Richard Holt Wilson, 75, passed away on November 17, 2025, in Rumney, New Hampshire. A gifted musician, devoted husband, and beloved grandfather, Richard's life was a symphony of creativity, passion, and connection that touched countless lives across the globe.
Born on August 15, 1950, in Syracuse, New York, Richard's love for music began early. By the age of 12, he was already forming bands and performing—a passion that would define his life's journey. He attended Syracuse University for one year before transferring to Maryville College in Tennessee, where he earned a degree in history. But it was always music that called to him most deeply.
In 1965, Richard co-founded the band Yesterday's Children in Central Square outside of Syracuse with two of his closest friends, Mike "Pinky" Fields and Tom Merriam. With Molly—who would later become his wife—joining the group, Yesterday's Children quickly gained acclaim by winning every Battle of the Bands they entered. This early success marked the beginning of a lifelong career in music.
Richard's musical path took him far from his New York roots. He performed internationally with the band Foxfire in Hong Kong alongside his then-wife Cathy (Andersen) Wilson. Eventually settling in Colorado—in the Greeley, Longmont, and Estes Park areas—Richard continued to build his musical legacy. There he formed the band Ontario with Cathy and his sister Janice. Ontario evolved through many incarnations over the years, featuring talented musicians such as Dick Fuller, Scott Placke, Tom Pettit, and Fred Wilson to name a few.
Beyond performing, Richard was a savvy entrepreneur who owned three music stores located in Longmont, Greeley, and Fort Collins. These stores became hubs for local musicians and further reflected Richard's dedication to nurturing musical talent and community.
Later in life, Richard returned to Central New York to reunite with Molly—the childhood friend he first met at age five when their families bought neighboring camps along Lake Ontario. Their reconnection rekindled both love and music. Together they revived Ontario as a duo act that graced restaurants around Lake Ontario with their performances. Richard played a wide range of style in acoustic and electric guitar while Molly contributed bass, flugelhorn, and flute. Their musical partnership was a testament to their deep bond and shared history.
In 2023, Ontario retired when Richard was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. Despite this difficult turn, Richard remained surrounded by love and admiration from those closest to him.
Richard is survived by his wife and soul mate of 60 years, Molly Milner; his sisters Sunny Duncan and Janice Wilson; niece Jennifer Duncan Keyes; nephew John Duncan; as well as a grand nephew and grand niece. He is also lovingly remembered by his stepdaughters Jade and Jordan Gianforte and his cherished step-grandchildren Theodore and Sage Baumann—who affectionately called him "Coo." His devotion to Theo and Sage was boundless; he delighted in spoiling them endlessly and held a special place in their hearts as their favorite person in the world.
He is predeceased by his beloved parents, Arthur Wilson and Madeline (Holt) Wilson.
Music was not just Richard's profession—it was his essence. A consummate musician and master performer, he mesmerized audiences wherever he played. Offstage, he found joy beneath the waves as an avid scuba diver with more than 800 dives to his name. Whether strumming a guitar or exploring coral reefs, Richard lived life with exuberance and depth.
Known for his quirky sense of humor and generous spirit, Richard brought warmth and laughter into every room he entered. His presence left an indelible mark on those who knew him.
The world will never be quite the same without Richard Holt Wilson here to spin his guitar or dazzle an audience with his magnetic performances. He will be deeply missed by many.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him—and may the music he shared continue to echo through time.
Born on August 15, 1950, in Syracuse, New York, Richard's love for music began early. By the age of 12, he was already forming bands and performing—a passion that would define his life's journey. He attended Syracuse University for one year before transferring to Maryville College in Tennessee, where he earned a degree in history. But it was always music that called to him most deeply.
In 1965, Richard co-founded the band Yesterday's Children in Central Square outside of Syracuse with two of his closest friends, Mike "Pinky" Fields and Tom Merriam. With Molly—who would later become his wife—joining the group, Yesterday's Children quickly gained acclaim by winning every Battle of the Bands they entered. This early success marked the beginning of a lifelong career in music.
Richard's musical path took him far from his New York roots. He performed internationally with the band Foxfire in Hong Kong alongside his then-wife Cathy (Andersen) Wilson. Eventually settling in Colorado—in the Greeley, Longmont, and Estes Park areas—Richard continued to build his musical legacy. There he formed the band Ontario with Cathy and his sister Janice. Ontario evolved through many incarnations over the years, featuring talented musicians such as Dick Fuller, Scott Placke, Tom Pettit, and Fred Wilson to name a few.
Beyond performing, Richard was a savvy entrepreneur who owned three music stores located in Longmont, Greeley, and Fort Collins. These stores became hubs for local musicians and further reflected Richard's dedication to nurturing musical talent and community.
Later in life, Richard returned to Central New York to reunite with Molly—the childhood friend he first met at age five when their families bought neighboring camps along Lake Ontario. Their reconnection rekindled both love and music. Together they revived Ontario as a duo act that graced restaurants around Lake Ontario with their performances. Richard played a wide range of style in acoustic and electric guitar while Molly contributed bass, flugelhorn, and flute. Their musical partnership was a testament to their deep bond and shared history.
In 2023, Ontario retired when Richard was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. Despite this difficult turn, Richard remained surrounded by love and admiration from those closest to him.
Richard is survived by his wife and soul mate of 60 years, Molly Milner; his sisters Sunny Duncan and Janice Wilson; niece Jennifer Duncan Keyes; nephew John Duncan; as well as a grand nephew and grand niece. He is also lovingly remembered by his stepdaughters Jade and Jordan Gianforte and his cherished step-grandchildren Theodore and Sage Baumann—who affectionately called him "Coo." His devotion to Theo and Sage was boundless; he delighted in spoiling them endlessly and held a special place in their hearts as their favorite person in the world.
He is predeceased by his beloved parents, Arthur Wilson and Madeline (Holt) Wilson.
Music was not just Richard's profession—it was his essence. A consummate musician and master performer, he mesmerized audiences wherever he played. Offstage, he found joy beneath the waves as an avid scuba diver with more than 800 dives to his name. Whether strumming a guitar or exploring coral reefs, Richard lived life with exuberance and depth.
Known for his quirky sense of humor and generous spirit, Richard brought warmth and laughter into every room he entered. His presence left an indelible mark on those who knew him.
The world will never be quite the same without Richard Holt Wilson here to spin his guitar or dazzle an audience with his magnetic performances. He will be deeply missed by many.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him—and may the music he shared continue to echo through time.
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