Richard Lee Held

Richard Lee Held, 77, of Rocklin, California, passed away January 29, 2023 after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Oakland, California, to Leon and Pearl Held on March 22, 1945. He grew up in San Jose, California with his two brothers. He attended Lincoln High School (Class of 1963), where he developed lifelong friendships.

On July 17, 1965, he married the love of his life, Roberta Wallace and they would quickly start their family and soon be blessed with the births of their three children; Kim, Debbie and Scott. Their marriage was nothing short of idyllic. This past July they celebrated their 57^th wedding anniversary. 

He was a lifelong entrepreneur with a passion for building businesses, real estate investment and development.  Among his many accomplishments was the construction of an all-ages mobile home park in Modesto, California, which has a street that bears his surname. He was the principal and founder of Held Insurance Agency of Los Gatos, California, from 1996 to 2013. The agency routinely ranked nationally in the top 1% of captive agencies for sales in life and financial service products. 

His love of sales and business ventures was rivaled by his love of sports. For most of his life, he was an avid golfer and racquet ball player. In recent years, he became passionate about Pickle Ball and would make an effort to play multiple times every week. Exercise always played a huge role in his life. He was a lifelong regular at local gyms and continued weight lifting throughout his 14 year battle with cancer.

Throughout his life he always made an effort to give back. He founded a sports celebrity golf tournament to raise money for High School Sports as well as serving on several boards for the American Cancer Society and Local Rotary Clubs. 

He was a devoted father and grandfather who created a nickname for everyone. His grandchildren were instilled with having a strong work ethic and always keeping a positive attitude. Even in his last few days, his drive and determination were evident as he never complained and continued to fight his cancer. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Roberta; children, Kim Cook of El Dorado Hills, California, Debbie Shepard of Loomis, California, and Scott Held of Solana Beach, California; grandchildren: Lindsey, Brittney, and Cailin Cook, Taylor, Logan and Hayden Shepard, Ford, Tavielle and Tylee Held.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life, which will be held at Bayside Adventure on February 25th at 11 am.