Marvin Agather Bauer: June 28, 1940 – February 19, 2025

Marvin Agather Bauer, known to friends as “Marv” and family as “Tink,” was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Legend has it that his mother, Agatha, once remarked that she couldn’t improve on perfection, and thus he became an only child. Raised in Chicago, Marv went on to become an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin and the University of Chicago Law School. 

Marv’s journey to California began in 1962 when he was accepted into the California Attorney General’s office, where he worked for four years. In 1966, he moved to Santa Barbara, where he eventually founded his own law firm, specializing in medical and hospital malpractice. Over a successful 40-year career, Marv earned a reputation as a skilled and compassionate attorney. He was a proud Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and received numerous accolades, including the “Justice Award” from the Kiwanis of Santa Barbara for his work with the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) Teen Court. 

Outside the courtroom, Marv had a passion for global travel, music, art, and, most of all, family. He raised two children, Laura and Andrew, with his first wife, Bette. In his second marriage to Gray, the family grew to include Tad, Eric, and Dana. Marv’s love for his family was evident in countless celebrations – whether marking a holiday, the birth of a child, or a special anniversary. 

Alongside Gray, Marv traveled to over 128 countries, most of them by motorcycle. Together, they circled the globe, always clad in leather jackets and Levi’s, seeking their next adventure. From climbing the world’s tallest mountain peaks to swimming in the waters off Antarctica, his sense of adventure was truly boundless. 

After retiring, Marv combined two of his greatest passions by guest lecturing on law around the world, sharing his knowledge and experiences with the next generation.

When home, Marv could often be found enjoying time with friends at local restaurants, hosting elaborate dinner parties, swimming and golfing at the club, or heading out to enjoy live music.

Music was another of Marv’s great loves. He cherished everything from blues that made you dance to classical pieces that helped him relax. His joy was contagious, and he could always be found with a large smile on his face, especially when dancing to his favorite tunes. Recently, during a live ukulele jam with his daughter, Laura, Marv heard the Bob Marley song “Three Little Birds” and commented, “I want this to be the theme of my life: ‘Don’t worry ‘bout a thing, because every little thing is going to be alright.’” 

Marv’s adventurous soul, warm smile, wry sense of humor, and deep love for his family will be dearly missed. He is survived by his children, Laura, Andrew, Tad, Eric, and Dana; his grandchildren, Alexander, Tyler, Madison, Isabella, Kyra, Mikaela, TK, Bodie, and Harper; and his great-grandchildren, Harper and Emerson. 

Marv’s life was a testament to living fully – whether as a father, a skilled attorney, or an adventurer with an insatiable curiosity and appreciation for life. He leaves behind a legacy of love, joy, and the kind of spirit that makes the world a brighter place.