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Sean Holton Obituary
Holton, who worked as a reporter and editor at the Orlando Sentinel from 1987 to 2007, wrote a blog about his disease, its treatment and his outlook on life that spoke eloquently to those who also suffered from the disease. Oncologists at M.D. Anderson, where Holton went for treatment and surgeries, referred other patients to his blog called "Same Time Tomorrow."
"Thousands of people were following him," said Ann Hellmuth, a Sentinel colleague who first met Holton when they both worked for the Kansas City Star in the mid-1980s. "He was always such an original thinker, even as a young reporter."
Holton served as Washington correspondent, Associate Managing Editor and projects editor at the Sentinel, overseeing many stories that won national awards.
Holton approached his death much as he lived his life — with intelligence, curiosity, hard work, a writer's eye for death, and humor.
"He really did live life to the fullest," said his brother Brian Holton, 53, of Philadelphia. "I think he went out without any regrets."
Holton is survived by two brothers, two sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Check back for updates.
-- Jeff Kunerth
Memories and Condolences
for Sean Holton
30 Entries
Jennifer Lamb
February 26, 2017
This just breaks my heart. I had no idea. I have thought of Sean over the years, and at one point saw he was editor of the Orlando Sentinel. I thought he must be enjoying a wonderful life. For some reason tonight I became bold and looked him up again. Total shock and sorrow.
gordon whittaker
January 24, 2013
I spent 3 months with Sean and 15 others cycling across the states in 1997. I was the only foreigner on the trip and Sean was so welcoming to me. Sadly i lost contact over the years with him and I only learnt the sad news yesterday. Sean was such good company and he was full of humour and spirit.I was so moved to read all his blogs yesterday and that same spirit and humour shines through.What a tough time he had with his illness.My very late condolences from across the pond to his family and friends.
Suzanne Sherwood-Otte
June 7, 2012
My message of condolence comes late, as I recently learned of Sean's passing. I met Sean in 1997 on the Cycle America tour and had the pleasure of getting to know him there. One of my best memories of Sean was his journaling of the trip. He was a joy to know and I only wish I had been able to spend more time with him after the ride. I'm sending my deepest sympathies to his family. Sean will continue to inspire me to live my life to the fullest. I will continue to keep him in my heart and prayers.
John Monahan
December 9, 2011
Ellen, Brian, Kathleen, and Tim --
It hardly seems possible that Sean has gone, and please accept my sincere condolences for your loss and my fervent hope that Sean's memory continues to inspire you (and provide more than a fair share of laughs).
I am glad Annie will be joining you all tomorrow for the memorial serivce in Orlando. While it had been far too long a time since I had last seen Sean (and a much longer time since his stint here in DC in the 1990s), reading his blog reminded me of his clear thinking, incisive wit and sharp humor. I don't know about you, but when I read his blog posts, I could hear in my head his distinctive voice narrating the words -- feeling grateful that I was having one more chance to hear him tell another great story.
HIs postings also reminded that one of the characteristics I most admired about Sean was that he always seemed completely comfortable in his own skin. This is a too-rare quality, and it seems that he tackled his cancer with the same grounded sense of self-assurance he always displayed. What an example for the rest of us.
In terms of memories, one of favorites from Sean's time in DC was watching Chiefs games on TV. Whenever things would appear dire for the Chiefs, Sean would insist that everyone watching the game cease all conversation, food, and drink -- and engage in what he called TCF (Total Chiefs Focus) that would seek to channel positive energy to the Chiefs through the TV to wherever they were playing. His good spirits were sufficiently infectious that he could prod at least one cranky Bears fan into rooting for the Chiefs.
Please know your family remains in our thoughts and prayers.
John Monahan
Joyce Jenkins-Rathbun
December 9, 2011
My heart goes out to your siblings. May all the prayers being sent,help them through the holiday season. Rest in Peace-Sean.
becky hall
December 4, 2011
Sean and I were classmates from K thru 12 and my fondest memories of him are from our childhood. During four of those years, we were fortunate to be in a block class comprised of the same 10 boys and 20 girls and that allowed us to form special bonds. Sean had that incredible wit and humor about him then and he was one of the class clowns. In 7th grade we held mock presidential elections and I was so proud to be Sean's campaign mgr. While the outcome is fuzzy, I believe we were edged out by the opponent, whose mom brought his spider monkey to visit that day. Sean was a joy to grow up with. He was nice and funny and smart as a child and it is evident that he continued to touch so many, many lives as an adult. RIP my childhood friend
Tom Scott
December 4, 2011
I am sad today, I lost my grade school friend. We played kickball together. He was too young to go. Sean had a great out look on life, regardless of what life dealt him. I want to spend the rest of my life to live it more like Sean.
Janet McGovern
December 3, 2011
Very fond memories of Doc and his entire Irish clan. Memories of parties at their house on Westport Road and at Lake Jacomo, memories of parties on Forest down the street from Rockhust University, "structural damage" parties at my house, parties at David's house. Laughter and more laughter!!! Dancing to the English Beat... Sean and I spoke about how he'd end up holed up in a cave near Bartle Boys Scout Camp writing an American epic. His life was inspiring enough. I miss you Sean. My love and prayers I extend to your entire family. I wiss you all peace.
Tina Dadisman
December 1, 2011
Helping Sean through this difficult time was a true gift for those of us who worked with him on this journey. The wonderful love and support from his sentinel family was so appreciated by Sean. He was so strengthened by all of you. He expressed to me how he wasn't afraid to die, but he was going to miss this. May you all be blessed with wonderful memories during this difficult time.
Bob Levenson
December 1, 2011
The world has lost a truly amazing person. For all of us who had the privilege of knowing him and having his light illuminate us, we are so much the better for it. Sean, I'll never forget our series on tourist crimes or our good times around Little Lake Jenny. You were, and will always be, the best.
Michael Bales
December 1, 2011
Sean's blog illuminates for us all how to face death. It also shows the depth of his character and talents as a writer and thinker, which were on display every day of his journalism career. Thank you Sean.
Ayme Smith
December 1, 2011
Grace in the face of a very cruel disease. Sean faced his life and his death with courage and humor and on his own terms. I miss my good neighbor.
Jim Leusner
November 30, 2011
Sean was the most talented journalist I ever met. Gifted writer, great reporter, incredible data analyst, creative editor, brilliant out-of-the-box thinker. He pushed everyone to do their best, often beyond their own capabilities. And he had such a quick wit. He was a good friend and we will miss him.
Patrick McKay
November 30, 2011
It was our great pleasure to meet Sean and be a part of his life over the past five months. We were all truly inspired by his positive attitude and zest for life. Everyone here at @Home Healthcare will always remember you for what you gave back to us.
Pat & Becky Bultemeier
November 30, 2011
We will always remember your wit, charm and optimism....even in the face of death.
Holtons...our thoughts and love are with you.
Kelly Alston Fent
November 29, 2011
Whenever I start to miss Sean, all I have to do is close my eyes and I can hear his voice, his laugh, and see that smile. He'll never truly leave my life. But I'd give the world for another hug. With much love to his family - Kathleen, Tim, Brian, Ellen, and their families. You were blessed by having Sean as a brother, and he by you as siblings. A more close, caring family I've never known.
Mary Munster
November 29, 2011
You were truly an inspiration Sean. Rest in Peace.
Jane Smith
November 29, 2011
I met Sean through his "Same Time Tomorrow" blog. He and I had brain surgeries the same month -- July 2009. He taught me how to savor each day. When my MRIs came back clean and his didn't, I organized a group to fold 1,000 origami cranes for him, hoping to pass my good health forward. It worked for a while, and I was glad to be able to do something for him.
Mary Ann Horne
November 29, 2011
There was simply nobody like Sean. Whatever the situation, he was always there -- rolling up his sleeves and making the most of the moment. His inspiration will live on.
Josephine Newton-Lund
November 29, 2011
Sean, growing up two houses down from you and your family on Westport Road was a wonderful and magical time for me. I will forever cherish those memories and the special times shared with your family after I married Richard. The world has lost a wonderful and gifted man. You will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
MaryLiz Ayella
November 29, 2011
We will miss you, Sean. Your blog was an amazing gift to all who followed it.
Love,
Jeff Propst
November 29, 2011
Sean was a great Kansas City guy. Those of us who grew up with him admired his intellect, his humor and writing skill. He was a unique wonderful guy. The world is a sadder place today.
John Kennedy
November 29, 2011
Sean was a truly great guy, an amazing newsman, and a joy to be around. I'll miss him. He touched so many people with his talents and his spirit. Sean will be long remembered.
Elizabeth Maupin
November 29, 2011
Sean was an admired colleague, a friend and, eventually, a role model for all of us who worked with him and many more who didn't. He made all of us better.
martha miller johnson
November 29, 2011
I only orbited around Sean in the Orlando Sentinel for a short time, but so admired his mind. We've a lost a great guy.
Kathryn Quigley
November 29, 2011
Prayers and hugs to his family, friends and scritches on the head to his dogs.
ann hellmuth
November 29, 2011
A true original. A man of giant talents, wit and strength, which he shared with others until his last breath.
claudine hellmuth
November 29, 2011
I am so grateful to have known you Sean. Much love. xoxox
Alicia Caldwell
November 29, 2011
When I left the Orlando Sentinel in 2005, I got a note from Sean thanking me for my time at the paper and calling me a class act. I thought it then, but am certain of it now: Sean was the class act. He showed that in how he lived and faced the unthinkable in his last two years.
Godspeed, Sean.
November 29, 2011
Sean, you will be missed and thought of often. Rest in peace. We both are so glad to have had a chance to know you.
Kris and Don Hey
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