Harold Delbert Holden

Harold D. Holden, a resident of the Hemet Valley for the past 37 years, passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2016. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jeannie, and his son, David, three grandchildren, five great grandchildren and his younger brother, Tom.

Harold was born in January of 1929 in Washington State. He worked for the Parks Dept. in Seattle but later quit to join the U.S. Coast Guard. On an assignment in Long Beach, CA he met his wife at the boarding house run by her father. They were soon married and relocated to Kodiak Island, Alaska. David came soon after their return to civilian life and they settled in Seal Beach, CA as a young family.

He then started a career in the field of finance as a loan specialist which he enjoyed up until his retirement after 37 years. He advanced in his career to a position of oversight of the Western United States, which included Hawaii!

His great passion in life was his piano. He was schooled in classical music from the age of seven and was personally taught or coached by some of the world's musical greats. He played concerts up and down the West Coast and Mexico, and even played at our own San Jacinto College after his public retirement.

His heart of devotion to his religious faith was profound. He served the Christian Church for his entire adult life as a deacon and later as a member of the Elder board at Hemet Valley Church. He lovingly rebuilt the front steps of the church and then oversaw the construction of a new modern facility. He was also the chief pianist at the church for many years where his wife, Jean, was the director of music.

He will be missed as a model citizen of the Hemet Valley. A public viewing, including friends and family, will be held at Miller-Jones Mortuary on Wednesday evening, July 27th, from 6-8:00pm. He will be laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery, with military honors, on Thursday, July 28th, at 12:30pm.