George A. Holter

He recently celebrated his 86th birthday – never “feeling old’ he still had things “to get done”. George was born to John and Alice Holter in Bethune, Colorado and moved to Eads when he was in 4th grade. He is predeceased by his parents, sisters Faye and Ethel, brothers Hank, Howard, Johnny, and Lee. He is survived by his son Bradley Holter (wife Rhonda), daughters Vandi Deines (husband Burt), and Sandra Holter; grandchildren Brittany (husband Tyler), Lindsay (husband Levi), Brandon, Abigail, and Olivia; great-grandchildren Marshall, Wyatt, Bryndle, Georgia and Brook; nieces, nephews and many, many friends!

After completing high school, George attended Otero Junior College in La Junta and worked alongside his brother-in-law Dean in the plumbing business. At OJC he was a left-handed pitcher on the baseball team. He enjoyed playing ball but decided it was best to be working more hours and playing less ball. Encouraged by a teacher, George and his wife moved to Fort Collins where he could pursue an Electrical Engineering degree at CSU. After a semester or two, he decided to discontinue his course of study and get on with work. His plumbing trade evolved eventually into Modern Plumbing and Heating, which then expanded into custom home building, starting his own real estate office (Holter Realty), and developing commercial property. George also took great pride in serving on the Board for the Fort Collins-Loveland Water District for over 40 years. He took interest in learning about water, building reservoirs, and financial stability for the district. He especially enjoyed the long-term friendships with other board members.

In 1961 George attended an auctioneering school. He sold livestock at the local sale barn, farm equipment, real estate, including the Baby Doe Hotel in Leadville that included all its furnishings and antiques. He also auctioned many charitable events all along the front range. Of the seven or so careers he had, he would say that auctioneering was his favorite and most enjoyable. He enjoyed the people that he worked with and met along the way.

He could tell story after story – many of which he created to entertain people. Likely, storytelling is what many of you would say that you enjoyed most about him. Another one of his favorite things to do was to sing and to listen to country and gospel music. He had his own karaoke machine in the basement of his home that he would spend hours at. He didn’t shy away from participating in local karaoke contests entertaining the crowd with the song "Jambalaya" followed by a little auctioneering – a talent not many folks have.

Raising cattle was a passion of his from a young age as he grew up on a farm. This passion grew into Holter Cattle Company where he prided himself on raising show steers; his children and grandchildren participated in 4-H showing cattle. Years after his kids were too old to show cattle, he enjoyed helping other local 4-H kids participate at the county fair, teaching them how to care for their animals and, he was a supporter of the junior livestock sale.

To his good fortune, while his physical body became tired and limited, his mind remained sharp and eager to keep going. His love for meeting new people, taking and making phone calls daily, caring for his business, and as mentioned, sharing his stories brought a great deal of satisfaction to him. As time passed, his devotion to listening to television sermons, reading his bible, and listening to hymns increased. He understood his life was winding down and in the end being “good with God” was of great importance. His conversations became less about his business concerns and more about his hope that all would make it to heaven enjoying fellowship with one another.

George was a unique, one-of-a-kind man with a tremendous ability to learn and retain experiences throughout his life. He never met a stranger and often pursued a friendly conversation with someone wherever he went. Prior to his passing, he expressed gratitude for all the good folks and mentors in his life – those that encouraged him to take hold of opportunities that ultimately led to his iconic success. The storyteller will live in the hearts and minds of those who called him Dad, grandpa, and friend.

Put on your best western wear and join us at Timberline Church in Fort Collins, Colorado on May 31st, 2024 at 11 am for a Celebration of George's Life, followed by a lunch gathering. He will be laid to rest at 2pm at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Fort Collins.

Please RSVP to George’s family or by commenting below if you intend to stay for lunch. Thank you.

Those who may not be able to attend George's Celebration of Life in person may join virtually via livestream here: https://youtube.com/live/-Bn_wNSfwiA?feature=share

Memories and condolences are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.