William Holt

William D. Holt, 88, Founder of Holt Sheet Metal, Inc. and longtime member of the Durango community, died of a stroke March 24, surrounded by his loved ones. Bill was born on February 15, 1925 in Beaver, Oklahoma. He served in WWII as an Army sergeant and medic in the South Pacific. He met his wife Dorothy in Twin Falls, Idaho where they married and started their family. In 1955 they moved to Monte Vista, CO and started Holt Sheet Metal Works. Bill was dedicated to his family and business, as well as civic service in Monte Vista through the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Civil Air Patrol, volunteer fire department, and American Legion. Bill modeled a positive attitude, integrity, and a strong work ethic. He mentored determination and quality craftsmanship. These values guided his life and have been an important influence on his family and the people who knew him. Bill gave generously of his time and resources. As more and more of their business was in Durango they moved to Durango in 1965. Their business now reaches worldwide. Bill greeted each day with energy determination and humor, spending most of his days at age 88 doing what he loved, at the shop. Bill was preceded in death by Dorothy his wife of 55 years. He is survived by his sister Marge Closson, his children Dennis Holt, Leslie Schwartz, Ralph Holt, and Paula Mallett along with 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren which he fondly enjoyed. His interests included a passion of flying, work and the weather channel. Family and friends remember the beauty of flying over the landscape of the southwest with Bill. They also remember his sense of humor and mischievous laugh. The family is planning a memorial gathering April 2 at 2:00 p.m. at Holt Sheet Metal, Inc. 220 South Skylane Dr., Animas Air Park, Durango, CO where the public is welcome to share in the celebration of Bill's life. Donations may be made in memory of Bill Holt to San Juan College Foundation; 4601 College Blvd.; Farmington, NM 87402. Donations will go to supporting the machine shop technology program.