HOLDREN, Gary R.

Gary R. Holdren died June 3, 2006, at his home with his wife, Helen, by his side. Gary will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, kindness towards others, love of Virginia Tech, and devotion to his family. Gary’s love of life and unbreakable spirit will always be with those who knew him.

Born January 2, 1932, in Glen Lyn, Va., Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde R. Holdren and Rhoda White Holdren. He grew up in Radford and Pulaski County, Va.

In addition to his wife of 47 years, Helen Verburg Holdren, Gary is survived by four children and six grandchildren, Mark T. Holdren and his wife, Kim and their children, Hunter, Reilly and Sydney of Earlysville, Va., Michael T. Holdren and his wife, Debbie and their children, Samantha, Brittany, and Patrick of Winston-Salem, N.C., Christopher J. Holdren of New York City, N.Y. and a very special daughter, Pamela Sue Holdren, living in a group home located in Charlottesville, Va. He is also survived by two uncles and an aunt, Donzie White of Elgood, W.Va., Kenneth Holdren of Glen Lyn, Va. and Polly Wheeler of Powhatan, Va.

While attending Virginia Tech, Gary was a member of the Corp. of Cadets, serving on the Regimental Staff his senior year. Gary graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Virginia Tech in 1953. Gary served as an officer with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Gary attended graduate school in Hospital Administration at the Medical College of Virginia. He graduated from the General Electric’s Business Training Course in Schenectady, N.Y.

Gary began his hospital administration career as an Assistant Administrator at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Va. He then became the Administrator of the Pratt Clinic in Fredericksburg, Va. Gary worked at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, in Charlottesville, Va., for over 20 years. He retired from financial administration at the University of Virginia in 1999.

Gary served as a Board Member for the University of Virginia Credit Union for several years. In addition, he was a 50 year 21 degree Mason. While living in Charlottesville, he was a member of the Elks Lodge. Throughout his life, Gary remained an avid, steadfast, loyal Virginia Tech Hokie. He was a member of the Hokie Club in Charlottesville, Va. He supported both the academic and athletic endeavors of Virginia Tech.

The family will receive guests from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, June 5, 2006 at Hill and Wood Funeral Home, located on the corner of First and Market Streets in Charlottesville, Va. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 6, 2006 at 1 p.m. with the Dr. Sam Massey officiating at First Presbyterian Church, located on Park Street in Charlottesville, Va. with the graveside service immediately following at Monticello Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, and in the spirit of giving Gary so powerfully displayed during his lifetime, the family prefers memorials be made in Gary’s honor to the Arc of the Piedmont, 509 Park Street, Charlottesville, Va. 22902. In addition, the family would like to thank the Hospice of the Piedmont for their commitment to providing the necessary care and support for both Gary and his family. Friends may sign the guest register online at www.hillandwood.com.