Dreaming of beautiful clouds, Ben Holsted slipped into his end of life's journey on July 13, 2015. He was born in Ranger, Texas on October 7, 1937 and came to California in 1938. He graduated from Templeton High School in 1955 where he met the love of his life, Judie Conover. They married in 1957 and shared many wonderful family times while raising their three children in Paso Robles. Ben had the opportunity to travel to many places during his life, Hawaii always being his favorite.

Ben was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church for almost 60 years where he served on many boards and committees. He was an active community leader sharing his time and energy as President of the Chamber of Commerce; Chairman of the Pioneer Day Committee and committee member for many years; Roblan of the Year (1994); President and Zone Chairman of the Lions Club; President of the Central Coast Insurance Agents Association; and President of the first Templeton Rotary. He was also a member of the Jaycees and the Paso Robles Trail Riders Association.

Ben was always one to enjoy life whether on the golf course, hunting, fishing, or camping with family and friends. He was a car lover from a very young age, and his 50 Ford 'Alice' was a prized possession.

In 1964, Ben went to work for P.D. Fowler and Giff Sobey at Paso Robles Insurance where he became a partner in 1966. Mike Ronan was added to the team in 1980. Ben continued his professional insurance career for 50 years where he was able to combine his work with his love of people. In his words, "Not many people can say they love what they do and are able to do it for as long as I was. I love people and I get a good feeling knowing I have played a part in helping others."

Ben will be missed by many including his wife of 58 years, Judie, children Todd (Vikki), Suzie Roget (Erik), Sandy McCullough (Kelley), grandchildren Corey, Kelsey, Benjamin and Sara, and great granddaughter, Macy Jane. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Sibyl Holsted, brother, Lee, and grandparents Jesse and Mabel Crews.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 17 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Attendees are encouraged to dress casually in Hawaiian or golf attire. A reception will follow at the Holsted home, 1509 Country Club Drive. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ben's name to the Paso Robles Pioneer Day Committee, P.O. Box 262, Paso Robles, CA 93447.