Carl Holt passed away on July 29, 2023 at the age of 88.
Carl was born in Berthoud, Colo. on Dec. 31, 1934 to Ruth and Walter Holt.
He grew up with his two brothers, Don and Dick. Carl’s love of sports started as a child playing basketball, football and track. Following graduation from Estes Park High School, he attended Colorado State College of Education, where he got a degree in teaching. Carl married his high school sweetheart, Edith Wolpert, on Oct. 2, 1954. Over the next six years he and Edith grew their family by four little girls, Diana, Brenda, Vicki and Christi.
Whether it was family, community or career, Carl threw his whole self into each venture. His first job after graduation was a teaching position in Oxford, Neb. in 1958. He also served as a football coach and started a track program where he and the family built the track facility. In 1959 the Holt family moved to Eastern Oregon, where Carl took a teaching job at Umatilla High School. He coached football, basketball and baseball there for a few years before moving to Hermiston High School, primarily as a business teacher. He also served as the Teachers Association president for local and state chapters. Carl took a lot of pride in his involvement with Hermiston High School sports including being a referee and starting the wrestling program in 1963. He also coached cross country, football and basketball. Carl taught in public schools for 22 years before resigning to start a new career in real estate. Despite leaving the school, he maintained a strong bond with Hermiston athletics and frequented sporting events whenever he could.
Carl started C. Holt Construction in 1977 and C. Holt Real Estate in 1983 and helped countless community members buy, sell and build homes until his retirement in 2019. He felt strongly about being involved in the community and served in Rotary, Elks and the Home Builders Association, and as a Hermiston Chamber of Commerce ambassador. Carl also loved the work he did with Habitat
for Humanity. His hobbies included hunting and fishing. Carl kept quite busy over the years following his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren through all their activities. They were his greatest accomplishment and he would do anything for them.
Carl is survived by his wife of 68 years, Edith; daughters, Diana Ables (Larry), Brenda Weiderman (Phil) and Christi Carper; grandchildren, Chana Holt (Al), Justin Ables (Dayna), Amanda Carnine (Chris), Jenessa Carlson, Benjamin Weideman, Elizabeth Weideman (Tom) and Jon Weideman; and great-grandchildren, James, Travis, Chad, Logan, Leo, Peyton, Paige, Amelia, Reese and Effie.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents; brothers; daughter, Vicki; son-in-law, Garry; grandson, Chad; and grandson, Craig.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church fellowship hall in Hermiston.
Friends and family are invited to write a memory or story about Carl that they can bring to his service to share with his family.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please go to burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
