Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1990
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
John Holden Obituary
HOLDEN/JEFFERSON - John "Jack" T. Holden, 26, of Jefferson, passed away while hiking in Lincoln, New Hampshire on Saturday, December 24, 2016. Jack was the youngest son of Ed and Sally (Rautenberg) Holden of Jefferson.
Besides his parents, Jack will be affectionately missed and remembered by his older sister, Kate Jensen and her husband, Andrew; his older brother, Seth; two nephews and a niece, all of Jefferson.
He graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 2008. He played the violin in the WRSD ensembles from 6th grade through high school. He was an avid Boy Scout having earned the high honor of Eagle Scout when he was 17. He was a passionate soccer player and played many years with the Holden Youth Soccer program. He later played goalie for an adult league and referee on the weekends.
He attended the Isenberg School of Business at UMass Amherst and graduated in 2012 with high honors. His college years included one full semester at Oxford University in England and 72 days with the National Outdoor Leadership Training in the Yukon.
Jack had recently been accepted into a graduate program at Fitchburg State University and had hopes of earning his licensure in Elementary Education. He would have become an outstanding teacher.
His true love of the great outdoors was exemplified with his many mountain hikes. He had a goal to climb the highest peak in all 50 states and had already achieved 9 of these. In 2011, Jack completed the 96 mile West Highland Way trail which is considered to be Scotland's premiere long distance hiking trail. He loved young children, especially his nephews and niece and adored all the family dogs throughout the years, particularly the present rescue dog, Rocky. He had a full heart, filled with love for his fellow man and all the great wonders of the world.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Jack's family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 30, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A funeral service honoring his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 31, in St. Francis Episcopal Church, 70 Highland St., Holden. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations may be made to the NH Fish & Game Search & Rescue, checks payable to NHFGSAR Account, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301 or to the Appalachian Mountain Club, payable to AMC, 5 Joy St., Boston, MA 02108. To share a memory or leave an online condolence, please visit
www.milesfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Holden
Sponsored by Jack Holden.
May 29, 2017
So sorry about jack, just heard from Helmi how he passed away.
Joan and Peter Geissler
Myra MacLeod
January 3, 2017
Dear Sally and Ed and the family, My heart is broken upon hearing the news. Please call on me for anything. May love and time ease your pain. I will hold memories of Jack and his violin close to my soul forever.
Kevin Dulude
January 1, 2017
Sally and Ed, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. He sounds like a wonderful young man and I'm sure he's watching over you now from Heaven. I'll say extra prayers for you and your family that God will help you through this difficult time. Much Love, Kevin
Harry Hart
January 1, 2017
Ed, Sally I am so sorry to hear about Jack. I can still remember bringing Dan over for scouts and the fun times the boys had together. Again I am so sorry for your loss
Traci Trudell (Goodney)
January 1, 2017
Dear Sally and Ed and family, my heart goes out to your family on the sudden loss of your son Jack. There is no greater loss than that of a child. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. Keep his memories close as they will help with the healing. Those memories are wonderful ones. God Bless.
December 31, 2016
Sally, Ed, Katy, and Seth,
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved Jack. As you have watched over Jack for 26 years he now Watches Over You.
We love you and are here for you.
Love Bettyann, Francis, and family.
Tina (Palumbo) Durand
December 30, 2016
Dear Mrs. Holden and family,
You were my music teacher at Julia Bancroft School, and I can honestly say that my warmest memories of that time period are of singing on stage, with you guiding and encouraging me. Jack sounds like a such a talented and warm young man; undoubtedly, he touched those around him in very special ways. My deepest condolences- you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
John Schaper
December 30, 2016
Dear Holden Family,
We were very sorry to learn of the loss of Jack. I (John) really enjoyed having him in class. He was truly a wonderful person. He was a joyful referee in town soccer games and a great role model for our children and so many other children in town. Our hearts are heavy for you and we will keep you all in our prayers.
Affectionately,
John and Beth Schaper
Susanne Blatt
December 30, 2016
Dear Sally,
Words fail at a time like this. We share your sadness and truly hope and pray that the fond memories that you have of Jack will give you strength and comfort as you mourn his passing. Our thoughts are with you and your whole family.
Fondly,
Sue and Les Blatt
Sharom Hughes
December 30, 2016
Sally, Words cannot express the sorrow that you and your family must be enduring. All my thoughts and prayers are with you all as you remember Jack's beautiful life, spirit, and his immense love of nature & family. "Those who live in our hearts forever, shall never die."
Heidi (Lukas) Baj
December 30, 2016
May God bless the Holden family and help them find peace in this troubled time. I grew up with Mrs. Holden as a music teacher in West Boylston and she has made a huge impact in my life. I am so sorry for your loss.
Ken and Betty Strom
December 30, 2016
We are so sorry for your loss. We remember Jack as a great Boy Scout. He was always so kind and helpful. We are keeping you close in our thoughts.
Liz and Jim Barys
December 30, 2016
Dear Sally, Ed, Kate and Seth, This is so sad, we send our deepest sympathies. Haven't seen you for years, but remember a happy, full of life Jack. His obituary tells us how he grew into a wonderful young man, too young to leave this world.
Jennifer Sinclair
December 30, 2016
I did not know Jack, but I am devastated by his death. I feel so bad for this family and for him. I wish I was there to help him when he needed it.
December 29, 2016
I did not know your son Jack but he shared the same outdoor adventurous spirit of the outdoors as my son in CO. Please know that you and your family are in our hearts And prayers during this most difficult time ...
Reading the newspaper and the news he sounded like the perfect and kind son anyone could ask for .. just know that you raised a fine young responsible son who unfortunately died what he loved doing .
So so sorry for your loss. A vermont mom and dad
Judith Berlane
December 29, 2016
Dear Sally,
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family on the shocking loss of your young son. We offer our prayers and loving emotional support to you & your family. We
hope that in time you all will be able to find peace in your hearts. If you need anything, please feel free to call or email.
With love,
Judy & Stan Berlane
A momma from
December 29, 2016
Although we don't know each other, my heart is broken for your loss. Jack sounds like an amazing young man. May God comfort each of you.
Lois DuFries/Ginsburg
December 29, 2016
Dear Sally and family, My heart and prayers are with you at this very sad time. May you somehow find the strength to get through this very sad time.
Tina Avery
December 29, 2016
Dear Sally and family -
Sending our very deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your sweet son Jack. It is an unimaginable tragedy. Please know we are keeping you close in thought and prayer.
The Avery Family
Beryl Turner
December 29, 2016
Dear Sarah,
We are incredibly sorry for your tragic loss.
The Turner family send your family sincere condolences at this sad time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Beryl
Erika Austin
December 29, 2016
Sending my deepest condolences to Jack's family. It does not surprise me to read that he wanted to be a teacher. I worked with Jack in the summer at the JCC and the kids loved him. He will be dearly missed by all.
Jennifer Blake
December 29, 2016
I am so sorry for your family's loss... you are all in my thoughts and prayers...
December 29, 2016
Sally and Ed
So very sorry to hear of your great loss. Our prayers and thoughts are you.
Jack and Pauline McCormick
Howie Gelles
December 29, 2016
Grief beyond Grief. Seeing one go through his Teen years, it tears my heart apart on this tragedy.
Amy Campbell
December 28, 2016
Sally and Ed,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Campbell Family
Marcia Gusha
December 28, 2016
Dear Sally, Ed, Kate and Seth-
I am so sorry to learn of Jacks passing. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers in these difficult days ahead.
Sincerely
a long ago friend--
Marcia Gusha
Michael Gallagher
December 28, 2016
I did not know Jack but we shared the same adventuresome spirit. My sincere condolences.
~A Mom & Dad~
December 28, 2016
Although we do not know your son, our hearts ache for you. Jack sounded like he was an amazing person. Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
A Mom
December 28, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Tom and Marie Caruso
December 28, 2016
Sally and Ed, please know that you are in our thoughts. There really are no words to express our sympathy.
Tom and Marie Caruso
Every Parent ~
December 28, 2016
While the loss of a loved one is never easy, even when anticipated, it is most certainly the hardest when they are taken from us too soon. Your recent loss of your beloved Jack whose tragic death at such a youthful age is definitely in the category of those hard losses.
We ask for God's blessings on your family. May you find the courage and strength to move forward in peace and confidence by remembering you do not walk alone.
In deepest sympathy.
Brian Tivnan
December 28, 2016
Dear Sally and ED, I am so sorry for your troubles. My heart goes out to you. Brian Tivnan
December 27, 2016
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
-A Mother
A Mother
December 27, 2016
May he rest in peace.
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Make a Donation
in John Holden's name
Memorial Events
for John Holden
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Holden's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
