John Laurence Holt

John Laurence Holt, 85, passed away peacefully at his home in San Francisco on Sunday, February 13, 2022, surrounded by his family’s love.

Born in San Diego on December 6, 1936, John was a devoted son to Laurence and Ruth Holt (both deceased).

John graduated from California Polytechnic State University and became an electrical engineer, serving the San Francisco Bay Area for four decades.

Civic duties were essential to John. He served as a San Francisco Planning & Urban Renewal Association (SPUR) member for years, receiving one of the first Silver SPUR awards.

He met his beloved wife of 50 years, Barbara (Burns), in 1970, and together they enjoyed a marriage focused on family, faith, and foreign and domestic travel. John and Barbara were married on February 5, 1972, at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in San Francisco. John was an active patron of the church, serving as a valued member of the choir and music program. He also served on the restoration committee after the Loma Prieta earthquake.

John loved to travel but loathed planes. He managed to circumnavigate the globe twice and enjoyed countless trips across Europe and the Americas, but only boarded six planes in his life. John would be quick to tell you that was six too many. He preferred to travel by train or ship and was an enthusiast of both.

John volunteered as the longtime General Manager and member of the Bay Area Electric Railroad Museum. He also served as a referee for the United States Rowing Association.

Even after retirement, John didn’t slow down. You could find him singing at St. Dominic’s, tinkering on a project at the railroad museum, sitting studiously in the sun at a rowing regatta, looking sharp in his tuxedo at Davies Symphony Hall with Barbara on his arm, or enjoying hot tea and cookies on foggy afternoons with his young grandsons. John was a gentleman in every sense of the word.

He loved his family and friends deeply, gave of himself generously, and left behind a legacy of kindness and contribution. We miss him greatly and carry his memory in our hearts.

John is survived by his wife, Barbara, his children Catharine and Michael (Kate), grandsons Desmond and Liam, his brother David (Susan), sister Virginia, nephews, nieces, cousins, and many friends.

We are celebrating John’s life with two events at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, 2390 Bush Street (at Steiner). A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 26, at 2 pm. On Sunday, March 27, the 11:30 am Mass will have music dedicated to John Holt. All are welcome to attend.

Please consider donating to the music liturgy program at St Dominic’s Church or the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.