Richard B. Holden Jr. ’49 died on November 14, 2016, in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

(The following was published in the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, November 18, 2016:)

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – Richard B. Holden, Jr. (Dick), 91, formerly of Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth, passed away in Pembroke Pines, Fla at the Alexander Nininger Veterans Nursing Home where he was a resident since November of 2012. The veterans’ home provided Richard with special and compassionate care along with many other surviving World War II men.
Richard was born on August 18, 1925, in Malden, Mass. to Richard and Jeanne Holden, and was the older brother to Carol Holden Sangster. Richard moved to Cape Elizabeth with his parents during the Great Depression. Richard’s parents were searching for work with their young family. They became lifelong residents enrolling Richard and Carol in the Cape Elizabeth school system. Richard was an excellent student and athlete in high school and is credited for scoring the first goal for the Cape soccer team. Dick enjoyed life on the Cape shore, lobstering at a young age and taking many part time jobs, which ignited his independent spirit and fierce determination. After graduating from high school, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, attending Navigation School and later serving in World War II. Following his military duty, Richard attended Bowdoin College and was a member of the football team and Deke Fraternity. He completed all requirements in three years and graduated in 1949.
Richard began his insurance career in 1955, earning his Charter Life Underwriter Designation and working as an agent for Minnesota Mutual before founding the Holden Agency in Portland in 1963. Dick’s first employee was his mother whom he said was always very busy typing and working the phones. His diligent work ethic established a reputation that the Holden Agency was the place to buy insurance. Dick spent his career helping others and giving back to the community. He always took time to listen and speak with others to best serve them.
In his spare time, Dick was very active in the community and served as president of the South Portland / Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club. He was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellowship recipient. He particularly enjoyed the Annual Christmas Tree Event at Millcreek Park where he met and gathered with his many friends. He also enjoyed many activities including golf at Purpoodock, boating on Casco Bay and having lunch at Dimillos with his buddies. Dick spent many weekends skiing at Sunday River with his children and cherished family time. He was proud of his children’s accomplishments and their roles in starting and operating many successful business ventures in Maine. He was particularly proud of his grandchildren’s accomplishments.
Richard was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret Whitmore Holden and survived by his second wife of 33 years, Maureen McBride Holden of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He is also survived by his six children: Richard Holden III and his wife Carmela of Portland, grandchildren Lindsay and Tyler; Jeffery Holden and his wife Donna Lu of Cape Elizabeth, grandchildren Luke, Bryan and Mike; Peter Holden of South Portland; Thomas Holden and Mary Quimby of Gorham, grandchildren Ben and Elizabeth; Holly Benoit and her husband John of Scarborough, grandchildren Matt, Greg and Margaret; Heidi Haskell and her husband Ron of Saco, grandchildren Andrew, Jayson and Shawn. Dick is also survived by two stepchildren, David McBride of Fort Lauderdale and Cheryl Leach and husband Glen of Gilmanton, NH. Dick has two great-grandchildren, Quinn and Leighton Wood.
The family extends its deepest gratitude to the entire loving and professional staff at Alexander Nininger Veterans Nursing Home in Pembroke Pines, Fla. for its thoughtful and compassionate care.