He was born in Panama in the Canal Zone where his father was a tugboat captain who pulled ships through the canal locks. Although given the birthname Fernie after his paternal grandfather, he was called “George” his entire life.
George left Panama as a teenager and attended school in Indiana at Culver Military Academy. An avid athlete, he played football in high school and later at Long Beach City College in California and North Central College in Illinois. At the age of 20, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he continued to play football. His service in the U.S. Marine Corps was a tremendous source of pride, and he often donned one of his prized USMC caps for the rest of his life.
In 1960 George went to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for spring break where he met the love of his life, Susan Carlson. The two were married on August 18, 1962 in Chicago. They made several moves during the early years of their marriage, from the Midwest to Arizona to California where they eventually settled. George received his Master’s Degree in Kinesiology from San Jose State and spent many years as a high school football coach and teacher. Coach Holt was tough, but he loved his players and they knew it.
George and Sue enjoyed 58 years of adventures during their marriage…from cruises and camping to family reunions and Veteran’s Day celebrations with his beloved Sons of the American Revolution. Together they built a life they loved. He spent many years researching his family’s genealogy and wrote several short stories based on his ancestors’ lives. He enjoyed being the life of every party and, as his grandkids will say, he never met a dog he didn’t love.
George loved his Cubs and his Bears but eventually became a big Los Angeles Angels fan as well. He remained a sports fanatic his entire life and spent many days cheering on his grandkids in the gym and on the ball field…more than once getting a warning from the umpire for his enthusiasm. He was known for his wild stories (some were true), his (occasionally questionable) jokes and his deep baritone voice. He loved his kids and grandchildren immensely but his wife, Sue, was the light of his life.
George is survived by his wife, Susan, his children Laurie Ender (Chris,) Jeffrey Holt (Jessica,) and Steven Holt, his grandchildren Jason Ender (Alivia,) Griffin Ender (Sierra,) Davis Ender, Garrett Holt and Lauren Holt, his sister Ruth Holt St. John (Richard,) and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lee Holt and Adele Holt Young, and his brother Richard Holt.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider making a donation to Valencia United Methodist Church.
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