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BORN
1941
DIED
2021
Donald Holtan Obituary
Donald Wayne Holtan
July 15, 1941 - August 22, 2021
Donald Wayne Holtan, Associate Professor of Animal Science at Oregon State University, passed away August 22, 2021, after a brief illness.
Born July 15, 1941, at a midwife's house in rural North Dakota, Don spent his childhood on the family's pioneer-style cattle and wheat ranch in the middle of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. He attended college at North Dakota State University, later receiving his MA and PhD in Reproductive Physiology from Washington State University.
In 1974 he presented his research at the inaugural International Symposium on Equine Reproduction in Cambridge, England. He and his wife Kathy enjoyed the opportunity to travel every four years for these symposia, and they continued to travel after his retirement. His favorite places included Canada, France, South Africa, Brazil, and especially England where they had lived for a year during a research sabbatical.
Don is survived by wife Kathy, daughters Kye and Karen, four siblings, three grandchildren, and a large extended family, as well as many cherished colleagues and friends, who all brought enjoyment and meaning to Don's life.
A colorful, casual, outdoor celebration of life and picnic supper will be held at the Holtan's farm Sept. 5 at 5 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Holtan
3 Entries
Preston Henry
November 20, 2021
During my years at OSU (1975-80), Don was the OSU Rodeo Club Advisor. He was always a positive presence with a great sense of humor. I do and will remember him with real appreciation!
Ron Friedman
September 5, 2021
Don was my first mentor in equine reproduction, the field to which I´ve worked most of my adult life as a veterinarian.
I met Don in 1975 when I was an animal science freshman, taking horse husbandry 101. Four years late we connected again, while I was in graduate school with another professor in animal science. Don´s influence on my education increased the following year when I was a first year veterinary student, focused on equine reproduction. I think I was one of the first student´s in our veterinary class to learn how to palpate mares, thanks to Don´s. In exchange, I came by the horse barn to check the mare´s heat cycles by handling the `teaser pony stallion´, and recording the pony´s behavior to the stallion. I think I did that for a summer.
About 10 years later we met again, at the International Symposium on Equine Reproduction, this time in Deauville France, where I spoke in front of my first large audience. I had recently finished an Equine Theriogenology Residency at UC Davis School of Vet Med, and received my board certification by the American College of Theriogenologists,
Don invited me to join him at dinner. He was sitting with his friends and colleagues a few other internationally recognized `hall of fame´ equine reproduction scientists, when he brought up the following... Hey Ron, do you remember when you worked for me at the OSU horse center? I replied "of course Don- it was when you taught me how to palpate mares in exchange for my going out to the horse center several times a week to tease and chart the mare´s cycles". Don turns to the others and says- yup you sure did, but you never told me "Buster" (not sure of name of teaser) bred one of the mares- she foaled by surprise LOL LOL- the entire table was in stitches. That pretty much summed up Don- he loved to teach, he was easy going and relaxed in the manner he taught. He was generous and kind, and laughed. He was instrumental in my entire career and thought of regularly.
I´m sorry I could not make it back to the Holtan farm again, but will remember forever the name of the corporation he and Kathy had formed when I did visit decades ago. Needmore Land and Cattle.
Mary Zelinski
September 2, 2021
Kathy and family, I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He is a part of my fond memories of graduate student days at OSU, and I will always remember your and his kindness. And....that 'rent a bull' story that you have probably heard a million times !! You are in my prayers, and I wish you all comfort and peace.
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