Tuesday, November 4, 2008

In Memory of Dad


Rand C. Holding "Papa" Our Papa passed away October 31, 2008 on Halloween morning. Randy was born September 21, 1947 to Elbert and Berniece Holding. He was the fifth of 10 children. Randy grew up in the avenues and attended East High School. There he met and fell in love with his best friend and soul mate, Karen L. Joyner. After high school Randy enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in Vietnam as a dog handler in the Canine Unit with his German shepherd Eric. After returning home from the war, he married Karen on June 24, 1967 and together they raised three beautiful daughters. Randy remained a devoted husband and father up to the very last moments of his life. He enjoyed traveling, both for business and for pleasure. He loved the outdoors, spending many summer weekends golfing and traveling with family in the R.V. He loved to cheer on the Chicago Bears and Utah Jazz. But his biggest love was that of his grandchildren. He adored them, as much as they did him. He was employed at Edwards Lifesciences as a Senior Systems Analyst. Randy's passing was both expected and yet sudden. He has many family members and friends who were touched by his life and saddened by his passing. Survived by his wife of 41 years, daughters: Stephanie (Will) Sweatfield, Tannia (Jared) Webber, and Cynthia (Christopher) Perkins. Grandchildren: Jodi, Andy, Shawn, Taylor, Ashley, Colby, Autumn, Spencer, Ethan, Haylee and Anna. Siblings: Claudia, Merrilee, Kim, Farrell, Brent, Blair, Marty. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Kirk and sister Carolyn. The family would like to thank the staff at Intermountain Medical Center for their care and compassion during the final weeks of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Foundation or the American Kidney Foundation