Obituary of Rex Cracknell

92, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on April 6, 2013 in Santa Barbara. Rex was born on July 28, 1920 in Birmingham England. Rex lived an adventurous life as a young man, which included an ocean journey around the world, working as a cook on a freighter in his late teens. Rex later served in the British Royal Air Force and was stationed in North Africa and Italy during WWII. He then pursued an education as a Civil Engineer and immigrated into the United States in 1953 with his wife Ingrid, and two young children. Rex worked for several large construction firms in the US as a construction superintendent and was involved in several large projects including a major shopping mall in El Paso, Texas. Rex finally settled in Santa Barbara in 1965 and worked as the lead construction engineer for the city of Santa Barbara. He was forced to retire after a major stroke at age 50, but then pursued a remarkably successful career in investment real estate in Santa Barbara. Rex is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ingrid and 3 children, Terry Cracknell of Norfolk, VA, John Cracknell of Beaumont, TX, and Linda Walters of Santa Barbara, CA; along with 4 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. Rex loved his family and loved working outdoors in his yard up to his final day. His family will hold a private gathering to celebrate the wonderful life and accomplishments of Rex Cracknell.