santa Barbara, CA.