I'm so sad to hear about the passing of this wonderful guy! I met him a few times to exchange and talk about ebikes - once at Channel Islands Harbor where (with Damian) we exchanged ebikes we had, shot some YouTube videos, and laughed a bunch. What a great, full-of-life guy! I really enjoyed getting to know Omar in the brief time I knew him. I send my prayers and condolences to his family, friends and the YouTube creator community. We all lost a great person. RIP my friend!
0
Omar had a great heart and beautiful spirit .
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Omar was the kindest, most welcoming person you could meet. I felt like I had a friend the first day I met him back in 2013. He was so open, genuine, curious and friendly. I also really think he lived life for the main things- having genuine and deep relationships with his family and friends. I know he loved his wife and kids so much. What a guy and I’m so lucky to have gotten to spend time with him. I hurt for his family- a guy like Omar is so special, and I cannot imagine that loss. I’m praying for you as you grieve and remember.
2
I remember Omar from the early days of Impact. He was full of warmth and humor, always thoughtful, and someone people loved being around. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
2
I didn't know Omar as well as many of the other SB folk, but he was one of the very first people in the Santa Barbara office to make me and my family feel at home when we arrived here in January. He was free with his great knowledge and advice on e-bikes and he even took my kids for a ride. Chatting to him at office lunches he also greatly influenced our first summer holiday in the US convincing us we would love a Mexico holiday and helping us put together our trip. He was just one of those truly warm and friendly people, even my kids just felt instantly at ease with him, chatting an laughing with him, feeling comfortable to take a ride with him on his bike. We as a family are saddened by the news of his passing.
3
This loss is so difficult to process. Even though I never met Omar in person, our connection through work developed into friendship. He was always smiling, calm, and so easy to talk to. Omar’s kindness and spirit will never be forgotten. My sincere condolences to the family.
1
2014, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
3
Boy, this is tough. I have so many thoughts about him in my head right now. Omar was such a calm force in this world. He will be so missed by so many. His smile and his laugh were unique to him - they were warm and inviting. He lived his life to the fullest. He was so easy to talk to. He contributing so much to this world - he left it a better place. I miss you Omar. You were one of the good guys.
4
Even though I never met Omar in person, he always had a smile and a positive attitude in every situation. I learned alot from him over the short few years that I knew him. He will be missed and will never be forgotten.
3
Omar made every visit to Santa Barbara feel like coming home. He had such warmth and generosity and a spirit that lifted everyone around him. His kindness, humor, and strength—especially throughout his battle with cancer—left a lasting mark on me.
After his first battle, I still remember how happy I was to see him in the courtyard.
My heart is with his family and with everyone here who had the privilege of knowing him—especially our colleagues at Impact, who have been fortunate to know him since the early days.
3
I probably have more pictures of Omar in my phone and computer than anyone else I'm close to, including my own family members. But then again Omar WAS family to me- he was more of a brother than a friend. Omar and Vern were the first true friends I made while working at Impact. We started within months of each other and our connection was instant. Omar was a genuinely kind and soulful person who really understood that friends, family and shared experiences were lifes greatest gifts. One of the things I loved the most about him was his ability to always be present and appreciate the events, big and small, that marked the passing of time. He never missed an opportunity to snap a photo, whether it was a group photo of all of us together, or if I wasnt with him, with a selfie that he would quickly send to me on WhatsApp. I feel so honored and lucky to have been a trusted friend that he would send goofy selfies to and I'll forever miss that.
When we would work on content for Top5ebikes I was constantly editing and stitching together videos of us on bikes to the point of obsession, always aiming and hoping for max engagement. Max likes, max follows. But the ones that I personally loved the most were the ones of Omar riding with his kids in the infant/kids bike seats. I never saw Omar happier than on an ebike with his kids. I'm fortunate to have so many memories of him and so many snapshots of these perfect moments to look back on and share with Emi and Lucia. My condolences to los Garcias y los Avendanos. I am forever thankful that I got to know and love your son.
9
I never had the privilege of meeting Omar in person — the one time I visited SB, he couldn’t make it.
Still, I had the pleasure of working with him virtually, and he was always collaborative, quick to offer help, and genuinely humble. We even bonded over our shared love of tacos and data analysis (he proudly called himself a “Taco Subject Matter Expert”).
I hope you can find comfort and peace in this time of sorrow, and that the memories you hold of Omar will continue to lift you up and bring you strength. "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18
3
Omar was one of my favorite people to talk to at work. We would have great conversations, and I always felt at ease with him. I feel the same way about his beautiful wife, Cristina, immediately comfortable, like talking to an old friend. The word I think of most when I think about Omar is "grounded." He was a safe, calm presence. He is incredibly missed, but his energy will always remain with me. Thinking of you Cristina, Lucia, Emilia, and all of Omar's family. And especially thinking of Omar, and that I was one of the lucky people to cross paths with him in this lifetime.
3
2019, Courthouse, State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
3
To know Omar was to love him. Always smiling, laughing, loving life. I know he loved his wife and family more than anything and I am deeply sorry for your loss. While the light in the sky is just a little dimmer, I am sending you all love, light, and the hopes that the memories bring you endless joy.
1
Damian's house
Probably one of my most favorite photos with Omar. Just goofing around and somehow Arnoe captured the moment perfectly. one of the things I admired about Omar, and there are many, is the way he remembered and appreciated these types of moments. Sure, we weren't in some exotic location, or some exclusive spot, but you knew he loved exactly where he was when he was around his friends. I am forever honored to be amongst those he considered his friends, knowing that I've come out a better person for it. My condolences to the Avendaño and Garcia families ❤️
— with
Mark Hreha,
Vern Rodriguez,
Omar Avendaño,
Damian Juarez-Mrazek
and Fedor Kostritsa
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