I was one of the many students at Needham High who were lucky and blessed to have him for my Psyche-Soc. Class.  This gentleman of a teacher took special interest in all his students and some how managed to show that he sincerely cared about each and every one of us.  His class was one of a small handful of classes I actually enjoyed going to because he conducted his class with alot of humor and treated all of us as equals.  He wasn't afraid to put the class wise-crackers in their place, albeit gently and humorously, Never sarcastically.  One of the assignments he had given us at the beginning of the school year was to write of an early memory that still affects us today (or then) and I put my heart and soul into it, and he not only gave me a good grade on it, he took me aside and hugged me and told me that no matter how low my esteem was, it is not a reflection of who I was or how the rest of the world sorry me, and that I was a fantastic person.  He said he was very much affected by what I wrote and wanted to let me know if I ever needed to talk to someone about Anything, he would be happy to do so with me.  He was that loving, he was that caring and very funny as well.  Thank you for being a part of my life, Dr. Hold, you were loved and appreciated by all who were lucky enough to have you both as a teacher, neighbor and friend.  RIP!  

Patty (Sullivan) Schlossberg, Class of '84

What a special, special person and teacher "Holty" was! He was, and is a treasured memory of my high school days in Needham, MA. I remember thinking-when I graduated all those years ago- that I would never forget him and I haven't. He is remembered by many people [as it should be] and now is making everyone in heaven laugh! The world is a better place because he blessed it. RIP.

Ken was such a remarkable individual. He served on our Board of Directors for several years, during which time he provided wise guidance and steadfast support. He had a lightning-fast wit that never failed him. For many summers, he would appear with a box of strawberries that he had picked for each of us at work.  We will miss him.

Mr. Holt was the BEST teacher I ever had...he genuinely cared about all of his students....not just as students, but as human 
beings also...I respected him greatly, but always felt as if he was my friend as well as my teacher. He was hysterically 
funny and always made you 
want to learn. I have so many 
stories...too numerous to write.
I will say, as you can tell from all of the enteries, he was an 
extraordinarily wonderful 
person and will be greatly 
missed....he will hold a special place in many, many hearts, including mine. My sincere 
sympathy to his family and 
friends.

I had Mr. Holt as a home room teacher at Needham High. He was so nice and one of my favorite teachers. Dale Hicks Turner (class of 1970)

Ken Holt was one of my favorite teachers - and as I read through the tributes in this guest book, I remember why.  He really liked what he was doing, and had an incredible ability to share that joy with his students.  The man was funny.  Wicked funny.  But that was just part of it.  He used his sense of humor to keep kids interested - no matter what the topic.  I loved going to class with that guy, pure and simple.  I also learned, for the first time when I read his obituary, that Mr. Holt was a US Marine.  The fact that he served his country by joining the Marines is not surprising.  He was a public servant, in the best sense of that word.  God Bless Mr. Holt.  You made a big difference in the lives of a lot of young people - including me.

Ken Holt was the auctioneer par excellence at our Bear Pond Pot Luck Suppers.  He was a director and officer of the Bear Pond Association.  Everyone remembers his homemade jam brought to the auction.  He picked the berries himself.  He was so kind to my mom Louise Monahan and after one auction where my mother was bidding for the jam and didn't realize I was bidding for it for her. Ken always made sure every summer she got a present of her own jar of jam.

I was fortunate enough to meet Ken through the Bear Pond community.   What a tremendous person, and what an incredible asset to the lake association!   Ken was the first Bear Pond monitor, and single handedly built a database of water testing data that spanned over 30 years.     Ken welcomed me and Kent to the testing program in 1995, and converted a routine monthly chore into an event to savor.   His quick wit and sense of humor were always in high gear.   Ken was also a gut busting one man comedy show as the auctioneer at the annual pot luck dinner.  It's an honor to have known Ken and I am very thankful to have shared many hours on Bear Pond as we performed water testing over a 14 year period.    He will be sorely missed, but his passion for Bear Pond, and all Maine lakes, will live on through others.

I first met Mr. Holt in 1974, when I was seven years old. He was our camp neighbor. I spent countless hours with him on his porch, over looking the pond, chatting and rocking away the hours every summer. He loved it when I would bring him a treat of my mother's whoppie pies, and asked when she would be making another batch.  I visited him every summer and will truly miss my dear friend come June,

I remember Mr. Holt, he was a gentleman and a scholar. A power of example to me and so many others.

Mr. Holt was by far the most influential teacher I ever had. His passion for his students, his love of teaching and his sense of humor all made being in his class a truly wonderful experience. Not only did I learn academics from him but he also taught me many life lessons,many of which I passed on to my own students. I have thought of him often over the years with great fondness and always a smile. His was such a gift to all of us. 
Needham High class of '69

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Friday, December 12, 2014
Mr. Holt was an amazing teacher. He cared deeply for each of his students and taught with a great passion. As his student at Needham High School, I learned not only academics but so many life lessons that I carried with me and in turn, brought to my own students. He graced our lives with his wonderful sense of humor and dedication to educating his students. I have thought of him often over the many years since I graduated from Needham High and each though was always filled with smiles. How fortunate I was to have been one of his students. (NHS class of 1969)

Mr. Holt was a great teacher, a wonderful human being with a keen sense of humor. We all looked forward to going to his class at Needham High School (class of 76).  May he forever RIP, prayers for the family.

All needham high school students have fond memories of Mr. Holt, and pass on our condolences.

He was one of my best teachers at the high school - he taught an intro psychology class that was a great experience - he saw potential in all his students and his wit was unsurpassed - I wish I had kept in touch with him.  

Doug   class of 1971

I was his neighbor at Bear Pond and we walk together and talk together. I respected him and  his gentle advice. I am sad I will never get to walk with him again. Matt Fish

Dr. Holt was, hands down, one of my most influential and favorite teachers.  I believe all seniors had to take Psych-Soc with Dr. Holt, in which we discussed many issues that were important to teens facing adulthood, pretty advanced thinking for the time.  Dr. Holt was unflappable, and much-loved by students.  He screened "Days of Wine and Roses" to discuss alcoholism, and played on a Ouiji Board to discuss mysticism.  He made us think, laugh, and explore feelings, and above all feel accepted.  I feel that he influenced my decision to pursue a career in counseling with teens.  Dr. Holt was truly a man who made a difference in many young people's lives.  He will be missed. 
--Adam Brightman (NHS '83)

He was a very kind man. Our son loved him, and always remembers the times he got to go to "Uncle Ken's house" on Bear Pond. I know he will be missed by his family most of all.

Mr. Holt was a great teacher - entertained us while teaching economics.    Quite different from studying Econ in college!  He was one in a million and we have lost a great educator and human being.  My condolences to his family and friends.  RIP
Linda Hepenstal, Needham High School, Class of 1967

Dr. Holt is one of the only teachers I remember and it is with appreciation and respect.

My condolences to all his extended fanily. I spent many dinners at the same table with Ken at Schooner Estates. We will miss him.

Dr Holt was my favourite teacher at Needham High School, Class of 1967.  I have thought of him many times over the years with gratitude for his guidance at a time when I had no idea what path to take in life.  He was charming, witty and a real gentleman in every sense of the word.

My family, although no relation, always referred to him as "Uncle Ken." We enjoyed vacations with him at his home in Maine. He welcomed me and my children with open arms. He would cook for us and tell us countless stories. He was kind and gentle and a joy to be around. We are all truly grateful to have known him. Uncle Ken will be missed by many...Courtney Newcomb and family

Some of my fondest NHS memories are of Dr. Holt's class.  He taught with humor and intelligence.   Kerry Reilly, NHS '83

Mr. holt was my ec & sociology teacher in 1968. He was perhaps Needham High's best teachers ever. I, too think of him often, fondly.

Ken was a great friend with a very happy and humorous outlook. I think the whole faculty was disappointed when his doctorate at Harvard was rejected. A loss for Harvard. 
I think he was the strength of the Social Studies Dept. at Needham
        Karl West, Director of Math. Ret.

Ken was a kind and gentle man and a great neighbor on Bear Pond. His contributions to BPIA were greatly appreciated.

Dr. Holt's combination of dry wit and intelligence made his classes both enjoyable and challenging.  He was one of the very best at NHS.  Martha Adrean Dayton Class of 1967

Dr Holt was such a wonderful teacher, very kind and with the best sense of humor.  I was a student in his psychology class and have fond memories of him and that class. Linda-NHS class of 1982

I had Dr. Holt at NHS and have many fond memories.  He was a wonderful teacher and highly regarded by the students.  He loved teaching and his students. He will be missed. RIP Dr. Holt. Molly NHS Class of 1983

The kindest teacher I ever knew, I am sure you are making everyone laugh where you are right now.   
 

Ilene BenDavid NHS Class of 1984

One of my two favorite teachers. He was a good man and he challenged us to learn about ourselves, as well as the subjects he taught. He won't be forgotten. NHS Class of 78.

Doc Holt was one of my favorite teachers. I think of him often. Rest in Peace <3

Dr. Holt was such an inspirational teacher that he took this student who failed history the first time and got me so excited about it that I ended up with an 'A.' How many teachers can do that? He had an impact on so many lives. May he rest in peace.

I had Dr. Holt for home room at NHS. He was fun and a wonderful man. Very well respected by all. RIP Dr. Holt, your time here was well spent and you touched many lives.

One of the very best teachers.  He had a great sense of humor and made class fun and interesting. Made everyone feel truly accepted. Always remembered him.  Rest in peace. Class 1982

Dr. Holt was clearly my favorite teacher and the reason I graduated with a minor in sociology/psychology. 

I loved his sense of humor and how he would try to memorize our names by where we sat by giving everyone some kind of corny nickname. I used to sit next to classmates Beth Duncan and Steven Gross and I would love how he would say, "Steven Gross- OH GROSS!" and make a face then he would say, "Beth Duncan- not Dunkin' Donuts" and then he got to my name and would say," Andria DeSimone, but not related to Tony," who was a classmate two years ahead of me. Silly things like that I will always remember, but most of all-I received a fantastic education and got to use it in the "real world." RIP Dr. Holt. 

Andria DeSimone NHS '85

Dr Holt had a tremendous impact on my life. He will be in my heart always! Easily my favorite teacher and a true friend!!

A great man, and a fantastic teacher. One of the best. RIP Dr. Holt, you will be missed, but never forgotten. Jim Perry, NHS Class of 1983.

Dr. Holt was an amazing teacher who I have always admired.  He made high school a lot easier for me.  Thank you for everything Dr. Holt.  Class of 1985

Dr. Holt was a great teacher! Always enjoyed his class.  RIP DR. Holt  Needham High School Class of 1986

Dr. Holt made coming to class fun. We have lost one of the good teachers. Needham High Class of 1986

He was the best.  Truly a gifted and giving teacher.  I was so lucky to have him.

Dr. Holt would not tolerate homophobia, and used his caustic humor to put bullies in their place. I've always remembered that.

A great, great teacher.  God rest him well.

You were my FAVORITE teacher!! when we would see you coming we would say "its a nut, its a bolt, its a Ken Holt!"

I used to wrap the original barley lollipops and I had a special green lobster made for you...a 
one of a kind! you loved it----until it melted on your mantle in the summer and then you were NOT HAPPY with me the whole summer as you were scraping it off...sorry...it was made with love!! EVERYONE LOVED YOU! Rest in peace

Dr. Holt made going to class a joy. He also directed the senior play for the Class of 1966 at Needham High. I was a prompter for the play and he brought up in class my running around backstage in my bare feet. I'm happy to hear he had a beautiful place to retire.

I remember Mr. Holt as my history teacher at Needham High School. I didn't know he had a doctorate. That 's very impressive. I hope his family realizes that his students remember him.

My favorite teacher! I have so many wonderful memories! RIP Dr. Holt.

From the very first time we met in 1971, you always made me feel good and filled me with laughs.

Dr Holt was an amazing teacher ! I have amazing memories of our senior class with 'split' lunch .... And that a Heath bar would fix anything ! My sincere condolences on his passing!

A wonderful teacher! So funny! I have fond memories of him from my years at Needham High.

OBITUARY

Kenneth G Holt

November 21, 1928 – December 6, 2014

The Fortin & Pinette Group, Dillingham, Lynch, Plummer & Merrill

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