Daily Herald

Richard Elliott Holdaway

1943 ~ 2009

Richard Elliott Holdaway, age 65, passed away peacefully at his home Friday, May 15, 2009. He was born September 25, 1943 in Price, Utah to Harold E. and Jessie Rasmussen Holdaway. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Paris, France. He graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Illustration/Design. He and his eternal companion, Maureen, recently celebrated their fortieth wedding anniversary. Throughout his life he held a strong testimony of our savior, Jesus Christ.

Rich will be remembered for his extraordinary sense of humor, his kindness, sensitivity, patience and generosity. He was the ultimate optimist and endured several years of health challenges with kidney disease, a transplant and then dialysis – always with a joke and a smile.

He was a talented artist, illustrator and designer. His imagination and creativity supported and blessed his family; entertained and influenced countless others. He kept up his knowledge of the French language and had a love for music, photography and a wide variety of other subjects. He could find something in common with anyone he met and made friends easily. He was also a car enthusiast and collected sports cars, but always had a particular soft spot for the 1951 Mercury.

Always a child at heart, he was a much-loved Papa to eleven grandchildren and dad to five children. They will always have special memories of his storytelling, playing games, drawing with him and especially laughing with him. He will be deeply missed by all.

Rich is survived by his wife, Maureen; his five children and their spouses, Laurie and Christopher Meacham; Kristin and Ben Francis; David and Jessica Holdaway; Brian and Jessica K. Holdaway; and Mark and Suzanna Holdaway; grandchildren, Jordan and Jemma Meacham, Hayley and Alyssa Francis, Jackson, Maya, and Avery Holdaway, Joshua, Morgan, Jack Holdaway; and Luke Holdaway; and his pristine 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT. He was preceded in death by his father; his mother, with whom he had a very special relationship; his brother Jon and his sister Jessie Lynn Holdaway.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 23, 2009, at the Grandview South Stake Center, 1122 N. Grand Ave., Provo. Friends may call Friday from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Berg Mortuary, 185 E. Center, Provo and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be in the Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to info@bergmortuary.com.

In Lieu of flowers, donations to the National Kidney Foundation of Utah would be appreciated. 3707 N. Canyon Rd., Ste 1D, Provo, UT 84604 or www.kidneyut.org.