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Milton Crawford Holt, known affectionately as "Chief," passed away November 3, 2010, from natural causes. Born February 21, 1928, in Okemah, OK, to James and Flora Holt, his family moved to Santa Rosa in 1931. Like many of The Greatest Generation, Milt served both his country and his community. He served in the Army during World War II and returned to California to marry his sweetheart Valerie Gonzales on March 27, 1954. Once his military career concluded, Milt followed his father into the dry cleaning business, first in Garberville and then Cloverdale. Milt's community service began in 1959 as a volunteer firefighter in Cloverdale and in 1968 he became the city's first paid Fire Chief. He eventually gave up dry cleaning for full-time fire fighting and remained as Chief until he retired in 1990. Fire Engine 6580, which was put into service in 2000, was dedicated to him. Milt was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved gardening and woodworking. As many can attest to, he made exceptional tomato juice. Milt spent many days relaxing (and gardening) at his cabin at the coast and his vacation home in Weaverville. He was an avid A's fan. Milt lived a very copasetic life and it would take pages to tell "the whole Mary Ann." Suffice to say, he was loved and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his daughter Lisa and her husband Ron Ackerman; his grandchildren Ryan Ackerman and Reed Ackerman; his sister Marianne Ausseresses and her children (Tony, Alex, Collette, and Annette); his special friend Ruth Porter; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Val and his sons Mike and Dan. A celebration of Milt's life will be held Saturday, November 13, 2010, at the Cloverdale Veteran's Building from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Cloverdale Fire Department.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
My condolences to the Holt family and the Cloverdale Community. I had the pleasure of serving under Chief with my time as a volunteer and have great memories of Chief and everyone I served with.
Brent Chadwick
November 11, 2010
Lisa and Family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I am sure that your fathers spirit will live long in the Cloverdale community and with that the memory of your Dad will never be lost. I have been out of the daily news of the fine city of Cloverdale but the name HOLT always brings fond memories.
Ron Wood
ron wood
November 10, 2010
Lisa and family, so sorry to hear about your loss. Many Years ago we had many fun times at the cabins on the Navarro river.
Cheryl Masini-Agius
cheryl masini-agius
November 9, 2010
As a member of The Cloverdale Fire Protection District, I am proud to say :Thank you, for the Dedicated years of service that you and All of your Family has provided to the citizens and community of Cloverdale California. THANK YOU MILT.
Sincerely: Al Baptist / Engineer CFD
Al Baptist
November 7, 2010
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