Roark Shannon Kelleher

June 27, 1962 - June 29, 2014

Roark Kelleher was a man larger than life. A gentle giant of more than six feet, he was known for his fast smile, quick wit, love of animals, and quiet, gentle ways. He loved life and lived it to the fullest , in a particularly athletic way. He enjoyed inline skating, snorkeling, skateboarding, windsurfing, snowboarding, skiing, all kinds of fishing, and mountain, dirt, and street bike riding.

He was baptized at Arcade Wesleyan Methodist Church of Sacramento, attended Garfield Elementary and San Juan Unified High schools, and majored in art at American River College. He was a Cub Scout and, in his early teens, was a bass player in a four member band. His first job was as a line chef at a Citrus Heights Black Angus restaurant, but he soon moved on into his life's job in retail sales, spending nearly 30 years with Costco.

He went on disability in June, 2013 and never recovered his health, passing away at Mercy San Juan hospital in Carmichael on June 29, 2014, in the arms of his life mate, Ejae Brown. His good friend, Dean Nylander was at his bedside.

Roark was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald D. Kelleher and Georgia Mae Bakken-Kelleher, both of Minnesota. In addition to his life mate, Ejae Brown, and his friend and executor, Dean Nylander, both of Sacramento, he is survived by his sisters, Ranelle Kelleher-Simala of Florida and Kyle Kelleher-Pells of Sacramento.

Roark's memorial service will take place at 11:00 am on Sunday, July 20th at Mount Vernon Memorial Park.

Roark's unusual first name was chosen by his mother when, as a young girl, she read "The Wake of the Red Witch," by Garland Roark, and determined then to name a future son after the author.

"Life might not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here, we might as well dance." - Anon.

Roark Kelleher did just that.