Richard F. Holden was born on Aug. 13, 1929 and grew up near Custer. Richard was trampled by a cow when he was 10 years old and he was not expected to live, but neighbors prayed into the night and God answered their prayers. He graduated from Ferndale High School in 1947. In 1952 Richard married Berdell, his wife of 58 years.
He leaves two daughters, Cheryl (Andy Yost) and Maureen (Steve Balvanz); one son, Forest (Carol); 17 grandchildren and four great-grandsons.
Dick was a hard worker, spending most of his career in the woods. He had an innate mechanical savvy and was a skilled operator of heavy equipment. After retiring, Dick did custom cat and backhoe work and custom haying, and he became active in the Cattlemen’s Association. Doing their rounds of barbecued beef became an enjoyed specialty. Daily Bible reading was a priority for Dick, and he attended Spring Creek Bible Church (formerly Silver Beach Community Church) for 41 years. He suffered a brain bleed and stroke in 2004, then a fall from the barn loft onto cement floor on his head in 2008, but God graciously restored his health both times, including the ability to swallow again after 10 months of throat paralysis. Dick was truly a recipient of God’s loving kindness.
He was at his home of 63 years when he quietly entered eternity on June 14, 2017.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 8, in Spring Creek Bible Church, Bellingham.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials may be made to the Light House Mission or the Whatcom County Pregnancy Clinic.
Arrangements are entrusted to Moles Funeral Home of Ferndale.
