William R. “Bill” Holden, Jr., passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2015. Bill was born on September 4, 1963 in Missoula to William R., Sr. and Vera M. Holden. Bill grew up in Missoula attending Franklin, Target Range and Hellgate High School.
Bill loved the forests. During his early childhood he rode with his dad and/or grandfather while logging. As a sixth-generation Bitterroot/Missoula logger, he is the namesake for both as William Holden. Bill was known by his many friends as Billy, Bill and “H”. At age seventeen Bill bought his first logging truck, a two ton short truck. He hired his cousins and friends as his crew to work the Blackfoot, Lubrecht, Potomac, Lewistown and Bitterroot areas. He also worked as far away as Colorado and Wyoming. People took notice of his concerns for a healthy forest environment, proven in his park-like effects. His clean work was recognized in television and newspaper coverage throughout Montana. It was said that Bill Holden’s goal in life was not to get rich, but it would be nice to be able to purchase newer equipment.
In 2011, Bill was diagnosed with cancer. For over three years he fought a most courageous battle, never giving in to the “Big C”. The love of his life, wife Debbie, was by his side every step of the way.
Bill was preceded in death by his father William R. Holden, Sr., his paternal grandparents William W. and Ida A. (Manning) Holden and his maternal grandparents Oliver E. Hamar of Chadron, NE and Florence M. Bonge of Vancouver, WA.
Bill is survived by his wife Debbie of Missoula, son Austin of Eugene, OR and daughter Juleah of Helena. He is also survived by his mother Vera of Missoula, brothers Brad Holden (Leslie) of Canby, OR and Bobby Shepard (Bonnie) of Frenchtown, sisters Lonnie McKay (Don) of Polson and Loris “Shine” Richardson (Ross) of Evaro, nephews Brennan and Conner Holden, Shawn and BJ McKay and Shane Braun, nieces Nakia Zagorski and Lander Martin, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.
Details of a celebration and tribute of Bill’s life are pending and will be announced.