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Mark Holden Obituary
St. Pete Beach, FL — Mark Holden, 66, of St. Pete Beach, Florida and Concord, New Hampshire passed away on March 20, 2022. Mark was born on May 12, 1955 in Burlington, Vermont to Russ and Florence "Chips" Holden.
Mark graduated from Concord High School in Concord, New Hampshire and later the University of New Hampshire where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. He recently retired after a long and successful career as the President of the NH/VT Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors.
Mark was happily married to Judi Rhines who was his partner in life for 32 years. Mark lived his life to the fullest and enjoyed (yes enjoyed!) working out, reading, biking, good food, and the sunshine. Mark loved watching football, fixing things around the house, and spending long afternoons out on the boat with Judi.
His positive attitude and sense of humor touched everyone he met. He will be missed.
Mark is survived by his wife, Judi; his stepdaughter Sarah Gregory and her husband Tom; his granddaughters, Isabella and Olivia Gregory; his sister Gwen Holden and her husband Paul Kelly; his brother Rusty Holden and his wife Felicia; his sister Robin Souther and her husband Peter; his brother Bruce Holden and his wife Denise; his sister Sandy Holden and her husband Paul Driscoll; his sister Jody Holden and her husband Chris Normand; his nephews Parker, Pearson, and Holden; his nieces Alexandra and Evangeline; and his beloved cat, "The Bean."
Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life on March 31st from 4-7pm at True North Ale Company, 116 County Road, Ipswich, Massachusetts.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Mark's honor to Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, a nonprofit organization that works to improve, protect, and preserve Tampa Bay's watershed. Please donate to www.tampabaywaterkeeper.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Holden
Gwen Holden
March 30, 2022
REMEMBERING MARK . . .
I am Gwen. I am the oldest - and the shortest - of the Holden siblings. Mark is my little brother, chronologically . . . the fifth of the seven of us; eight years younger than me, but a good foot taller.
As a child Mark was impish, fearless, daring -- a lovable rascal. Always up for a challenge, his exploits with his two best friends - Dewey and Rinky - were legendary in our neighborhood in Burlington, Vermont . . . like the time they took on the aptly-named and well-trafficked Cliff Street on their skateboards while my mother watched in horror from our front door.
After a family move to New Hampshire, Mark took his daring-do onto the football field at Concord High School where he excelled and earned himself a football scholarship to the University of New Hampshire. After college, Mark joined Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire and then moved onto the New Hampshire and Vermont Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors where he served as president for 34 years. Mark told me once that training programs to help the trades maintain and enhance services and performance was a priority for him. He would be gratified to know that he is being remembered by his ABC colleagues for his leadership in those areas.
The Mark I knew was a private person, stoic, and opinionated - a Holden trait. He had a dry sense of humor and a great laugh. He was fit and worked at it; enjoyed the sun and sand; and loved to eat - another Holden trait. He found his soulmate in Judi, his wife and partner, and enjoyed a well-earned retirement in the home that they made together on the Florida Gulf Coast.
I did not see Mark often; we shared the occasional text, and we siblings gathered annually on Cape Cod for a summer family weekend. But, over the years, Mark and I had a few occasions to talk - just the two of us - hors d´oeuvres at the bar in The Common Man when I was up in Concord; a dinner at the Tabard Inn when Mark was in Washington, DC on business; a phone call, among these. We discussed things personal and professional. I remember every one of those talks and I always will.
I liked Mark the man. I love him and will miss him as his sister.
Jim and Wendy Hayes
March 30, 2022
As mentioned Bruce - please extend our heartfelt condolences to Judi, her family and all your family members and closest friends. Seems like only yesterday when we could just walk to our families houses near the high school. Jim
Jamey Langley
March 26, 2022
Dear Bruce, Robin & Peter, Gwen, Rusty, Sandy, Jody and family,
Please accept my deepest condolences. While it's been a long, long time, I still feel so fortunate to have been best friends with Bruce in high school and having had the great privilege of spending so much time with all of you and your mom at your house. I'll never forget watching football games and someone making a run to McDonald's for burgers and fries, coming back with bags full of food, which would disappear in an instant. Or tossing the football in the front yard, playing ping-pong in the cellar or kicking back in the living room listening to Your Song by Elton John. I also remember like yesterday going to the Watkins Glenn rock concert with Bruce and Mark, totaling the family station wagon on the way home and all 3 of us walking away unhurt. Then later when I biked to Florida, Mark let me stay with him and showed me the sites, even the gym as he pumped iron.
Though I live across the country and haven't seen you all since back then, you are all in my heart and always will be. I will forever think of Mark's wonderful smile, quick wit and powerful hug. May he rest in peace. Love,
Jamey
Susan Englert
March 25, 2022
I've known Mark since 1994 when I started working with him on the ABC NH/VT's Construction Resource Magazine, and various other printed materials he needed designed for the association. I'm overcome with sadness knowing that he's no longer with us. Mark loved life, had such a dry sense of humor and quick wit, and was just a peach of a guy. I always enjoyed working with him, and knew that he was having a great time in his retirement with his wife in the warm breezes of Florida. Rest easy friend. My condolences to Judith and his entire family.
Steve Rothenberg
March 24, 2022
I knew Mark through ABC and he was a great supporter of students pursuing education and careers in the construction trades.
Cathy Parkerson Lord
March 24, 2022
To the Holden Sibs, Judi and family: I am so very sorry to read of Mark´s passing. I remember him well - mostly his beautiful smile. Yep, from all those years ago. And I think a bit of mischief was in that boy! What also stands out in my memory is his athletic ability - it sounds like he was consistent with that. I am so sorry for your loss. He was much too young. My heart goes out to you. Cathy Parkerson Lord (former neighbor)
Scott Preston Hardy
March 24, 2022
While I only knew Mark casually as a CHS classmate, I do recall him as one heckuva football player for the Crimson Tide - back in the day. Rest in Peace, Mark.
mark perkins
March 24, 2022
Mark Holden was a good friend to Me! He was always inspired me to do my best in playing Concord High Football team ! We did Win our first Championship game in 1974 in My senior year First Time in 78 Years. All the memories playing with him will never be forgotten! I won best defensive player That Year as well ! Have to say when I received that award. I Thought of his words he had said to me on the field playing BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE Came to my mind! He will be missed! My Prayers are with his whole Family, GOD BLESS YOU ALL. So Sorry for your loss. He was a Great Man and friend.
John Sellar
March 24, 2022
I am saddened to see the loss of my CHS classmate and friend. I will remember the good times we spent together boating and working out. My deepest sympathy to Mark`s entire family.
John Sellar
Neal Scott
March 24, 2022
To Judi and the entire Holder family...may all the wonderful memories of the times spent with Mark be a source of comfort and healing for you now in this time of grief. Mark was a true gentleman willing to help all with whatever his abilities allowed him to do. He will be missed by all.
John Riley
March 23, 2022
JUDI - My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mark was one of the good guys.
Patty and Jim Tollner
March 23, 2022
Judi
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family as you set about celebrating Mark´s life. Wishing you peace.
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