Obituary for John Shepard Holt
LAMOINE - John Shepard Holt died unexpectedly on July 8, 2023, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his wife and children.
John was born in Lewiston, the son of Rev. Ellis “Sam” and Virginia “Gin” (Powell) Holt. He grew up in Auburn, Pittsfield, MA, and Waterville, spending his summers with his family in Lamoine—his favorite place in the world. He graduated from Bates College and Andover Newton Theological School in Newton, MA. Ordained in 1972, he served American Baptist Churches in Islesboro, Damariscotta, Portland, and Burlington, VT. He served United Church of Christ congregations in Cabot, VT, and Hancock, retiring in 2011. John returned to Lamoine to live full-time in 2004.
John was an integral member of the Lamoine Planning Board for 15 years, serving as Chair for the past 13, ending his tenure on June 30, 2023. He was Treasurer of the Cold Spring Water Company in Lamoine for many years.
John loved working on his property in Lamoine, caring for century-old apple trees, tending multiple vegetable gardens and flowers, and growing proper southern tomatoes and melons (and lots of basil) in the greenhouse for his beloved wife. He was an avid backyard birder, and to many in the community he was “The Bluebird Man.” He was fit and active, taking daily walks and lifting weights. He loved snow shoeing and hiking in Acadia, his most recent excursion taking place just six weeks ago on the occasion of his 76th birthday. John was passionate about genealogy, both of his family and others’. His genealogical skills were exemplary, and he loved helping folks find their ancestors and make family connections.
John is survived by his wife Joyce Cornwell, his sons Nathan of Hancock and Stephen of Albany, NY, his daughter Dulari of Sullivan, seven wonderful grandchildren, brothers Jordan of Framingham, MA, Bill of Cape Elizabeth, Nick of San Antonio, TX and Lamoine, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A graveside service will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery in Lamoine on Sunday, August 13, at 4:00 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Alison Boden presiding. A reception will be held in the Lamoine Baptist Church fellowship hall immediately afterward.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the Union Congregational Church of Hancock UCC, PO Box 443, Hancock, ME 04640 Or Visit Their Website Here
Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St. Ellsworth 04605.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.jordanfernald.com
John was born in Lewiston, the son of Rev. Ellis “Sam” and Virginia “Gin” (Powell) Holt. He grew up in Auburn, Pittsfield, MA, and Waterville, spending his summers with his family in Lamoine—his favorite place in the world. He graduated from Bates College and Andover Newton Theological School in Newton, MA. Ordained in 1972, he served American Baptist Churches in Islesboro, Damariscotta, Portland, and Burlington, VT. He served United Church of Christ congregations in Cabot, VT, and Hancock, retiring in 2011. John returned to Lamoine to live full-time in 2004.
John was an integral member of the Lamoine Planning Board for 15 years, serving as Chair for the past 13, ending his tenure on June 30, 2023. He was Treasurer of the Cold Spring Water Company in Lamoine for many years.
John loved working on his property in Lamoine, caring for century-old apple trees, tending multiple vegetable gardens and flowers, and growing proper southern tomatoes and melons (and lots of basil) in the greenhouse for his beloved wife. He was an avid backyard birder, and to many in the community he was “The Bluebird Man.” He was fit and active, taking daily walks and lifting weights. He loved snow shoeing and hiking in Acadia, his most recent excursion taking place just six weeks ago on the occasion of his 76th birthday. John was passionate about genealogy, both of his family and others’. His genealogical skills were exemplary, and he loved helping folks find their ancestors and make family connections.
John is survived by his wife Joyce Cornwell, his sons Nathan of Hancock and Stephen of Albany, NY, his daughter Dulari of Sullivan, seven wonderful grandchildren, brothers Jordan of Framingham, MA, Bill of Cape Elizabeth, Nick of San Antonio, TX and Lamoine, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A graveside service will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery in Lamoine on Sunday, August 13, at 4:00 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Alison Boden presiding. A reception will be held in the Lamoine Baptist Church fellowship hall immediately afterward.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the Union Congregational Church of Hancock UCC, PO Box 443, Hancock, ME 04640 Or Visit Their Website Here
Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St. Ellsworth 04605.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.jordanfernald.com