Bryan Christopher Suerdieck, 49, passed away in Santa Barbara on Feb. 8, 2025, after a year-long, determined battle with cancer.
Bryan was born in Mattoon, Illinois, on Aug. 1, 1975, the son of Chris and Carolyn Suerdieck. Bryan graduated from Mattoon High School in 1994.
Bryan was born with a sense of adventure and a love for the outdoors. After attending Eastern Illinois University, he went west to follow his quest.
He lived and worked in Zion National Park for a year, then went to Yosemite National Park, where he lived and worked for over a dozen years. At Yosemite he relished in the opportunities the park offered for climbing, hiking, cycling, skiing and camping.
While in Yosemite he met and married his soul mate, Tracy Clark, who also lived and worked in Yosemite. Ten years ago, they moved to Tracy’s hometown of Santa Barbara, and opened and operated a neighborhood restaurant, called Yellow Belly with a partner, Tracy’s lifelong friend.
They became part of the community, and the restaurant became a local favorite.
Bryan and Tracy were blessed on May 30, 2020, with the birth of their daughter Betty Lynn. Whenever they could get away, Bryan, Tracy and Betty packed up their VW camper and headed to the mountains or the desert.
Bryan’s greatest joy was sharing his love of the outdoors and adventure with Betty.
Bryan leaves behind his loving wife Tracy; daughter Betty Lynn, 4; father Chris; sister Beth Suerdieck Pugh; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. His mother Carolyn preceded him in death.
Bryan leaves a legacy of strength, determination and an unflagging spirit, infused with humor, concern for others and an unfailing smile. He impacted so many with his unwavering kindness toward others, adventurous spirit, and a genuine love for life.
A celebration of Bryan’s life will be held at a later date in Santa Barbara.
The staff at their restaurant created a GoFundMe page for Bryan’s family at https://www.gofundme.com/f/embracing-adventure-through-lifes-challenges.
Oh man. I am so very sorry.