Edhat Reader
Karim Kaderali, husband, father, son, brother, friend and colleague, tragically and unexpectedly passed away in Costa Rica from bacterial meningitis on Aug. 5, 2024 at the age of 49.
Much of our community knew Karim by his smile and magnetic spirit, which was bright and full of kindness. He filled any room he entered with love and laughter, thanks to his contagious humor and soft, easy way of connecting with everybody.
He made a point to make everyone’s day better, and this intention carried through in all of his relationships — most importantly as a father to his two dynamic children.
Karim could often be found running near the ocean, sitting on a patio with friends and cocktails listening to reggae music, watching a 49er game, or hanging out with his kids whom he loved so much.
Karim grew up in Marin County and attended Saint Ignatius College Preparatory before studying at UC Santa Barbara.
After graduating from UCSB, in 1999 he started Santa Barbara Axxess, a discount membership program that helped market small businesses to local communities. Under his leadership, the company grew from a two-person startup to supporting more than 1,500 participating merchants with 75,000 members and dozens of employees.
Known as “The Axxess Guy,” Karim was a champion for small businesses and the community and instituted a philanthropic channel through Axxess that raised nearly $4 million for Santa Barbara schools and nonprofits.
He truly loved the Santa Barbara community.
Karim is also known for his efforts to help his family’s company Mommy’s Bliss become a household name with products sold in Target, Walmart, Amazon, and retailers worldwide. He continued on as a close advisor and mentor to his sister who took the reins as CEO.
During the pandemic, Karim fell in love with Costa Rica and relocated his family there.
In 2023, Axxess was acquired by Twism, allowing Karim the opportunity to continue living in Costa Rica. He became an avid surfer, learned Spanish, and embodied “pura vida” — a peaceful, simple lifestyle with a deep appreciation of nature, family and friends.
He frequently said he was the happiest he had ever been.
Karim is survived by his wife Monica; their children Devin and Sierra; his brother Amyn; sister Yasmin; parents Roshan and Shiraz; and countless friends who are his extended family.
This one really stings. RIP Karim, you did a lot of good for the community. Condolences to your family.
Such truly awful news. He is a local legend and a great guy. He died way too young.
Unreal. Read this last week and couldn’t believe it. Too young.
This is so sad! I remember meeting Karim the first year he started Axxess and I went in to buy a card. Every time I saw him subsequently he was friendly and upbeat. He was a wonderful person who gave so much back to the community.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends.