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David Holdzkom Obituary
Chapel Hill
David Laird Holdzkom, 68, died at his home in Chapel Hill October 5 after a short illness. David was born in Colby, Kansas, served in the U.S. Army, graduated from the University of Washington in Political Science, and served in the Peace Corp in Tunisia. After completing his M.A., David spent his life as an educator, with over 40 years of service at various educational institutions. David's career took him and his wife to locations ranging from North Africa to the Pacific North West, ultimately settling in Chapel Hill in 1985. His work included various aspects of education, program management, and performance evaluation for the NC Department of Public Instructions and the Durham and Wake County School Systems. A friend indicated that whatever he did or whatever title he held, David was always a teacher. Though he retired in 2013, he continued to mentor the Millbrook High Quiz Bowl team and traveled with them to Chicago for a national competition. He was an avid reader, often completing books before the New York Times issued a review, and frequently read favorite novels in French. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 40 years, Roslyn P. Holdzkom, and leaves son Nicholas and his wife Liz, of Silver Spring, Maryland. David leaves many friends who are invited to celebrate his life at a memorial gathering Saturday, October 11, at 3:00 PM at the Carolina Inn Chancellor's Ballroom, 211 Pittsboro St, Chapel Hill.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the SECU Family House in Chapel Hill or a literacy council in your community.
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Memories and Condolences
for David Holdzkom
Rosanne Larsen
November 7, 2014
David has deeply touched so many of our lives. I cherish memories of him in high school, making thoughtful comments, asking, questioning, probing, and helping us do the same. I believe he helped me grow as a person. His presence at our 50th HS reunion was so special. I had a few moments with him, he said he was not afraid to die but hoped he wouldn't suffer. It was a shock how fast his final path was crossed but I'm grateful for the limits to the suffering this brought. I'm so thankful he put the enormous effort into coming to the reunion as ill as he was to give us an opportunity to share precious moments with him. David was dear to me and I will always be grateful for having known him. So sorry for your loss Nick and Liz.
Robert Lynn Mitchell
November 2, 2014
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed
I go to God with peace of mind,
All sorrows, sickness left behind.
My work is done;
My rest is won;
Ton dromon teteleka! The course is run.
David, you were ahead of us in so many ways. You lit our path with wisdom and wit in our formative years. Christ's comfort be to all who loved you! His strength and a confident hope be to all whom you touched and taught.
Requiescat in pace.
Robert Lynn Mitchell
October 27, 2014
David was such an important part of the Federal Way High School Class of 1964. Nick and Liz, my deepest condolences for the loss of your precious father. He was such a smart, thoughtful, and kind person. Am so sorry for his passing, we will all miss such a gentleman. What an honor to have him emcee our 50th Class Reunion on September 20th. Rest in Peace David.
Nina Gossett
October 27, 2014
In September David took some of his precious time and traveled to our 50th high school class reunion. He gave a heartwarming, moving, and informative speech that moved me to tears. I was honored to have spent time with him. He will be missed by many but his legacy in education will remain with all of those lives his inspired through his work. My deepest sympathy to his family for your loss.
Corey Knutsen
October 27, 2014
I feel honored to have known such a fine person and was pleased to get a chance to see him again after 50 years at our HS reunion.
October 27, 2014
David's passing is way too soon. We renewed our friendship a few months ago, and I still have questions. David actually asked me questions-- about me-- and he listened to my answers-- Rare male quality. We shared a depth of thought that I will surely missed. Everything said in these pages is very very true and supports the impact he had on many lives. I will miss him. Nick, thank you for our conversation. You are much like your dad. Blessings to you and Liz. Lynn Pokela, Camano Island,Wa.
Gary Borland
October 26, 2014
David and I traveled in a different crowd back in the 60's, but I always had great respect for him. I think we were in the 11th grade when out of the clear blue sky, he told me that I should polish my life and join the debate team. I laughed at the suggestion, but he smiled saying, " there is more to life than running fast around a track." We never became close friends back in High School, but I never forgot that conversation and the consideration he expressed that day. I came across a quote while attending BYU, that reminds me of David. Josh Billings wrote that, "Life is a grindstone, and whether it grinds a man down or polishes him depends on the stuff he is made of." David was polished and made of good stuff; I am elated that he and I had a few e-mail discussions before he left this estate we call earth.
David at class of '64 reunion, 9-20-2014
Bob Boom
October 26, 2014
Last month I saw David for the first time in 50 years on September 20th at our class of 1964 Federal Way High School reunion in Washington State. Back then we all knew him as a gentle, intelligent, cultured leader who was wise beyond his years. Last month I could see that those traits had only deepened and matured, yet he retained the youthful spirit and inquiring mind that we knew five decades before. We all have benefited from knowing or working with David throughout his life. For those of you who were fortunate enough to be close to him, sincere condolences for your loss. I just feel blessed to have spent a few minutes with him once more on that beautiful Saturday evening. His memory will be an inspiration to all of us for what can be good about humanity.
Me ke aloha nui loa (with great love)
Bob Boom in Honolulu
Jerry Porter
October 26, 2014
David was kind ,wonderful intellect, smart, never put anybody down no matter what their lot in life. He was also one of our hero's that served our served country in Vietnam.
Nancy Paulson
October 26, 2014
David was a vibrant member of our high school class. What an amazing life he had, continuing to be a vibrant member of his community. I will never forget his thoughtful and poignant remarks as the emcee of our class reunion. My condolences to his family. Rest in Peace, David.
October 26, 2014
David, you added so much to this world during your short time here. My condolences go to your family. You have lost a most precious person.
Rosemary Ranes
October 26, 2014
So sorry. Glad we got to see him at the class reunion. respectfully Dean and Teri (Eller) Hinkson.
Michael Ripley
October 26, 2014
David will be missed by all. He was a good friend.
Linda Davis
October 26, 2014
David flew to Seattle for the 50th Class Reunion of Federal Way High School on September 20th. He gave generously of his time and resources to help make the event successful and was the MC for our large event. And while it was obvious he was not feeling well, he entertained us all with his quick wit and warm memories of his classmates. I'm sure I can speak for all of us who went through school with David that we appreciate the strength it took for him to be there with us and how much it was appreciated. Our thoughts are with his family and thank you for sharing him with us. He was our childhood friend and will forever be in our hearts.
Linda Jacobson
October 26, 2014
Nick and Liz, I am so sorry. I met David in 7th grade. We were debate partners in high school as well as friends. Over the years we connected off and on and were able to pick up where we left off. At our class reunion we spent time talking about the big and little stuff. I told him I had kept letters he had sent me over the years and I would find them and send to you. He liked that and I will. My
thoughts are with you as you deal with the emotions of loss.
October 22, 2014
I just heard and am so saddened. I was a colleague in Wake County. Your family is in my prayers! Jim Argent
October 17, 2014
Nick, I am sorry to hear about your Dad.
Aunt Robin
Sally Keeney
October 15, 2014
Dave and Lynn were good neighbors -- quiet and gentle people -- who always had a nod and a smile. They loved Nick dearly and enjoyed life thoroughly.
Glynn Ligon
October 15, 2014
David was a great colleage to share ideas with--serious or not. I'll miss hearing his new ideas, but will never forget the ones he left behind. Thanks, David.
Phyllis Spencer
October 14, 2014
My prayers are with you, Nick and Liz. David will be missed. He touched a lot of lives and will remain in the thoughts of many people.
Chip Sudderth
October 13, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear of David's passing. He became a mentor to me when we worked together in Wake County -- always incisive, friendly and supportive. He always cared about getting it right.
Laura Crumpler
October 12, 2014
I worked with David years ago at DPI. He was a witness for me in many a case involving challenges to various state education policies. He was brilliant, kind, passionate, and had integrity -- the qualities
I cherish in people. He was, in my eyes, a hero.
Susan Buchenberger
October 11, 2014
I was shocked and saddened to hear the knews of his passing. I walked around in a daze for a few hours as he really impacted my life. The first time I met him was at Wake Tech. at a Quiz Bowl tournament. The other teachers were there in the morning and he was coming for the afternoon. He sat beside me as I was wearing Millbrook gear. He knew the answer to all the questions in the next session. Wow! I knew maybe 4 .Then at the next event, 2 kids from another were reading a book at the registration table. He saw the book and engaged in a high academic conversation. I could see his love for students and education. He had a good judge of character and actually helped me make the decision to send my son to college based on his personal experience. He saw Stephen's potential . I so valued his opinion. Lastly, he wrote a letter congratulating my son on earning his Eagle Scout rank. It was short and so full of thought that is was shared at the ceremony, He touched my life. I'm so thankful to have known him.
Nancy Farmer
October 9, 2014
I did not know David had been ill and naturally assumed he was busy dedicating himself to some special aspect of public education. David was a challenging colleague who always pushed your thinking. He created in all of us who knew him the desire to read more, know more, and do more for the children of North Carolina. My belief is that he planted the seed for others to follow in his footsteps.
Carol George
October 8, 2014
David worked with me at Family House...a great guy, a pleasure to be with, and always fun to have around. I'll miss him!
Daniel Turner
October 8, 2014
A colleague and I had recently discussed asking David to come and offer his expertise and insights into the planning stages of new projects at AAGC-Duke University. I am saddened to learn of his untimely death; David was a witty gentleman and I can hear his laugh now. He will be missed by many. It was a delight to work with David in Wake County Schools.
Teresa Cronin
October 8, 2014
So shocked to hear about David. He was such a kind, generous man. Before I went to Paris last year he spent many hours talking to me about his experiences living there. He also loaned me many books so I would be more knowledgeable when I went.
He was the only person that could talk about data that actually made me laugh and understand it!
Nick, so sorry for your loss. You have had a rough year. My thoughts are with you and your wife.
Rhonda Carlyle
October 8, 2014
My deepest sympathy goes to the family of David. I had the opportunity to work with him at the Department of Public Instruction for many years. He was truly a great man! So sorry for your loss.
Connie Shay
October 8, 2014
My sympathy to David's family and friends. David was an inspiration, a friend, an advocate, and a true leader in WCPSS. He supported the role of the testing coordinators with accuracy, humor, and encouragement. It was a pleasure to know and work with him; he will be missed.
Sally Reynolds
October 8, 2014
David always explained data and testing so well. He delivered the information with his unique sense of humor that made dry material much more entertaining. I will miss him very much!
Donna Hargens
October 8, 2014
It was an honor to work with and know David. He was brilliant. My thoughts and prayers are with all impacted by this great loss.
Donna Hargens
Michael Evans
October 7, 2014
Teresa and I are so sorry to hear this news. Our prayers are with Nicolas and Liz. Nick, he spoke of you often and always with so much love and pride.
David was a dear friend, with a quick wit and a sharp mind. The consummate teacher, he made complex evaluation and statistical concepts easy to understand and for me, easy to communicate. Most importantly, he was a man of great integrity.
He was greatly respected and will be greatly missed.
Dawn Castonguay
October 7, 2014
David will be truly missed. He was an inspiration to those of us in education. May he rest in peace by the side of his loving wife!
October 7, 2014
We are very sorry to learn of David's passing but grateful for his service to our nation with the Peace Corps in Tunisia.
-The National Peace Corps Association
Kim Cooper
October 7, 2014
I was surprised to hear of David's illness and his quick passing. He will be missed by many. His contributions to education of our children cannot be measured. He was one of the most intelligent people I have ever met. I know he is happy to be with his wife.
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