Robert Held

Robert Held After a courageous battle of almost 15 years, Robert C. Held succumbed to Parkinson's Desease on August 21, 2012 in Indianapolis, IN. He was born on July 11, 1937 in Gary, IN. At five, Robert moved with his parents, Lowell and Leota (Gentry) Held and his older brother, John to Crown Point, IN where he grew up. A leader throughout his early years, Robert was Student Body President at Crown Point High School. His proudest achievement was becoming an Eagle Scout. He lettered in 5 sports, excelling at a hurdler in track. He carried that skill to Indiana University with achievement all four years until graduation. While at IU he was a member Acacia Fraternity. Upon graduation Robert moved to Los Angeles where he became a probation officer, serving youth at the Hondo Reception Center. Later, he was drafted into the US Army. Because of high test scores in the area of intelligence, Robert was promoted and trained at the US Army Intelligence School, becoming a military intelligence specialist. While there, he attained the highest academic standing of any member of his class and became Special Agent, US Army Counterintelligence. He was then assigned to Albany, NY where he began investigations activity. His skills honed during that assignment brought him to the attention of the Central Intelligence Agency. After several assignments, he was promoted to Domestic Relations Chief in Indianapolis. After some years in that assignment he found that good interview skills could be transferred into sales endeavors. He joined the Standard Company in Carmel, IN. There, his creativity, energy, and professionalism lead to his appointment as Vice President of Marketing. He worked there for 26 years. Shortly after his arrival in Indianapolis he met Patricia Ann Grannan and they were married in 1967. They had celebrated 32 years of marriage by the time of her death in 1999. During her lifetime Patricia was diagnosed with breast cancer. Robert retired early from Standard in order to spend more time with Patricia. He was her deeply committed caregiver throughout the rest of her life. He also became an active volunteer with the American Cancer Society. After Patricia's health improved, Robert partnered with longtime colleague Jack Keck and formed Keck-Held Associates. They were manufacturers and consultants to the bearing industry. During these highly productive career years, he helped found Rotation Products Corp. Robert's lifelong friend from Crown Point, Dr. Henry Bock, became the Medical Director of the Hanna Medical Center at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He recruited Robert and another colleague, Bruce Cross, to help him modernize the center and improve its overall performance. They worked together for about 15 years. While Robert could juggle many activities well, those that became most important to him involved philanthropy and mentoring budding entrepreneurs. Following orthopedic surgery, Robert went to the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana. Impressed with their efforts and results, he became a supporter. RHI dedicated an area of the hospital as the Robert C. Held Pain Center. Two years following Patricia's passing Robert was confirmed in the Catholic church, a decision involving great joy and commitment. He reconnected with old friend Rosalie Ferguson and they were married in 2005. During this period Robert became involved in the arts, attending and helping to support the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis. The Helds sponsored the IVCI Silver Medal for the 2006 and 2010 competition. Survivors include his wife, Rosalie, step-daughter Kimberlie (Clint) Ebey, an niece, and two nephews. Mass of Christian burial will be 1:00 Saturday, August 25, 2012 at Christ the King Catholic Church with calling starting at 10:00 am to service time. Entombment will be in Our lady of Peace Cemetery. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan