William Henry Holt, 91 years old, joined his family in Heaven on May 27, 2015; surrounded by his loving family. Born February 26, 1924 in Paradise Valley, NV, Bill was the second oldest of Ralph Trousdale Holt and Gertrude Mary Fritchen Holt’s ten children. A fourth generation Nevadan, he was delivered by his father and grandmother, Fannie Trousdale Holt in a small house that no longer stands near the Fireman’s Park.
Bill attended school in Paradise Valley, Winnemucca, and Golconda, NV. He started working as a youth at the local ranches, including the 96 Ranch with his father and uncles. He registered for the draft at the age of 19 but was rejected due to the loss of his thumb in an accident that occurred as a youth. He continued working various jobs for the county and the local mines.
In 1960, Bill started his career with the Western Pacific Railroad, a job that gave him the opportunity to travel various parts of the United States. He remained with the railroad until his retirement in 1983 at which time he became a consultant for the railroad, continuing to work until finally fully retiring at the age of 70. Bill was also a proud Mason for 50 years.
At the age of 47, Bill took up the game of golf and soon became an avid golfer. He often traveled for love of the game and was most often the first person on the golf course in Winnemucca. Bill was a hunter, fisherman and an excellent horseman. He enjoyed all aspects of the great outdoors.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ralph (Harry), Richard (Dick), Leonard, Lloyd (Rusty), Warren (Ray), Walter, Tim and sister Mildred Holt Lovelace.
He is survived by his brother Max (Bud) and Delia Holt of Sparks, NV; along with numerous nieces and nephews who were all special to him as well as extended family and friends.
Bill was devoted to his family and friends. He was a beloved mentor to many. He will be missed by all of us.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at the Fireman’s Park in Paradise Valley, NV on July 11, 2015 starting at 11:00 a.m. In honor of Bill’s love for the area, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Paradise Valley New Building Fund, P.O. Box 137, Paradise Valley, NV 89426.
