HOLDEN, Michael “Mike” Raymond
September 3, 1951 - January 5, 2016
Michael Raymond Holden (Mike) died peacefully in Foothills Hospital on January 5, 2016 in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 64 after a brief battle with cancer. Mike is survived by his wife, Patricia Holden; children, Trevor (Michelle) Holden and Christine (Mark) Jakubowsky; grandchildren Brandon and Aiden Holden and Jay and Stevy Jakubowsky; siblings, Reg (Barbara) Holden - Richmond, B.C., Janet (Frank) Rozsa - Calgary, AB, Robert (Wendy) Holden - Kelowna, B.C., and Wendy (Frank) Faubert - London, ON. He is predeceased by his parents Sylvia Holden (1997) and Reg Holden (2005). Mike was born on September 3, 1951 in Worthing, Sussex County, England to Reg and Sylvia Holden. He came to Canada at a young age and settled with his family in Calgary, AB. where he graduated from Lord Beaverbrook High School. Mike was happiest working in jobs that made great use of his mathematical mind. He was often referred to as “the numbers guy” and even “a human calculator”. After working in banks and various other “numbers” jobs, he moved to Drumheller and married Pat on October 27, 1973. They welcomed two children into their home and eventually two grandchildren, followed by two step-grandchildren. Mike’s family remembers him as a kind, patient and gentle man who encouraged them to pursue their goals. Mike was somewhat of a perfectionist and this was evident in the way he and Pat kept their yard. Many a sunny Saturday morning would see him in the yard mowing, edging, watering, and digging those pesky dandelions....Mike loved his yard and enjoyed taking great care of it with Pat. He was a generous and patient man who loved to spend time with his family, especially hosting backyard BBQ’s! A funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at the Badlands Community Facility with Mr. Harold Hunter officiating. Arrangements entrusted to Courtney-Winters Funeral Home. Memorial donations can be made to the Drumheller Cancer Clinic or S.T.A.R.S. The family would like to thank Dr. Kushke and the staff at the Drumheller Hospital, the Dr’s and staff of Unit 61 at Foothills Hospital and staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Center for their kindness and care.
