Donald Douglas Holt

Donald Douglas Holt formerly of Walmersley, Bury and latterly of West End, Oswaldtwistle passed peacefully at home with his family by his side on 16^th February 2021, aged 82. The dearly beloved and devoted husband of 59 years to Beryl, a doting father to his five children Daniel, Jocelyn, Alec, Naomi and Sam, loved father-in-law of Wendy, Karl, Tracy, Mark and Danielle, Loving grandad of – Levi, Lillibel, Finnlay, Oskar, Ginny and Esme, Jade and Meg. Great Grandad of Winnie and Sophia. Also, a loved brother, brother-in-law and uncle. Donald was much loved by all of his extended family and friends.

Donald, the youngest of 10 children, was educated at Bury High School and built up his hard work ethic in the family businesses before joining the army in 1958 becoming the Majors batman. Upon leaving the forces, Donald met his future-wife to be Beryl at the Bury Palais-de-dance halls, later marrying at St. Pauls C of E Church, Bury on 21^st July 1962. Donald’s work ethic again kicked in to ensure his beloved wife and young growing family had all they needed culminating in an eventual family Butchers business of what later became a popular and much-loved cornerstone of the local Bury community. The business was a truly family effort with his wife Beryl and all the older children learning (and earning!) their place within the business with some continuing those careers to date.Donald’s other passion was sport, most notably Cricket. A lifelong member and Chairman of Woodbank Cricket Club, Bury. Such was Donalds passion for the game, the cricket club soon became an extended part of the Holt family. In 1989, Donald and his family retired to West End, Oswaldtwistle for a quieter life as Donald joined the Altham based business, Simon Jersey. Such was Donald’s nature, he quickly became a popular member of staff and worked closely with the owners Robert & Simon Moyle and eventually retired for second time in 2002. During this time Donald’s passion for Cricket again took hold as he quickly became a member of Church & Oswaldtwistle Cricket Club in West End, Oswaldtwistle where for over 30 years, Donald worked tirelessly as a Volunteer, Committee member, Groundsman and eventually as Chairman – helping transform the cricket clubs commercial and sponsorship opportunities, it’s facilities, junior cricket section and enhancing its reputation resulting in the cricket club working closely with England and Lancashire Cricket Boards to ensure Cricket at grassroots level was accessible to thousands of children and schools across Hyndburn through school coaching programmes, forming and chairing the Hyndburn Cricket Development Group and working closely with the Hyndburn Borough Council. Donald’s lasting cricket legacy continues to this day and has continued to enable children to access Cricket for generations to come. Away from Cricket, for what little time was left in the day – Donald was a talented artist and enjoyed drawing and marquetry. He loved to travel with his wife Beryl and spent many hours with his Children, Grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Donald leaves his family bursting with pride, happiness and many memories and are thankful that he shared and gave so generously for so long. Donald was a true gentleman who gave his all and in return was loved and respected by all. He was quite simply, the finest example of community at its best.

Poem for my husband from Beryl;

It’s a good place to be, after all of these years…by your side.

Where I’ve shared all your joys, as well as some tears…by your side.

I’ve found treasures for life, in my dreams coming true…by your side.

And I love all the years I’ve been living with you…by your side.

DONATIONS
The family wish that any donations in Memory of Don are made to the Church & Oswaldtwistle C.C Crowdfunder page to ensure grassroots cricket continues for generations to come, something Don himself was tirelessly passionate about; https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/securing-our-future-churchcc

Further links on Don:

Far from Don and Dusted article: https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/5851523.far-don-dusted/

Lancashire League: Don Holt

http://www.lancashireleague.com/Articles/16/16429.html

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MESSAGES for the family of Donald Douglas Holt

 

Barbara Borrowdale

Although, I never met you Donald your daughter Jocelyn enlightened us with many happy stories of you with your family, it was clear to see the love and pride she held for you, my condolences to all the family.

 

Jason, Paula, Robbie & Dean Nelson

Such a lovely man and his support for cricket will be truly missed. Robbie spent a few years playing for church, he always supported the development of the younger players of which we are grateful. Thinking of you all at this time, may he rest in peace a true gentleman xxx

 

Eileen Clark

To Beryl and Family. Wishing you Strength and peace in your loss. Don was a wonderful person to work with: and a very great boss in his tea room. He will never be forgotten by me. He was just the best.

 

An Old Burmunian

I have a fond memory of dancing with Donald at the Senior Christmas party in the High School Hall in 1954. Always a pleasant, well-mannered lad. Very glad to know that he has had a happy and fulfilling life.