Obituary of Frederick H Holt

 

 

Fred Holt died of congestive heart failure on April 3, 2021.  He was born in Detroit and spent his childhood in Birmingham (Detroit suburb). He attended the University of Detroit Jesuit High School.  He then attended the University of Michigan, where he majored in journalism and political science,  was a proud member of Chi Psi fraternity, and met the love of his life Fran Picard Holt.  They were married while still in school.  After graduating, they moved to the Washington, D.C. area and soon became the proud parents of two sons, Rick and Mark.

 

Fred’s career included working for FDC Reports, a group of newsletters covering medical and pharmaceutical news and the National Society for Medical Research.  In 1968 he was hired by the Animal Health Institute, a trade association representing the manufacturers of veterinary drugs, and became president in 1980.  When he retired in 1992, Fred and Fran moved to Hilton Head Island.   There he served on the boards of the Spanish Wells Golf Club and the Mariners Point HOA and was an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church and the Michigan Alumnae Club.

 

Mackinac Island  was very important to Fred.  He spent at least part of most summers there.  On Mackinac and elsewhere, Fred enjoyed playing what he liked to call “bad golf”  with family and friends.  He had also enjoyed playing baseball and hockey as a kid.  When no longer able to participate in sports, he continued to be a dedicated fan of most sports, especially Washington and Michigan teams.

 

Fred was predeceased by his son Mark, who tragically died on Mackinac at age 20; his parents, F. Farrington and Dorothy Holt;  sisters Jane Manikoff and Caroline Kelsey;  niece Dorothy Kelsey and nephew John Manikoff. He is survived by his wife, son Rick Holt  and his wife Kathy; grandchildren Mark, Kate and Meagan; nieces Sara Kelsey, Olga Hard and Caroline Sheppard and nephew Bill Kelsey.  Family and friends were very important to Fred, and he was to them.

 

Weather permitting, an outdoor memorial service will be held at 2:30 on April 8 at Hilton Head’s All Saints Episcopal Church.  Casual attire is encouraged. Burial will be on Mackinac Island next to his son Mark. 

 

In lieu of flowers, donations to Family Promise (181 Bluffton Rd, Bluffton SC 29910) or Maranatha Farm (342 Crabapple Lane, Ridgeland SC 29936) would be appreciated.