Walter Holt

Walter S. Holt, 93, of Fort Myers, FL, died peacefully Friday, Dec. 26th, 2014, surrounded by music, family, and loved ones. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA on September 29th, 1921, son of the late Walter H. and J. Gertrude Holt.
Although Walt worked for American States Insurance in Erie, and proudly served in WWII in the Pacific Navy Fleet after Pearl Harbor, his one true love was Barbershop music. He was an active member of BHS (Barbershop Harmony Society, previously SPEBSQSA) for over 50 years, performing in 22 quartets, including 2 international competitions, and singing with 8 different choruses, including holding the position of Director for about 10 years. He is also credited with having brought 29 new inductees into the Barbershop Harmony Society throughout his life -- a stunning achievement.
He was preceded in death by brother; Theodore H. (Ted) Holt, and sister, Ellen G. McCormack.
Survivors include his loving wife of 70 years, Elspeth J. (Beth) Holt; son, Kenneth D. Holt and his wife, Carol; daughter, Nancy R. Koerner and her husband, Ken; four grandchildren, Susan M. Holt, Julian Sherrard, Kevin M. Holt, and Vanessa Y. Ouimette; seven great-grandchildren, Lonzelle, Gyula, and Freeda Sherrard, Laz, Ki, and Gabe York, and Avery J. Ouimette.
The family extends its deep gratitude to the Paradise Coastmen, Hope Hospice of Lee County, and a special thanks to fellow baritone, Bob Byron, whose support and friendship in recent years meant so much to Walt.
A Celebration of Life/Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 22nd at 1:30PM at Happahatchee Center Nature Sanctuary, 8791 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL.
Interment of Ashes/Military Funeral will be held graveside at Erie Memorial Gardens sometime in the summer of 2015.
Donations may be made payable to the Harmony Foundation 110 7th Ave. N. Nashville, TN 37203, www.harmonyfoundation.org/ (Walter S. Holt Memorial Barbershop Fund) providing special youth outreach programs for aspiring young Barbershop singers.

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