Peter Raymond Holden died Dec. 27 at his sister’s home in Aptos at the age of 53. A local memorial is planned for next weekend.
Mr. Holden was born May 14, 1956, in Fall River, Mass., and spent most of his life in Tiverton, R.I. He moved to Santa Cruz 13 years ago and lived on the Westside until he moved to Scotts Valley seven years ago.
Mr. Holden — fondly known as “Curly” — spent most of his life as a lobster fisherman and was captain of the Sakonnet Lobster fishing boat out of Tiverton. When he moved to California, Mr. Holden worked in construction with his brother-in-law, Robin Sukow.
Mr. Holden was known to friends in Scotts Valley as “MacGyver,” because he could fix anything. He enjoyed cooking barbecue, riding his Harley-Davidson, fishing, skiing and golfing. He kept busy with various projects and helping his friends.
Mr. Holden is survived by his daughter, Melissa Baretto of Jacksonville, Fla.; mother, Emily (Ibbotson) Holden of Fall River; three sisters, Nancy (Holden) Towers of Fall River, Joanne (Holden) Sukow of Aptos and Cynthia Holden of Conway, N.H.; and five nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Holden.
A memorial service for Mr. Holden will begin at 4 p.m. Jan. 16 at Gateway Bible Church, 5000 Granite Creek Road, in Scotts Valley.
Another celebration of his life is planned for July 4 in Rhode Island, where Mr. Holden’s ashes will be scattered at sea.
Contributions in Mr. Holden’s name may be sent to Gateway Bible Church’s Mission Fund, 5000 Granite Creek Road, Scotts Valley, CA 95066-3727; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
