Eckard Dieter Brandes passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 13, 2024, after a long battle with debilitating dementia. He was 87 years old.

Born on Christmas Eve in 1936 in Cologne, Germany, to Margarete Schütz and Arthur Brandes, Eckard’s early years were marked by the tumult of World War II.

In an effort to provide him with a safer environment, he was sent to live with his aunt in a small town away from the major cities ravaged by war. Despite the challenges of his upbringing, Eckard’s spirit remained undaunted.

Returning to Cologne, he completed his education, graduating from high school before embarking on a year of labor in the coal mines, a prerequisite for pursuing his passion for mining engineering.

Eckard’s journey led him to the University of Clausthal-Zellerfeld and the Technical University of Berlin, where he earned his degree in 1965. It was during this time that he also found love, marrying Ingrid Riebel.

Eckard’s career took him across continents, starting with a job in Saskatchewan, Canada, with a German mining construction company. Over the years, he held various positions in mining construction companies in the United States, eventually founding his own successful venture in pipeline rehabilitation.

His entrepreneurial spirit led him to Hawaii, where he and his partner thrived in business before Eckard’s well-deserved retirement in 2000.

Settling in Santa Barbara, Eckard and Ingrid realized their dream of leisurely days spent on the golf course. They became active members of La Cumbre Country Club and later Birnam Wood Golf Club, forging enduring friendships and creating cherished memories with fellow enthusiasts.

Eckard’s service on the board of directors and his organization of golf trips exemplified his dedication to fostering community and camaraderie.

In 2019, as his health declined, Eckard found solace in Casa Dorinda, a retirement community in Montecito, where he and Ingrid were warmly embraced.

Despite the challenges posed by his illness, Eckard remained surrounded by love and received exceptional care in Memory Care, cherishing moments of joy with Ingrid until the end.

Eckard is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Ingrid; his loving children Michael (Denise DelSordo) and Monika (Ted Sibert); and his adoring grandchildren Annabel, Hadley, Ella and Axel.

His legacy of resilience, adventure, and unwavering love will be forever cherished by those who knew him.

A private memorial will be held at a later date to honor Eckard’s remarkable life and enduring spirit.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memory Care and Med Center of Casa Dorinda.