Carl Arthur Widling, age 87, of Santa Barbara, CA, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2014, surrounded by his family. Art was born on September 26, 1926 in Chicago, IL, and was raised in Salt Lake City, UT. He moved with his family to Santa Barbara, was a graduate of Santa Barbara High School, and despite living in the Seattle area for several years, always considered it his home.
A proud World War II veteran, Art was stationed at a Naval Hospital in Norman, OK for most of the war. Following military service, he returned to Santa Barbara and married Marilyn Miller. He was the co-owner of Associated Brokers, with his longtime partner and friend, LaMott Fisher. In 1972 and 1982, he married Charlotte MacIsaac (once was not enough). They spent many happy years cruising and visiting Hawaii, a favorite destination.
Art is survived by his wife, Charlotte, four loving children, Alan Widling (Anna), Kathy MacIsaac Miller (Karl), Brian MacIsaac (Peggy) and BobMac Isaac (Cheryl). He will be lovingly remembered by his eleven grandchildren, Andy, Adam, Bethany, Katie, Stephen, Megan, Ian, Brady, Michael, Charlie and Tessa, great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Art was preceded in death by sons Mark, David, their mother, Marilyn, sisters Dorothy Mathiesen and Patricia York, and brother-in-law Jens Mathiesen.
Art lived life to its fullest, with a positive attitude and was busy planning his 90th birthday celebration. Friends and family will always remember him as the life of every party, with his great sense of humor and generous hospitality. His longevity was due to the wonderful care he received in his last years by his wife. The family would like to thank Dr. Robert Wright, the staffs of Cottage Hospital and Mission Terrace, his nieces Karen, Sueand Jan, and especially brother-in-law, Ray York and wife Joan, for their unfailing gentleness and devotion.
There will be a celebration of Art’s life on Sunday, January 19, 3:30 pm, at Welch-Ryce-Haider, 15 E. Sola Street, Santa Barbara. Please let the family know if you will attend at: cawidling@cox.net. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation or the Braille Institute of Santa Barbara.
