Reverand Hal Holman
Obituaries
Vail Daily page 4 - December 15, 1995
The Rev. Hal A. Holman, well-known and loved by so many people in the Eagle Valley, died Dec. 11 at his home in Duarte, Calif., of complications from diabetes. He was 53.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Presbyterian Parish on Main Street in Minturn.
An advocate for the underdog, Holman served the Presbyterian Parish for nearly a decade, traveling from Avon to Vail, Minturn and Red Cliff.
"He was truly a traveling minister, " said Jackie Higgins, who has known Holman for many years and considered him like a close family member. He spent Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with the Higgins family, performed her marriage and christened three of their four children.
In 1992 he left the Eagle Valley to serve as minister for the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls, S.D. He retired from the ministry a few months ago because of his failing health and relocated to Duarte to be near his family.
"Hal always felt Vail was his home because that's where his heart was, and he was sad to leave the area," Higgins said. "He was such a great guy, and was certainly there for our family when he was needed and for most everyone else I know. Hal was such a caring man with a great sense of humor, and his kindness extended to everyone. He will be missed by all those who loved him and there were many in the Eagle Valley."
Higgins remembers Holman, not only for his big heart, but his wonderful sense of humor and booming voice.
"Hal was proud of his strong speaking and singing voice." Higgins added. " My father loved to attend Hal's services because he could hear the sermon without using his hearing aid. No one ever feel asleep during his services."
Holman was active in the Vail/Eagle Valley Rotary Club and the Eagle River Cleanup Committee. He was a member of the Eagle County Child Protection Team and was leader in helping establish the local Salvation Army into the strong force it has become today.
"He was always involved in the Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets," said Tsu Wolin-Brown, who values the opportunity she and her family had in knowing and working with Holman. "He was one of the most loving, giving, caring and incredibly generous human beings I've ever known. He helped so many families in need in this area. It's ironic that he died during the season he loved the most."
Wolin-Brown laughed as she remembered Holman teasing her about what the Salvation Army major might say if he knew how many Jews and agnostics were members of the local Salvation Army board. Holman bridged all faiths when it came to helping those in need.
"Hal was always at the hospital visiting people who were sick," Higgins said. "It didn't matter what faith they were, he was always there."
Holman was opinionated and fought for society's underdog. A lifelong Democrat, he was a critic of bureaucracy, Higgins said. In a Christmas letter Higgins received from Holman a week ago, he spoke out about Newt Gingrich and Medicaid cuts.
Holman returned to Vail 18 months ago at the request of Charlie and JoAnn Moore to perform their marriage ceremony.
"We wanted Hal to marry us, because we had known him for so many years and attended the Presbyterian Church he began in the Avon Council Chambers. " He's a dear friend and spiritual leader. We were both deeply saddened to hear of his death. He had so many friends here who will miss him."
Dolores Gonzalez of Minturn, who worked for Holman for several years, echoed those sentiments.
"Hal was a great human being and so special to our family." Gonzales said. "He was one of my best friends, one of the most wonderful people I know. He'd give the shirt off his back if someone needed it. This was his home, his life and where he wanted to live."
Holman was born on Feb. 19, 1942, in New London, Connecticut to Harry and Martha Holman. He graduated from the Union Theological Seminary in New York City and remained in New York for several years, where he worked with numerous community service agencies, including outreach work in Harlem.
He is survived by his mother, Martha, of Upland, Calif.; sisters Sara Bowen of Upland and Sally Swearingen of Vidal, Ore.; and three nephews. His father, Harry, died in 1994. Holman's beloved dogs, Bart and Teddy, are in Upland with his sister Sara.
The family request that donations be made in Holman's memory to the Diabetes Association or the local Salvation Army, Box 2931, Avon, CO 81620.
