Doctor Richard Carlyle Holden passed away on June 17, 2021 of natural causes. Richard was born on June 26, 1929 in Glendale, California to George and Helen Crawley Holden.
Richard was a loving husband to M. Yvonne Brede’e Holden for 67 years. He was the father, hero and champion to eight children. He was the doting grandfather to 32 children and 21 great-grandchildren. Richard was a people-person – his effervescent personality and mega-watt smile endeared him to all earning him many life-long friends.
He matriculated with a Doctorate in Dental Surgery from Loyola Dental School in Chicago, IL. His first specialty was Prosthetics. He attended UCLA where he earned his second specialty in Maxillofacial-Prosthetics.
He enlisted as an officer in the US Army serving around the world and including a tour to Vietnam where he earned a Bronze Star for his valiant service in a war zone. In addition to military men serving in Vietnam, he risked much to assist civilians in the jungle, prisoners of war and even the Chinese Ambassador.
He was a faithful life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was called to serve as a full-time Missionary in Germany where he developed a love for the German people, their culture, language and heritage. He dedicated countless hours to church service, so great was his love for the Lord and fellowman.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Yvonne Holden, his eight children and their spouses and grandchildren. His dear sister Judith Ann Holden Kuchler and her family as well as his sister-in-law Joyce and her children.
His wit, sincere love and presence will be dearly missed but in complete faith we look forward to a glorious reunion.
Lamont Carr
26 Jun 2021I loved Dick as if he were my brother. He will be sorely missed.
Kristina Holden Evans
1 Jul 2021Love to you, Uncle Bud. Thank you for your condolences and of course you would remember him on what would be his birthday! Thank you for coming to my father’s funeral and memorial services. Your tribute to him will forever be remembered by my mother and our family. You were a lifelong friend that became his brother and our loving Uncle. We love you.
Hope to see you in Nuevo!
Kristina
Paul Todd
26 Apr 2023The Spirit brought Bishop Holden’s name to my mind today, as I reminisced about some of my old military friends when I was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, back in the mid to late 70s. He was a good friend, mentor and spiritual advisor. I have missed him very much and look forward to meeting him on the other side of the veil someday soon. My belated condolences to his family.