With great sadness, we announce the sudden passing of Jack Morris Holt, beloved husband of Rita Holt, on Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Cardston, Alberta, at the age of 86.
Jack was raised in Raymond, Alberta, the oldest child of Morris and Helen Scoville Holt. It was there among his extended family and friends that he began to develop his talents and interests - gardening in the family plot, hiking and camping with the Scouts, singing with school friends and doing construction on the family home.
After serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South Africa, Jack returned to the University of Alberta where he met his lifelong love, Rita Ackroyd. They sang together in the U of A Mixed Chorus, Calgary Philharmonic Chorus, Handel's Messiah and for many weddings, funerals and other events over the years.
Upon graduating from the U of A, Jack taught chemistry and physics and was principal at several Calgary high schools. In 1977 he took a one year sabbatical and the family moved to Norwich, England where he earned his MEd with a focus on Innovation in Education. It was an unforgettable adventure for all.
Following his retirement, Jack and Rita were able to travel extensively and loved spending time in faraway places with wonderful friends and family. They also dedicated several years serving the Lord full-time on missions in Mongolia and Nauvoo and in temple presidencies in Cardston and Edmonton. He served as a temple sealer for the past 20 years and his greatest joy was to be there with his family officiating in the marriages of his grandchildren.
Jack is survived by his loving wife, Rita, their four children Suzanne Vance (Eldon), Michael Holt (Melanie), Cynthia Steed (Wesley), and Lisa Comin (Jason), 27 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, as well as his siblings Necia Sangray, Doug Holt, Kathleen Stitt, and Marilyn Price. He has been reunited with his parents and siblings Judith, Joan and Roger Holt, who predeceased him.
Friends may meet the family at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Wednesday, March 15 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm or on Thursday from 10:00 - 10:45 am prior to the service. The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cardston Alberta Stake Centre, (338 5th Ave. E., Cardston, AB), on Thursday, March 16, at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow in the Cardston Cemetery.
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Jack was raised in Raymond, Alberta, the oldest child of Morris and Helen Scoville Holt. It was there among his extended family and friends that he began to develop his talents and interests - gardening in the family plot, hiking and camping with the Scouts, singing with school friends and doing construction on the family home.
After serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South Africa, Jack returned to the University of Alberta where he met his lifelong love, Rita Ackroyd. They sang together in the U of A Mixed Chorus, Calgary Philharmonic Chorus, Handel's Messiah and for many weddings, funerals and other events over the years.
Upon graduating from the U of A, Jack taught chemistry and physics and was principal at several Calgary high schools. In 1977 he took a one year sabbatical and the family moved to Norwich, England where he earned his MEd with a focus on Innovation in Education. It was an unforgettable adventure for all.
Following his retirement, Jack and Rita were able to travel extensively and loved spending time in faraway places with wonderful friends and family. They also dedicated several years serving the Lord full-time on missions in Mongolia and Nauvoo and in temple presidencies in Cardston and Edmonton. He served as a temple sealer for the past 20 years and his greatest joy was to be there with his family officiating in the marriages of his grandchildren.
Jack is survived by his loving wife, Rita, their four children Suzanne Vance (Eldon), Michael Holt (Melanie), Cynthia Steed (Wesley), and Lisa Comin (Jason), 27 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, as well as his siblings Necia Sangray, Doug Holt, Kathleen Stitt, and Marilyn Price. He has been reunited with his parents and siblings Judith, Joan and Roger Holt, who predeceased him.
Friends may meet the family at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Wednesday, March 15 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm or on Thursday from 10:00 - 10:45 am prior to the service. The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cardston Alberta Stake Centre, (338 5th Ave. E., Cardston, AB), on Thursday, March 16, at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow in the Cardston Cemetery.
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