Richard Guerrero Diaz, Jr.

Richard Guerrero Diaz Jr. was born on May 19, 1963. He went to be with the Lord on December 19, 2025, after a courageous and hard-fought battle following a heart attack. During the 51 days at Kaweah Delta, following his heart attack, he fought with extraordinary determination, continuing to defy the odds placed against him time after time. This was who he was and how he lived his life. A life defined by strength, resilience, and heart. Richard learned woodworking and carpentry at an early age from his father. What began as a skill soon became one of his lifelong passions and a lasting part of his legacy. For him, woodworking was never just a job - it was an art form. It was in his craftsmanship that he could dream, create, build, and share pieces of himself with others. One of the most meaningful moments of his life came on May 24, 2025, when he married the love of his life, Michelle. Their marriage was a source of joy, love, and strength especially during his final moments. It is a relationship that will be cherished forever.. His legacy also lives on through his lifelong dedication to the Woodlake High School wrestling community, where he spent over 20 years as Coach Rock. He was more than a coach-he was a mentor, volunteer, and to many, a father figure who shaped lives far beyond the mat. Above all, Richard's greatest pride and legacy was his family; especially his daughter and three grandchildren. The love Richard had for them was beyond measure; deeper than words like "happiness" or "love" could ever truly express. Lastly and most importantly, Richard loved God. Though he may not have always openly spoken about his faith; those closest to him knew it was deeply rooted within his heart. He knew he was imperfect and made mistakes throughout his life, but he also believed in the love, grace, and forgiveness of God. His relationship with the Lord was personal and deeply meaningful to him, carrying him through both the joys and hardships of his life. More than anything, Richard would want others to know the hope, mercy, and salvation found through Jesus Christ; and the unfailing love of a Heavenly Father whose grace is greater than our mistakes. Richard will be deeply missed and forever remembered. He was the devoted husband to Michelle Diaz and father figure to her son Alec Blankenship. He was a loving dad to Dominique Westrick and father-in-law to Matt Westrick. The proudest grandpa to Alexa Grace, Logan James and Luke John Richard Westrick. A strong and steadfast brother to Elizabeth Scroggs, Troy Tenhet, Jesus Diaz, Nickoli Diaz and Jane Wedel. Dedicated son to Lupe and Bruce Batch. He was preceded in death by his father Richard G. Diaz Sr. In honor of Richard's lifelong dedication to the wrestling community, donations may be made to the Woodlake High School Wrestling Scholarship in his memory, as well as to the Woodlake High School Wrestling program. You can donate to his scholarship "Coach Rock Memorial Scholarship" at: Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Richard Guerrero Diaz, Jr.

May 19, 1963 - December 19, 2025