Milton Crawford Holt

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.