Hector Zepeda

Hector Richard Zepeda passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026 at his home with his wife by his side, after a short battle with cancer and a longer battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Hector was born January 11, 1946 in Los Angeles to Jenaro and Herminia Zepeda.

After graduating from Lynwood High School in 1963, Hector enjoyed his Rock Star years playing guitar with his band The Beavers at the Long Beach Pike and surrounding area. He married his high school sweetheart Constance in 1964 and became a father to Michelle in 1965. He attended the California College of Mortuary Science and worked at Forest Lawn, where he was proud to organize their Easter Sunrise Services.

Hector then had a career change, and graduated from the LAPD Police Academy in August 1968. His service included patrolling the streets of Los Angeles to Training Officer at Harbor Division. During this time he was recognized as Los Angeles' Citizen of the Week after saving several children from a burning home. He then worked Administrative Vice and retired in December of 1968 as a Detective 3 from the Organized Crime Vice Division after 30 years of service. When asked, Hector always described his job as fun and he truly enjoyed his time on the force.

In 1982 Hector married his forever love Jamie. During his last years on the police department, he and Jamie traveled the North West in their RV looking for the perfect retirement location. They found Grants Pass on one such trip and immediately fell in love with this beautiful small town. In 2004, Hector and Jamie moved to their dream home on the Rogue River.

Not long after moving to Grants Pass, Hector connected with 2 other retired LAPD, Walt Smith and Mike Bushke. Together they formed the Rogue River Retirees group who still meet to this day. He led the group for many years and welcomed many retirees from LA, Northern California and beyond. Hector had a way of making strangers feel like friends within minutes. He could tell a great story and will be remembered for his wicked sense of humor.

Hector loved golfing as a member of the Grants Pass Golf Club, riding his Harley and driving his 32 Ford Hot Rod. In later years his very special friend Greg Kleemann looked after him, taking him to weekly breakfast at Elmer's, with Helen, Russ, and Chuck.

Forever a hero, forever in our hearts.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 44 years, Jamie, daughter Michelle Zepeda (John Marvin) and grandson Cody Faucher (Justin Boeser). Also loved nephews and nieces Mark Hilton (Stephanie), Margo Trujillo, Gina Sandoval (Mike) and Michael Nutt (Melissa), along with numerous great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sisters Martha Cox and Sandra Lynch, and niece Lisa Myers.