ISLAND FALLS, Maine – Arthur David Holman, 77, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 16, 2017, at his home in Island Falls, surrounded by his loving wife, beloved sons, a daughter-in-law and his caring nurses. He was born on December 6, 1939, in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, to Horace and Alice (Riley) Holman.
Art grew up in North Stonington, CT, and graduated from Wheeler High School. Upon graduation he joined the US Navy and served as a submariner on the USS Grampus. Following his military service he attended Mitchell College in New London, CT. He worked for 15 years at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, CT, and became a Master Machinist. In the early 1970’s he followed his dream to become an organic farmer and moved with his family to northern Maine, settling on a beautiful farm overlooking Mt. Katahdin. His love of the outdoors then led him to become a Maine Forest Range, where he worked for many years until his retirement.
Art married Ann E. (Wagner) on December 19, 1959, in Westerly, RI. They were lovingly devoted to each other for 57 years. He was a member of the Island Falls United Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, choir member, Sunday school teacher and youth leader. He especially loved music and singing. His love of farming and gardening led to his immense passion for tractors and their history.
Art is survived by his wife Ann of Island Falls; son, Kurt Holman and his wife, Sheila of Ashaway, RI; their three children, Joshua Holman and his wife, Kylee and their daughter, Annabeth; Jonathan Holman and his wife, Charlotte and their sons Elijah and Matthias; Brittany Thorpe and her husband, Spencer and their daughter Lauren; his son, Greig Holman and his wife, Cheryl of Middlesex, NY; their four children, Jeffrey Holman, Gretchen Spaid and her husband, Jacob, Andrew Holman and Sumana Holman; his siblings, John Holman and his wife, BettyAnne, Marilyn Kenyon and her husband, Roger, Bob Holman and his wife, Linda, Richard Holman and his wife, Cathy and Nancy Hansen as well as numerous nephews, nieces and other relatives. He was predeceased by his parents, Horace and Alice (Riley) Holman, and brother-in-law Richard Hansen.
The family expresses great appreciation for the excellent and compassionate care Art received from the Visiting Nurses of Aroostook and Hospice care team, as well as his doctors and care providers at Cancer Care in Brewer and Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Additionally the family is grateful to the staff of Sarah’s House of Maine, who offered tremendous support and provided wonderful accommodations during Art’s course of treatment.
A memorial service will be held at a future date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Sarah’s House of Maine, 346 Main Rd., Holden, ME 04429, or the United Baptist Church, P.O. Box 6, Island Falls, ME 04747. For an online memory book and to leave condolences please visit www.bowersfuneral.com
