Richard Hayden Holm, Sr.

Richard Hayden Holm, Sr.

Richard Hayden Holm, Sr. passed away on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, on a hike in the woods with his wife Ellen and dog Torgi.

Rich was born on December 28, 1950 in Portland, Oregon, to Mabel and Hayden Holm. In his youth, he spent his summers on the shores of Payette Lake with his extended family boating, hiking, swimming, and enjoying life outdoors.

Rich graduated from Portland State with a degree in Political Science.  He joined the Army Reserves, serving six years.  After college, in the early 1970s, Rich moved to McCall, which was his dream.

Rich met Ellen in McCall and they married in 1978.  Rich and Ellen welcomed daughter Catherine in 1980 and son Richard in 1982.  Rich was a devoted husband and father who always put his kids first, instilling the importance of family and maintaining traditions and history.

Rich worked tirelessly during his 38-year health care administration career to provide high quality care to remote areas of Idaho, focusing especially on McCall Memorial Hospital.  While on the Idaho Hospital Association, Rich testified before the United States Senate Subcommittee, resulting in the designation of “critical access hospitals” improving health care in Idaho and around the country.  His job often required travel in which he would leave the house before sunrise and return home well after sunset.  He may be the last of his kind, never owning a cell phone.  Rich focused on relationship building within each individual, unique hospital and community.  He retired in 2014 from St. Luke’s as Vice President of Regional Relationships.      

Beyond his work and family, Rich was a notorious collector and handyman of all trades.  He was known for his vintage cars, boats, trains, and records.  He was a master tinkerer to perfection.  He spent his life exploring the forests and backcountry around McCall, sometimes on his motorcycle, sometimes flying with his son. He loved sharing this passion with his children, grandchildren, and friends. During retirement, he was committed to protecting our precious waterways and, as a member of the Big Payette Lake Water Quality Council, was particularly interested in preserving Payette Lake.  

Rich is survived by his wife Ellen, daughter Catherine (William Wardwell), son Richard Holm Jr. (Amy), grandchildren Liam and Eloise Wardwell and Clara and Charles Holm, and brother Steven Holm (Susan).  In Rich’s memory, please consider a donation to the Big Payette Lake Water Quality Council or St. Luke’s McCall Foundation.  A private family service will be held and a celebration of life to be planned at a later date.

If desired, online condolences may be left at www.mccallfunerals.com

Arrangements in care of McCall Funeral Home.

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