Marlin D. Holden

1942 - 2025

In Loving Memory of
Marlin D. Holden
October 2, 1942 - November 11, 2025
Marlin Dennis Holden passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on November 11, 2025.
Marlin was born to Arthur Holden and Elizabeth "Betty" (Prince) Holden on October 2, 1942, in Port Angeles, Washington. Through the Native American ancestry of his mother, Marlin became an enrolled citizen of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe. He was the grandson of David and Elizabeth (Hunter) Prince, great-grandson of Lakanim (Prince of Wales), and great-great grandson of Chief Chetzemoka, the signer of the 1855 Treaty of Point No Point.
Growing up in Sequim, in the ancestral lands of his S'Klallam ancestors, Marlin graduated from Sequim High School in 1962. When Marlin met the love of his life, Patricia "Patty" Grow, they married in 1972. They brought together four children from their previous marriages, creating a large and loving family, and raised them in Sequim, Washington.
A proud member of his tribal and greater Olympic Peninsula communities, Marlin was a man of service to others. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1962-1966, serving in the Vietnam War on the USS Ranger aircraft carrier. After his military service, he devoted 30 years to the Washington State Department of Corrections, starting off as a corrections officer in 1968, and growing into his final position as a Superintendent of a prison facility. He retired from state service in 1998. While in state service, he was also in service to his Tribe. In 1972, he was on the Jamestown Tribal Council during a pivotal time. He contributed foundational work to the creation of the Tribe's first Tribal Constitution which was completed in 1975, and the Tribe's first petition for federal recognition which was submitted in 1976.
Staying true to both his Norwegian and Native American heritages, he became an avid fisherman and shellfish grower and harvester throughout his life. He was sought out for many interviews so that others could learn the "Jamestown way" and values surrounding fish and shellfish harvesting. Whatever he learned he passed down to his children and grandchildren. He was generous with the knowledge he had, and made sure others could carry on the good ways of respecting creation.
Marlin served in the Tribe in numerous positions over the years, including the Executive Director of the Economic Development Authority, Natural Resources Committee Chair, Natural Resources Fishing and Hunting Liaison, Tribal Canoe Journey Canoe Skipper, Youth Mentor, a tribal spokesperson. From 2009 to 2015, Marlin served as a Cultural

Leader, providing leadership for the Canoe Journey Landing at Port Townsend's Fort Worden. He led many tribal and non-tribal volunteers to create a hosted event that provided safe spaces for all tribal guests and their canoes. Hosting included providing a meal, located at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. He provided knowledge every year so that all people who participated in Canoe Journey would understand and respect the significance of this cultural ceremony.
Marlin is survived by his wife, Patty (Grow) Holden, children Kevin, Dean, Dave, and Bette Jo Holden, stepdaughter Sharon Painter, his brother Merle Holden, and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
The family held a Viewing on November 14, 2025, at Sequim Valley Chapel Funeral Home, and a Celebration of Life November 18, 2025, at Jamestown's Red Cedar Hall.