Obituary: Holt, Gerald Dan
Gerald attended all 12 years in Fairfield, graduating in 1948, before attending Washington State College, (B.S.
Geography), and later attained a 5th year teaching certificate from Whitworth College.
Invited to join the wrestling team as a walk on while at WSC, Gerald excelled, wrestling at 117 pounds, and was crowned Pacific Coast Championship at that weight in 1952.
Gerald and Sally Ann Dyer were wed February 14, 1954, shortly before his induction into the U.S. Army where he served two years; first in Ft. Benning GA, and later in Ft. Huachuca AZ.
At Ft. Huachuca Gerald and Sally were blessed with the first of four sons, Michael Lloyd (3/12/56) followed by Kevin Lee (5/5/58), Christopher Gerald (8/17/61) and Randall Scott (2/20/65).
During this time, Gerald worked with his father Dan on the family farming operation and as manager of the Fairfield Grain Growers seed plant.
In 1967, Gerald and Sally launched the family on the adventure of a lifetime, accepting teaching positions at the Big Bend School, a two room 1st -8th grade school in Kirby Montana counting three sons among their 20 or so students.
After a year, Sally “retired” as an educator, but Gerald continued, first at Squirrel Creek school in nearby Decker MT, and later as the family returned closer to the family farm, at Saltese School in Saltese MT, and Worley ID School District before ending his career in Nespelem WA School District.
After he retired as an educator, Gerald assumed the family farming operation from his father, and actively participated with sons Randy and Chris well past his 80th birthday until health concerns limited him.
Even then, he could be counted on to jump into the car to visit the fields spring, summer or fall to make sure everything was being timely planted, sprayed, harvested or plowed, depending on the season.
Gerald was a member of Fairfield Service Club, Fairfield Historical Society, Worley Grange #348, Fairfield Presbyterian Church and a lifelong member of the Democratic Party, serving as precinct committee person and later as a state delegate to the Idaho Democratic convention.
He was Fairfield Cub Scout Pack master, and assistant Boy Scout master with Troop #462, Freeman.
Valentine’s Day would have marked Jerry and Sally’s 60th anniversary.
He is survived at home by Sally and beloved puppy Curley, sons Kevin (Kennewick, WA), Chris (Ritzville WA) and Randy (Worley ID), granddaughter Angelique Holt (Matt Lindquist) and great-granddaughter Hermina Anastasia Holt, (all of Moscow ID).
Gerald is also survived by his brother, Lyle Holt, (Connell WA ), sister Judith Halverson (Port Angeles WA), nieces Leanne Wilson, Carolyn Whitver, Carmi Lyon and nephew Dan Holt.
Gerald was preceded in death by his son Michael (1978) and nephew Lindsey Halverson (2011).
A memorial will be held on Saturday February 1, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church, 106 McNeil, Fairfield WA.
Lunch will follow.
The family suggests memorials be directed to the Fairfield Historical Society, Box 334, Fairfield, WA 99012.