Our hearts are broken as we share the sudden passing of Brooks Guyer, who was a close friend to many of us, who died unexpectedly at the age of 62. He would have turned 63 on January 7. Brooks leaves behind his wife, our dear friend Katherine, and their three incredible children, Sophia, Chloe, and Titus, a loving and closely connected family who supported one another through everything.

It is difficult to put into words how large Brooks’ presence was in our community and in the lives of those who knew him. Brooks was the kind of person who showed up fully, generously, and without hesitation. Whether he was taking Titus to the beach to surf, helping a friend with a home project, or offering advice that somehow seemed to span everything about everything, Brooks brought reassurance and care simply by being there.

Katherine and Brooks were our first friends in Ojai, among the first to reach out during the isolating months of COVID, when community felt distant and uncertain. Brooks’ kindness, curiosity, and grounding presence became constants in our lives. We were incredibly fortunate to be together this past New Year’s Eve, a moment we now hold especially close, knowing how suddenly everything changed.

What makes this loss even more profound is the family Brooks leaves behind. Katherine, Sophia, Chloe, and Titus share an extraordinary closeness. Brooks was at the heart of that bond, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be filled.

So many of us are asking how we can help. While nothing can ease the grief of losing Brooks, this fund offers a way to provide practical support and breathing room as the family navigates the year ahead. Contributions will help cover memorial and cremation expenses, housing costs, medical and grief counseling needs, necessary travel, and everyday living expenses during this deeply difficult time.

We are grateful for any support you are able to offer. Every contribution, no matter the size, is a meaningful way to show love and care for Katherine and the kids as they move through this loss.

The family will hold a small, intimate memorial service in the coming weeks and plans to gather the broader community later in the year for a celebration of Brooks’ life. Details will be shared when the time feels right.

For GoFundMe purposes:

I'm fundraising on behalf of Katherine Guyer (beneficiary), my close friend. Funds are transferred directly to Katherine for her to manage.

Contributions will help cover memorial and cremation expenses, housing costs, medical and grief counseling needs, necessary travel, and everyday living expenses.