Rich John Holley

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Rich John Holley passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at his home from natural causes. He is now with his sweetheart, Beth.

Rich was born April 28, 1924 in Ogden, Utah to Eliza Edith Rich and John Amos Holley. Rich lived in Slaterville (north-west area of Ogden) for most of his life. He was the first boy in a family of 11 children. Rich did not complete high school, returning to the farm to allow his older sister to continue in school. Subsequently he worked hard all of his life.

Rich married Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Crandall on May 25, 1974. They were sealed in the Ogden LDS Temple on May 25, 1976. Beth had five children and numerous grandchildren who immediately were endeared to Rich for his gentle and happy nature. He began being "Grandpa Rich" to all, and was honored by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even several great-great-grandchildren throughout the remainder of his life. At family gatherings he could often be found visiting and laughing with the smallest members.

Rich was employed as a maintenance worker for the Ogden Defense Depot for 26 years, retiring with many awards which included an award for never taking sick leave. He loved to farm and garden, treasuring his "tractor" that Beth purchased for him. Very active, Rich walked or biked as a mode of local travel for all of his life. He and Beth traveled throughout the U.S. and even in Europe during their marriage. They loved to visit family and scenic destinations using trains, planes, and the car.

Mostly, Rich loved family and meeting new people. Everyone was a friend. Often during family trips, family members would come to breakfast and hear about new friends Rich made when walking to the closest convenience store for a muffin or donut. During his last years, he loved to attend the local senior center with his brother Ray or visit the local cafAC. for a bowl of soupa€"both activities centered around visiting with people he knew and cared about.

Rich is survived by six siblings: Fern Wimmer, Melba Wahlen, Raymond Holley, Carl Holley, Colleen Moran, and Lee Holley. He is also survived by five children: Martin Wayne Pinnock (Lucinda), Patricia Anne Craythorn (Lynn), Glen Ellsworth Pinnock (Kathy), Donald James Pinnock (Carolyn), and Karol Payne (Gary), as well as 20 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren (one on the way and one deceased), and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Rich was preceded in death by his wife Beth Holley, his parents Eliza and John Holley, and by siblings: Norma Elliot, Reta Amon, Rayola Holley, and Lawana Dallinga.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 22nd at 11a.m. at Lindquist''s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South.

The family will meet with friends from 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the mortuary.

Rich will be laid to rest in the Syracuse Cemetery next to his dear wife.