HAMPDEN – Richard Irvin Holt, 83, passed away peacefully Feb. 18, 2012, at a Bangor health care facility. Richard was born Nov. 15, 1928, in Clinton, to the late Irvin and Ora (Lewis) Holt.
Richard grew up and attended schools in Clinton and graduated 10th in the class of 1947 at Clinton High School. He then served in the U.S. Army with the 175th Military Police Battalion during the Korean War. He worked for 35 years at New England Telephone, retiring in 1987. Richard was known for being handy, building his own home and keeping a perfectly manicured lawn. He was an active member of several fraternal organizations, including Mystic Lodge No. 65 AF & AM, Hampden; Maine Consistory 32 degree Mason, Valley of Portland; Anah Shrine; Bangor-Brewer and Waldo County Shrine clubs; and a life member of Sunshine Club for Children. Richard and Norine spent many great times with the Shriners, including two great trips to Branson, Mo., to see wonderful shows. He was a 52-year resident of Hampden and the past commander of Whitcomb-Baker Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4633, Hampden. He loved spending Saturday nights at Hampden Snowmobile Club’s baked bean suppers, talking with longtime friends. Richard will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Norine E. Holt of Hampden; children, Steven R. Holt and wife, Carol, of Scarborough, Peter D. Holt of Westbrook and Susan N. Butler and husband, Michael, of Sunapee, N.H.; one special granddaughter, Michelle Holt of Scarborough; sisters, Faye LaBrecque of Waterville and Lucille Simpson and husband, Joe, of Winslow; brothers, Omar Holt of Canaan, Gerald Holt and wife, Glennys, of Albion and Tim Holt and wife, Alana, of West Gardiner; brothers-in-law, Gerald McKay of Brewer and David McKay of East Holden; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Richard was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Gerald LaBrecque. The family expresses their gratitude to Westgate Manor for their excellent and compassionate care given to Richard as they helped him pass away in a comfortable and dignified manner.
In keeping with Richard’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. A graveside service will be announced in the spring to be held at Lakeview Cemetery, Hampden. Memorial contributions in Richard’s honor may be made to Westgate Manor, Activities Fund, 750 Union St., Bangor, ME 04401; Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 U.S. Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074 or Shriners Hospital for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. Arrangements entrusted to Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through
www.hampdengilpatrick.com.
A golden heart stopped
beating, hard working hands put to rest; God broke
our hearts to prove to us,
he only takes the best.