Raymond D. Holt

Raymond Dewey Holt, 84 of Hamilton was reunited with his wife Nancy and his grandson Michael David Duus on Sunday, December 29, 2013
- He passed away peacefully in his sleep, and went to be with his Lord. We will miss him terribly, but his is no longer suffering and finally with his wife, just as it should be. Ray was the most resilient man we have ever known. He came through many illnesses, surgeries and hardships. Even at birth weighing only 2 lbs. he beat all the odds and made it to the age of 84.
Ray was born in Hamilton on Jan. 26, 1929 to Vi Holt. Vi married Robert Holt and grandpa Bob adopted Ray at the age of 2. Ray didn't graduate from High School but he joined the Army at age 16. He served in the Korean War as a cook. He also served in the Montana Army National Guard. He gave 17 years of military service to our country.
- He met his wife Nancy while on military maneuvers in Louisiana. Nancy and Ray were married on May 6, 1955 in a small ceremony. After the wedding, Ray brought Nancy back to Montana. They had 3 children and were married 52 years before Nancy passed away from cancer 4 years ago.
- When Ray and Nancy were first married, he worked at his mom and dad's bar, The Signal, located on Main Street in Hamilton. He also cooked at the Range CafAC., was a cook on the Hot Shot Crew. He went to work at the Trapper Creek Job Corps as the head cook and instructor.
- His last job was at the Rocky Mountain Lab as an animal caretaker. Upon retirement he started a new venture building Lookout Towers, Doll Houses and many more wonderful creations. There are many people in the Bitter Root Valley who have purchased and enjoyed his Lookout Towers.
- Ray loved bowling, his church, his children and grandchildren. He loved people and people loved him. He always seemed to be happy and would talk to anyone. In his younger years, he loved to hunt and fish; however, he never liked the taste of wild meat. He said he ate too much of it as a kid.
- The family would like to thank the staff of Aspen Hospice and all the dedicated and wonderful staff and nurses of the Discovery Care Center. They gave Ray great care and love while he was there. They made his passing much easier to accept. Their care, compassion, and understanding were above board and a great comfort.
- We may not have had a lot of money growing up, but we were loved by a very caring and gentle man. We will truly miss him each and every day.
- Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Vi and Robert Holt; his wife, Nancy and his grandson, Michael Duus.
- He is survived by 4 children, Gary Bigelow of Florida, Susan White of Hamilton, Linda Kearns of Hamilton, Bob (Jamie) Holt of Hamilton; 8 grandchildren, David Kearns of Hamilton, Kelly Bigelow of Missoula, Lisa (James) Kearns Hall of Hamilton, Amy (Ben) Kearns Boeling of Nebraska, Candice Jackson of Missoula, Danielle Brison of Hamilton, Nichole (Jason) Beavers of Hamilton; 6 great grandchildren, Conner, Alexis, Cole, Nicholas, Douglas and Lewis.
Rest in Peace Dad. We love you.