Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Walter Holt Obituary
Stockton, CA
December 16, 1948 - July 11, 2007
Walter R. Holt, known to family and friends as Randy, Walt or Waldo, 58, passed away at the home he shared with his wife, Sara Russell, on Wednesday, July 11, 2007. The only son of Robert F. Holt, deceased, and Katherine M. Holt, he was born in Stockton, graduated from Lincoln High School and attended San Jose State University. His lifelong interests were art and nature, particularly wildlife. He was a talented artist in many media. He worked as an environmental consultant for many years and was effective at protecting the environment for endangered species, especially the Swainson's hawk. He was the Conservation Chair for the local Audubon Society, a member of the Central Valley Bird Club, the co-author with David Yee of Birding In and Around San Joaquin County, and spearheaded the county Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan. He also was a member in good standing of the Wallet Club and Laundry Club.
In addition to his wife and mother he is survived by two sisters, Carol Holt Bedell and Janis M. Strahm, and nieces and nephews, Tanya and Edwina Trauwitz, Robin, Lars and Morgan Russell, Richard Bedell, Brendan, Amanda, Morgan and John Strahm. A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held Saturday, July 21, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Lincoln Presbyterian Church, 900 Douglas Road, Stockton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Waldo Holt Habitat Fund, P.O. Box 4548, Stockton, CA 95204 to purchase habitat for Swainson's hawks or the Waldo Holt Conservation Fund c/o Central Valley Bird Club, 26 Palm Avenue, Woodland, CA 95695, an endowment to fund local conservation projects.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Holt
Glenda Hesseltine
July 14, 2024
Long live Waldo in our hearts
Glenda Hesseltine
July 12, 2021
It is good to take a deep breath today and celebrate the memory of Waldo and all that he stood for. He literally "stood his ground" for the protection and well-being of Mother Earth and all her beauty, particularly her feathered friends. I shall never forget Waldo. Grateful to have known him.
Glenda Hesseltine
July 12, 2020
I think about Waldo every time I revisit San Joaquin County, with the same blend of sadness at his early departure, and wonder at his love and dedication to nature. He will always have a special place in my heart. It's amazing how such a quiet man sank so deeply into to so many hearts....truly..."to know him was to love him".
Glenda Hesseltine
July 31, 2007
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Waldo's passing. He was "one-of- a-kind", full of calm, quiet courage...funny and kind....a man so big and yet so gentle, with a largeness not only of body, but of soul. His connection to the Earth and nature was so deep and profound. My favorite memory of Waldo was standing with him at a developer's site in downtown east Stockton. A Swainson's hawk fledgling was still in the nest, unable to fly, and the bulldozer was running. We stood together to protect the tree. One of the construction workers drove straight at us in a pick-up truck. I stood for as long as I could and then jumped to the side at the last minute. Waldo didn't. He held his ground. The truck hit him and threw him up on the hood. He wasn't injured, but it was so scary. The most remarkable part was that he wasn't mad. He calmly removed his big body from the hood of the truck and went to the window to talk to the driver in quiet, reasoning tones. The nest was saved until the fledgling was able to fly. Waldo went into my hero's hall of fame that day and will stay there forever.
It hurts my heart that he is gone so soon. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
Heather Heslop
July 20, 2007
I was very saddened by Waldo's passing. He was always so kind when he came into the vet clinic I work at. He was such a nice man and so very kind to others. He will be missed by us all.
Jan Quartaroli
July 19, 2007
I first met Randy in Kindergarten at Village Oaks School. He was a sweet and kind person even then. Years later I met Walter at Lincoln Senior Elementary. I remember talking about my confusion at his name change and he told me that it had confused him too! We also went to high school together. In recent years I would see Waldo around town, usually at Toot Sweets. He was always my source for any bird questions I might have. The last time we chatted he identified an osprey nest for me. I will miss him.
To his family and friends I send my deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
Janet Norton Quartaroli
Simi &jassi Singh
July 19, 2007
Dear Sara,
We were very saddened to hear about your husband.He was a very polite and a good man.May his soul rest in peace.We loved serving him at our restaurantand will always miss him.Be strong and god bless you aa
Peg Lovelace
July 18, 2007
When I think of Randy, I see his wonderful smile and the twinkle in his eye. I will miss him very much and am so proud of what he accomplished in his life. My thoughts are with you Aunt Kay, Carol, Janice and Sara. It is so hard to imagine he is really gone. Let me know if there is anything that I can do.
Jack Gilder
July 18, 2007
I'm very saddened to hear this news. I have fond memories of Waldo when I was living in Stockton 20 years ago. Waldo was a truly gentle and genuine person whom I always enjoyed talking to. I ran into him last year while visiting a restaurant in Stockton and he made no mention of his condition and still remained the soft-spoken gentleman with a warm sense of humor that I always appreciated and respected.
My heart goes out to his wife, Sara, and his family and friends.
Sincerily,
Vicki-ann Campora
July 18, 2007
Waldo was an enigma that drew people into his energy field.
A great man.
Diane Moreno
July 18, 2007
Dear Carol,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. My deepest sympathy. He will live forever in the hearts and memories of all who loved him.
May God bless you and your family.
Sincerely,
Diane Moreno
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in Walter Holt's name
Memorial Events
for Walter Holt
How to support Walter's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Walter Holt's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
