Monrad (Monte) Holm

Monte Holm passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 in Moses Lake. Born May 13, 1916 in Clarkston, Monte was the fifth child of Nels and Gertrude (Hunhammer) Holm. Monte's life was unique in that growing up in times of hardship, the Great Depression, World War II, he experienced far greater adventures than most men. Leaving home at 13 years of age, Monte forged a life that included herding sheep in Montana, living the "hobo" life for six years, riding the rails throughout the country, serving in the U.S. Army during WWII and etching a golden career as a scrap/junkman in Everett and Moses Lake. His hard work, love of life and a constant concern for his friends, endured Monte to all who met him. "I've never had a bad day," was his favorite saying, and the gift of Werther's hard candy to all he met was Monte's signature greeting.

Monte married Ruth Gulbrandson on June 22, 1939 in Everett. They have one child, Karen, born in Everett. His parents; sisters Ann Shepard and Signe Grosfield; and brothers Oscar Holm, Norman Holm and Paul Holm Davidson preceded him in death. Surviving siblings include Gary Holm of Lincoln, Mont., Gertrude Ann Thomas of LaConner and Ruth Sawyer of Seattle.

Monte is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ruth; daughter and son-in-law Karen and Wayne Rimple; grandchildren Larry (Rika) Rimple of Seattle and Steven (Carmen) Rimple of Moses Lake; and great-grandchildren Jacob, Kyle, Gunnar, Ty and Niko Rimple.

Those who knew him will remember him as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, local politician, businessman and museum collector. Monte will always be endeared in the thoughts and memories of those he touched, and in his case, "they have broken the mold." Travel well Father, travel well Grandpa, the "west bound" will carry you to your next adventure. We love you.