Raymond Donald Holt

Raymond Donald Holt passed away peacefully after a long illness on September 25, 2009 surrounded by his loving family. He was 82. Born to Floyd and Myrtle (Peak) Holt in Montana, Kansas, he was an only child. In 1945 he married the love of his life, Evelyn celebrating 64 years in July. Their song was "It had to be you." A veteran of World War II, he survived the kamikaze attacks that sunk the USS Luce (DD-522) off Okinawa. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart, American Theater Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal with two silver stars (represents ten battles), World War II Victory Medal, and Philippine Liberation Medal with two battle stars and Philippine Independence Medal. After visiting for several years, he moved his family to Sonoma in 1954. A trusted auto mechanic, he operated Ray's Signal Service and Ray's Grocery with his wife for 18 years. Following work in many fields of maintenance, he retired from the Federal Government. Raymond was a charter a member and past president of Valley of the Moon Gun Club, Charter member of Moose Lodge #2048, member of VFW, Senior Swingers, SIRS Branch No. 41 (and bowling team), and Vintage House. Throughout his life he has enjoyed fishing and trailer camping trips across the US, gardening, birds that visited his deck, playing cards with the guys, delighting family and friends with tasty barbeque and most of all spending time with his family. His memory will be cherished, his presence dearly missed. He is survived by his beloved wife Evelyn; loving daughter Carol (Timothy) Short of Sonoma and daughter-in-law Cathie Holt of Bend, OR; adored grandchildren: Stacie (Mike) Martinelli of Petaluma, CA, Robin Short of Truckee, CA, Benjamin (Heather) Holt, Devin Davis, Nathan Holt, Caleb Holt, Jared Holt of Bend, OR, Matthew (Nicole) Holt of Kansas City, MO, Nicholas (Heather) Holt of Fort Belvoir, VA, Chad (Mandi) Woodard and Tisha Woodard; 14 precious great-grandchildren and dear nieces: Laura Apodaca of Napa, CA, Joan Alford of Sacramento, CA, and dear nephews: Wally Moser of Napa, CA, Mike Moser of Louisville KY, Chris Moser of Reno, NV and their families. He was preceded in death by his loving parents; treasured daughter Cathy and cherished son David. Special thanks to his neighbors for their many years of caring support. Friends are invited to attend a Visitation on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 p.m. at DUGGAN'S MISSION CHAPEL, 525 West Napa St., Sonoma, CA 95476. A Funeral Service and Celebration of life will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. also at DUGGAN'S MISSION CHAPEL, followed by Interment at Valley Cemetery, 425 East MacArthur Street, Sonoma, CA 95476. Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to FISH, P.O. Box 507, Sonoma, California 95476-0507 Arrangements under direction of DUGGAN'S MISSION CHAPEL, Sonoma, CA 996-3655.