May 4 — The CBWC was saddened to learn of the passing of David Holte, a long-time member of Bonavista Baptist in Calgary and former member of both the CBWC’s Board and the Board of the CBWC Foundation, on April 29.
David graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1968 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration. He was hired by Proctor and Gamble in Toronto and acquired his MBA in 1972 from York University. In 1973 Proctor and Gamble moved him to head office in Cincinnati for two years. In 1975 the company moved him (and his wife Mary and daughter Merydth) to Helsinki, Finland where he was VP Finance. Whilst in Finland David and Mary both became active in establishing what today is known as the International Evangelical Church of Finland. After three years in Finland he was transferred back to Toronto where after a year he was head hunted and moved to Brantford, Ontario to become the VP Finance and Secretary- Treasurer of S.C. Johnson and Son (Johnson’s Wax). He was with them for ten years. While in Brantford, the family attended Queensway Baptist Church.
He was then head-hunted again and in 1988 the family moved to Calgary Alberta where he became the VP Finance of Palm Dairies. Eventually he met his long time business partner, Brian Foster, who is now the president/director of Operation Eyesight in Calgary. He and Brian established their own business and for 12 or so years ran Murray Axsmith Western. They eventually sold the business and Dave spent the last ten years of his working life coaching CEO’s. In 2009, he and Mary retired and moved to Vancouver Island.
David became a Christian during his university years and and served the Lord with his whole heart since he was baptized in 1963. The family attended Bonavista Baptist from the moment they moved to Calgary. He was a much loved member there and served as an Elder and Chair of the board for quite a few terms. Together with Mary, his wife of 50 years, he was active in the Alpha program. He also served on the board of Trinity Lodge, the Alberta Executive and the CBWC Foundation for many years. We would also like to thank Mary for her dedication as a long-time member of Women in Focus who was instrumental in developing the Gifted and Called workshops.
Since moving to the Nanaimo area of Vancouver Island, David and Mary have been actively involved in St. Mary’s Anglican Church. David often advised the Parish Council and was Envelope Secretary for seven years. Mary is currently the People’s Warden.
David was a gentle man with many gifts least among them his wisdom and his ability to vision long term. He was an incredible mentor to those both in the church and many in the business community. Throughout David’s long life, the Lord was able to do much through David, His willing servant.
The CBWC’s Executive Director, Jeremy Bell, recalls David as “a lovely man and a valued, wise and kind presence”.
A memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, 2600 Powder Point Road on May 24th at 11 am.
David was much loved and will be much missed. We are deeply grateful for his service to God and His people. Please remember David’s family in your prayers during this difficult time.