Linwood John Holdridge

Linwood (Lin) Holdridge was welcomed into his new life on Friday, December 18, 2020 after a courageous battle with COVID -19. He was 71 years of age. He was a native of Burnside, a long time resident of Gonzales and resided in Metairie after his retirement. Linwood is survived by his mother, Joy Boudreaux Holdridge; his siblings, Bob Holdridge (Crystal), Guy Holdridge (Jackie), Jill Holdridge, and Jean Holdridge Schaffer (David). He is also survived by his nieces and nephews of whom he was very proud; Shane Holdridge, Adrienne Holdridge, Aimee Holdridge Degeyter, Nicole Schaffer, Reed Holdridge, Garrett Holdridge, Allison Schaffer, and Meagan Holdridge. He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert J. Holdridge.

Linwood was a graduate of the first graduating class of East Ascension High School (EAHS) and received his college degree from Southeastern University. He was a long-time teacher of Drama and Speech at EAHS until his retirement. For many summers, holidays, and school breaks, he worked (and played) at Disney World in Florida. He was truly a lover of the Arts and brightened the lives of his students with his many plays, half-time shows, homecoming decorations and Christmas Spectaculars! From students performing Broadway and Disney shows, to scores of dancers performing with the band at EAHS halftimes, to students creating elaborate decorations at Christmas culminating with angels singing Christmas Carols from the roof of the school, Linwood always had his students engaged in some activity to increase their appreciation of the Arts. As many students have said, Wood ‘s classroom was an open door for all students who may be different or alone or in need of a safe place where they would not be judged but could escape for a few hours into a different world of song, dance, and laughter.

Linwood also gave back to his community by first participating in the Baton Rouge Little Theatre before bringing theatre to Gonzales by being one of the organizers of the first Gonzales Little Theatre. He directed many plays for the Gonzales Little Theatre and until very recently was still helping in any way he could with the Ascension Community Theatre. He started the Jambalaya Generation Singers who performed at Festivals and other occasions. Linwood was responsible for lighting up the skies of Gonzales with spectacular firework displays and was responsible for light shows, performances, and the firework display for the 75th Anniversary Spectacular of the City of Gonzales.

Linwood directed performances for many charitable balls, shows, and extravaganzas at the Assembly Center, River Center, and other locations in the City of Baton Rouge.

A Catholic Burial Mass will be held at St. Theresa of the Avila in Gonzales on Wednesday, December 23 at 10:00. A private burial will be held at Hope Haven Cemetery. Due to CDC regulations the family will not be having a visitation. The family would like to thank the COVID Intensive Care Unit of Ochsner Medical Center Jefferson Highway for their care and support. In this terrible COVID environment, we ask that Linwood’s numerous friends, co-workers, and previous students honor him privately with a toast, a song that they sing aloud, or a dance to their favorite music. Remember his spirit by engaging in the Arts and spreading his goodwill. In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made in his name to the Ascension Community Theatre.

To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.oursofh.com . Funeral Arrangements entrusted with Ourso Funeral Home of Gonzales.