Friday, July 02, 2010

Sad News


Bob Ponce, who for many years had worked as a staff photographer for the Santa Barbara News-Press, died in his sleep on Wednesday June 24th. This info comes via the Facebook page of Noozhawk's Bill Macfadyen.

Ponce, who Macfadyen describes as, "the greatest news photographer Santa Barbara has ever known," had struggled with health issues in recent years. In February 2007, diabetes related complications resulted in his right leg being amputated just below the knee.

For many years he had been a regular presence at the Vices & Spices coffee shop on upper State Street. He was also an avid fan of UCLA USC athletics. Ponce left the News-Press in 1999.

If I receive information about arrangements or services I will pass it on.

Updated July 5. There will be a memorial service for Bob at 11 a.m. Sunday, July 18, at the Veterans Memorial Building.