Edwin Nelson "Ed" Holt Obituary (1940 - 2018)

Our husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, and friend Edwin Nelson (Ed) Holt passed away suddenly and peacefully in his sleep at his home on August 27, 2018. He was loved greatly and will be missed by many. Ed was born on July 22, 1940 in Spanish Fork, Utah; the third child of Glen and Beulah Nelson Holt. His parents purchased the Nelson Family Farm in Palmyra, Utah in 1945, and he grew up in Palmyra learning to work hard and to love the land. He spent his entire life farming and raising cattle and sheep, and farming the land; and he enjoyed these aspects of his life very much. He was proud of the Century Farm emblem that graced both of his farms. He joined the Utah National Guard prior to his graduation from Spanish Fork High School. He treasured the many friendships he developed during those years and beyond. Upon his return from active military training with the Guard, he enrolled in the Diesel Mechanics program at Utah Technical College (UVU). Upon his graduation he worked as a gas and diesel mechanic for Gridley Chevrolet, Smith Auto, Nebo School District, and finally retiring from Geneva Steel. For many years he had his own shop at home where he did his best to keep the local farmers' equipment in good repair. It was only in very recent years that he stopped doing repair work - courtesy of the arthritis in his hands. During the summer of 1962 a mutual friend introduced Ed to BertaLou Dansie and he was smitten! They were married on July 17, 1964. This union was solemnized in the Provo Utah Temple on December 15, 1973 making them a "Forever Family." Ed and BertaLou are parents to three sons, Todd, Jay, and Cody. These three sons have brought much joy to the lives of their parents who still consider them "perfect" in every way. He was proud of their service as missionaries, as college graduates, as Eagle Scouts, but especially of their continued examples of love and service to their fellowman. Ed made friends wherever he went. He was often found sitting on his patio, in his shop, on a ditch bank, in his home, or any number of places just listening and conversing. He was a great listener and often quietly gave sage advice to those who inquired. He enjoyed practical jokes and often involved his grandchildren in pulling off a good prank which brought laughter for many years after. He loved planes and flying and had the opportunity to take flying lessons in his early years of marriage. He found great joy in attending Stock Shows where his sons and grandchildren showed Market Lambs, Steers, and the occasional pig. He spent many years serving on the Board and Committees of the Utah State Junior Livestock Show. He enjoyed his association with the other adult volunteers as well as the youth. Nothing pleased him more than to see young people succeed. Ed was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a Ward Clerk in two Bishoprics and as a Counselor in the Ward Sunday School Presidency. He was a faithful Home Teacher for many years with his dear friend, Eldon Money, as his partner. He enjoyed temple attendance and learning there. His life was filled with much joy, work, and service, but his greatest happiness was his family. He often recalled with gladness the camping trips he and his sons and their friends took to the Uintas; the vacations the family had together seeing Nature's wonders such as Bryce & Zions National Parks, Yellowstone, Mesa Verde, Colorado, and others or just driving to the canyon for a hike and a picnic. Ed often reminisced about the trips to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas with his wife and sons and their wives. Laughter made his day! Ed was so proud of his sons and their families and always considered his daughters-in-law as his own daughters. He was pleased with each accomplishment in each of the lives of his family members. He appreciated each act of kindness they and many others extended to him throughout his life. He is survived by his sons and their wives Todd and Nanelle Holt, Delta, Utah; Cody and Gena Holt, Palmyra, Utah; and his daughter-in-law and her husband, Michelle and Kelly Peterson; nine very much loved grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his wife's two brothers, Clint and Randy Dansie of Payson, Utah; and her sister, Grace Hansen of Salt Lake City; as well as many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Jay Holt; his parents; a sister, Jean Simons and a brother, Gale Holt. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 4, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. in the Palmyra Ward Chapel, 1850 West 5000 South, Palmyra, Utah. A viewing will be held one hour prior to services as well as Monday evening, September 3, from 6:00 - 8:00 at the same location. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to each of you who have graced their lives with so many acts of kindness over the years. Also, our sincere thank you to each of you whose visits to our home and words of comfort are greatly appreciated. The delicious food has lightened our load; and flowers and books have brightened our days. Thank you!! In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Huntsman Cancer Research Center in Salt Lake City or to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Fund.