Peter Adrian Holm

Pete Holm, age 89, loving brother, father, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather, ardent animal lover, and an all-around good guy, passed away at his home in Santa Clarita, California, on Tuesday, February 13th, 2024.

Pete was born in San Francisco, California, to parents Thorstein Jensen Holm (1894-1948, born in Oslo, Norway) and Edna Cecilia (nee Horan) Holm (1899-1981, born in Stockton, California). He was the fourth of their six children. He was preceded in death by older brothers Andy (Andrew Jensen Holm, 1928-2009) and Baby John (1930). He is survived by his 2 sisters, Gay Holm and Carla Holm, and his younger brother, Jeff Holm. He was also preceded in death by brother-in-law and life-long friend, Dale Scott Doty (1936-2017), and sister-in-law, Gwenn Raye (nee Anthony) Doty (1938-1997). He is survived by sisters-in-law Paula Holm, Maureen West and Judy Doty.

Pete grew up with his four siblings in their family home at 721 Teresita Boulevard (located in Zone 12) in San Francisco. He attended Miraloma Elementary School, Sunnyside Elementary School, Aptos Junior High School and Abraham Lincoln High School.

Pete was married to Donna (Donna Luella Doty/Holm/Bartlett, 1943-2002) from 1961 to 1987 and with whom he had three children. He is survived by: all three of his children, Carla Hunt-Smallwood (Mike Smallwood), Shannon Froese (Kyle) and Dan Holm (Cathy); all six of his grandchildren, Tara Smallwood (Scott Baker), Gary Hunt (Melissa), Andy Parr (Larissa), Rachel Smallwood (Connor McGill), Stephen Holm (Melanie Canning) and Allison Holm; and, all thirteen of his great grandchildren, Michael, Owen, Nathan, Holden, Henley, Spencer, Colin, Hawk, EJ, Rossen, Gunner, Walker and Bear.

Pete was preceded in death by two nephews, Jeff Doty (1960-2019) and Greg Doty (1963-1982),

and is survived by thirteen nieces and nephews, Christine Conrad (John), Kelly Banks (Fred), Tom Doty (Ulla), Dave Doty (Margaret), Tiare Holm (Tino Faatuuala), Kathryn Ayers, Albert Holm (Jeanne), Mike Holm (Tiare), Kate Cravea (Steve), Mark Holm (Cheryl), Tarita Holm (Pierre Besebes), Mary Farris (Jeremy) and Rachael Holm.

Pete was known for his strong work ethic. He started young with a paper route (with help from his sister, Carla). In his early career, Pete worked in the film industry: first at various theaters in both the Bay Area and Greater Los Angeles area, managing several of them; and, then as a film booker (Los Angeles and Kansas City). Later, he was self-employed as the owner of Star Car Wash (Los Angeles, 1977-1986) and then as a real estate agent of Century 21 (Central Point and Medford, Oregon, 1987-2009). During his long life, he was a resident of: San Francisco, CA; Granada Hills, CA; Simi Valley, CA; Overland Park, KS; Valencia, CA; Eagle Point, OR; Medford, OR; and, Santa Clarita, CA.

Pete was also known for his love of animals – especially dogs and fish – and for always helping those in need (humans and animals alike). Boxers were his favorite breed of dogs; he had at least one throughout most of his adult life. As a self-proclaimed “child of the Great Depression,” he was always very frugal with his spending but incredibly generous when it came to supporting the less fortunate children of the world as well as various animal shelters and other animal-defending organizations. He also enjoyed getting to know his neighbors while walking his many dogs. He was preceded in death by many, many beloved pets and is survived by his boxer-mix Joy, who now lives with Pete’s son Dan.

Pete remained a firm believer in Christianity until his death. He especially loved The Lord’s Prayer, which he took solace in reciting during the tougher times of his life. His home was always open to family, friends and acquaintances needing a place to stay as well as animals in need of shelter. He truly was one of the good guys.

We celebrate his long and full life and are going to miss him so much. He is forever in our hearts.