In Memory

Rick Holt

Rick Holt

Rick Holt was born on April 6, 1944.  He attended Tweedy Elementary School, South Gate Junior High, and graduated with our summer class.  Rick grew up on Batavia in South Gate with several of our classmates and he and his family loved to spend time at the Kern River.  Patty Rahn Wolsleger (W’62) was the girl next door and growing up she was like a second sister to him. In 1963 when Patty married her husband, Earl, Rick was in their wedding party. 

During junior high, Rick played bass when the Teen Rockers began with Walter Andrade (S'62), Barry VanFosson (W’62), and Bill Hughes (S’63).  In 1959, the group was chosen a winner on the Betty Yeakel show, “Rocket to Stardom,” broadcast on TV.  The Teen Rockers played at our high school dances, the Cinnamon Cinder, and beyond.  In 1960, they made a record on ELDO Records, “Scat Cat” and “Rattlesnake.”  Pictures of Rick and the Teen Rockers are in our Photo Shoebox here on our website.

In our senior year, a School Bowling League was started made up of students with a volunteer teacher on each team.  Rick was part of that league and discovered our high school teachers had a life beyond the halls of our classrooms.

Rick graduated from college and worked for Boeing for thirty years. He and his first wife, Susan, had three children, Shane, Shelbi, and Shyen.  In 1972, Rick and his family became neighbors again with Patty (Rahn) and her husband Earl in Mira Loma.  Patty and Earl experienced first-hand the kind and giving friend Rick was when their van broke down and he loaned them his truck for three months!    

In 1992, Rick married his wife, Sandy, and they had 26 wonderful years together, adding two step-children, Doug Fillius and Cindy Titus to Rick’s family. Sandy saw his sweet, caring nature and that he would do anything for anyone.  To quote her, “He was the Best!”

After retiring from Boeing, Rick worked for H & R Block and then eventually had his own tax consulting business, conducting it out of their Bellflower home.  His clients loved him, brought their families to him as well, and he served them with the same caring nature that followed him throughout his life. 

The last few years for Rick were tough.  He fought a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, survived it after surgery, then developed diabetes, was on dialysis for a time, and eventually had renal failure.  He passed away on July 7, 2018 and is dearly missed by his wife, Sandy, his children, grandchildren and dear friends.  May you rest in peace dear classmate, Rick. 



 
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05/17/19 02:03 PM #1    

Judy Hanson (Dillard)

These memories seem to be appearing a lot the last few years. Gues it's time to admit" age" is catching up to us. Although it's been almost a year since Rick passed my heartfelt prayers go out to the family. Everyone please let those you Love know they are Loved.


05/17/19 02:48 PM #2    

Bonnie Benson (Concialdi)

I can remember Rick both in high school and junior high!  He was always such a nice, quiet guy!  I enjoyed talking with Rick's wife Sandy and other classmates to learn a little more about Rick's life after high school.  The same message kept coming through of what a great guy he was and would do anything for you!!!  My heart goes out to Sandy and the family as I'm sure he is dearly missed!!! So fun to see the pictures of the Teen Rockers and Rick right there from the beginning!  Very special times!!!  


05/18/19 10:55 AM #3    

Robert Shaffer

Rick,

Your road ended way too soon.  I still remember playing baseball in front of your house.


05/19/19 02:41 PM #4    

Richard Beard

I remember Rick, with the Teen Rockers, great group. Drummer Barry Van Fossan's father George and 

my half brother, Bud Ferguson , were my manager and coach when I was playing Pee Wee baseball.

Barry, later in life, worked for his father company George Van Fossan Electric when he suffered an aneurysm and died, sad.


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