Obituary of Carlos Soto

Died on June 1, 2014 of natural causes, at his home in Santa Barbara. Carlos was born on March 15, 1953 in New York City to Juan and Maria Soto. In the early 60?s, at the age of ten, he and the family moved west where he found his home in California. He enjoyed the wide open spaces and discovered his love of cycling and the freedom to roam. This would follow him throughout his life. He attended San Luis Obispo High School and after graduation enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He later found his way to Santa Barbara where he thrived and became immersed in the culture and community. He joined cycling clubs, competed, trained, mentored aspiring cyclists and made lifelong friends who were his extended family. His natural talents were developed further when he discovered photography and taught himself the many aspects of this diverse skill. He enjoyed taking pictures for friends, events, and later developed a graphic art business launched from his home. This while also traveling to cycle and photograph on his trips through Europe. He had an easy charm and warmth not to mention soulful eyes and people were drawn to him. There were always new friends to add to his family. In time he also met his life partner. Together they gave life to a beautiful baby boy they called Sean Carlos. In his infancy Sean experienced bike rides with Carlos who had loved Sean since before he was born. Happiness was short lived as Sean was tragically taken from them, a victim of SIDS at only three months of age. It was a devastating loss leaving them each broken hearted to this day. In recent years he lived alone but was not lonely. He embraced solitude in a special way and expressed the fact that he enjoyed his own company. Over the years he had cultivated a network of friends whose love and friendship sustained him. He found peace and lived tranquilly among the hills and valleys of Santa Barbara close to the ocean in this place he has loved. He was taken so suddenly as sometimes happens with heart attack. He is survived by his mom Maria and Sister Minnie. He was preceded in death by his father Juan, his sister Sylvia and his baby boy Sean. A memorial service will take place in the coming weeks and we will gather to celebrate a life well lived. Arrangements by McDermott-Crockett Mortuary