Each birthday is a blessing, and more so if you are a centenarian. Last month, John Seagoe celebrated his 100th birthday with a special celebration from Welcome Home Military Heroes where he received a proclamation from Mayor Paula Perotte acknowledging the milestone.

Welcome Home Military Heroes helped John’s family organize the event in honor of his 100th birthday. Family, friends, and community members were all in attendance and surprised John with a “Veteran Vehicle Salute”.

John Seagoe was born on April 9, 1923, and is the grandson of Stephen and Agnes Rutherford, whose family is deep rooted in Goleta’s history.

Being a man of “The Greatest Generation,” John enlisted in the Navy to serve during the Second World War where he developed a life-long love of airplanes. After the war, John met and married the love of his life, Ruth, a student at Teachers College in Santa Barbara. John and Ruth settled into a quiet life in Santa Barbara where they raised four children in the home John designed and built in the Hope Ranch Annex area.

In 1970, John invested in a small startup company with his two son-in-laws that became known as Big Brand Tire Company. After retirement, John devoted time as a teacher, Sunday School Superintendent and lay minister. He has always loved the outdoors, including fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and walking around the Maravilla grounds.

John’s legacy includes four children, seven grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 4.5 great-great-grandchildren who call him “Botzy”.

The City of Goleta wishes John Seagoe a very Happy 100th Birthday and wishes him health and joy on this special occasion.