Jeffrey Avriell Gorrell

Jeffrey A. Gorrell, 72, of Santa Barbara, California, passed away suddenly on August 29, 2026, leaving behind a life filled with love, family, friendship, and countless wonderful memories.

Jeff was born on August 27, 1954, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, to Arthur and Helen Gorrell. He earned his degree in architecture from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and eventually made Santa Barbara his home.

Jeff devoted 48 years to his career as an architect, leaving his mark on the community he loved. He served for eight years on the Santa Barbara Architectural Board of Review, including four years as chairman. His projects included Gelson's, Ralphs on Carrillo, 1298 Coast Village Road, and numerous private homes throughout the area. His passion for Santa Barbara architecture reflected his creativity, dedication, and deep appreciation for history and the beauty of the world around him.

Santa Barbara was also where Jeff met Lisa Iverson RHD, the love of his life. Together, they shared forty-one wonderful years of marriage and built a life filled with love, laughter, family, friendship, and countless treasured memories.

Jeff was known for his wonderful sense of humor, kindness, and generosity. He enjoyed a good wine tasting, camping, windsurfing, traveling, and spending time with the people he loved. Jeff and Lisa were very social and loved entertaining, hosting Halloween, and Fiesta parties—and really any gathering that gave them an excuse to bring friends and family together.

Although Jeff worked hard throughout his career, he always enjoyed getting away when he could. He and Lisa shared many wonderful adventures, traveling throughout Europe and Sri Lanka, exploring much of the West Coast, and making several trips to the East Coast.

Before leaving us, Jeff had completed the remodeling of his home and yard and was beginning to settle into the joys of retirement. He developed a new love for golf and even managed to have witnesses to his second hole in one. When he wasn't on the golf course, he enjoyed traveling, relaxing, and simply enjoying the life he had worked so hard to build.

Jeff leaves behind his beloved wife, Lisa; his daughters, Tiana of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and Sterling of Santa Barbara; his brother, Robert of Placitas, New Mexico; his sister, Anne of Edmond, Oklahoma; and many cherished friends and family members who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

Jeff will be forever remembered and deeply missed.

A celebration of Jeff's life will be announced at a later date.