Edward Holden

Edward H. Holden 1943-2012 BENNINGTON Edward H. Holden, 68, a well-known resident of West Road, Bennington, Vt., passed away after a brief illness Saturday, January 14, 2012 surrounded by his family. He was born in Bennington, Vt., April 26, 1943. He was the son of the late Robert T. and Ruth (Eddington) Holden. Ed graduated from Bennington Catholic High School in 1961. In 1966 he graduated from the University of Vermont with a B.S. in Agriculture and Economics. On August 21, 1965, Ed married the former Gale MacKenzie at Saint Patrick's Catholic Church in Williamstown, Mass. The couple was blessed with three children, Betsy, Robert and Melissa. For many years Ed owned and operated Fairdale Farms on the West Road in Bennington. Following the sale of the farm Ed became President of the E.H. Holden Corporation. He served as Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Bennington, was Past President of BCIC, was a member and past President of the Bennington Rotary Club and the Vermont Dairy Industry among many other civic and professional affiliations. His greatest interest was his grandchildren and his family. Ed also enjoyed playing golf, farming and flying. Ed is survived by his wife, Gale M. Holden and his children, Betsy Riedman and her husband David of Victor, N.Y., Robert T. Holden of Bennington and Melissa H. Morrison and her husband Kevin of Shaftsbury; seven grandchildren, Caroline, Alec and Michael Riedman, Isabelle and Lucy Holden and Holden and Henry Morrison. He is also survived by his brother, Rev. James Holden of Bennington and a sister Nancy Guare and her husband Howard of Wilmington, Delaware as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. FUNERAL NOTICE: The funeral will be held from the Mahar and Son Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. with a family prayer followed by a funeral mass at Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church at 11 a.m. where the Mass of Resurrection will be offered. The burial will take place in the family lot in Park Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the Mahar and Son Funeral Home on Monday, January 16, 2012 from 3 to 7 p.m. when the family will be in attendance. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Edward H. Holden may be made to the Southwestern VT Regional Cancer Center or a charity of one's choice. Contributions can be made through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St., Bennington, VT 05201. Guest Book condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net