John Holden
Ann Arbor, MI
John Edward Holden, 79, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2024. He was born on September 1, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan to Ellis Holden and Eleanor “Betty” (Snyder) Holden.
In 1970, John met and married his beloved wife, Shari Crawford. They were married for 31 wonderful years. John was very proud of his family, which included his children Scott and Kelly. As a family, they loved being in the outdoors: camping, smelt fishing, horseback riding, snowmobiling, ice skating and boating. They built lifelong friendships in their neighborhood and often hosted parties that included hayrides, corn roasts and a 50’s theme. John and Shari were avid golfers, loved traveling and spending time with extended family. John adored the moments he spent with his siblings and their families. Their time together was always filled with laughter, creating many lasting memories.
He and Shari founded SKS Industries in 1979, an anti-corrosion packaging company based in Howell, Michigan. John named it after his family: Shari, Kelly and Scott (but, if you ask Scott, SKS actually stood for: Scott, Kelly and Shari). SKS later became ARMOR Protective Packaging and John worked at the helm for over 20 years. He had a strong work ethic, and was a generous and fun employer. He was known by so many for his big smile, infectious humor and positive attitude.
In the early 2000s, John and Shari poured their hearts into building their dream log home on Strawberry Lake. Tragically, Shari passed away soon after its completion. Although cut short, their family had a beautiful life together filled with great love, laughter & adventure.
John was a thrill seeker; he enjoyed piloting his Glassair III (a hotrod in the sky), hang gliding over the dunes of Lake Michigan, and scuba diving in the Caribbean. He liked riding roller coasters, dancing to 60s music, and old cars. Later in life, he even traveled solo to Mexico to learn Spanish while living with a host family. For many years, he enjoyed living on the Huron River chain of lakes, hosting epic parties at his big log home or on his boat. With a quick wit and zany sense of humor, he never hesitated to throw on a funny wig or ridiculous costume to make everyone laugh.
John had a loving and generous heart—he devoted over 20 years to volunteering with the Hospice of Livingston County. He enjoyed being a member of Huron River Methodist Church, where he was a Stephen Minister and sang in the choir. He was particularly close to the members of his church small group with whom he met weekly.
In 2008, John met his cherished wife, Karen Paulsen. After a proposal under the Eiffel Tower in 2009, they were married the following year, at home, on Strawberry Lake. That same year, John and Karen opened Sunset Cove Bed and Breakfast which would go on to host many joyful weddings and events for guests from all over the world. They enjoyed dancing, tending their sweeping gardens, and traveling until John suffered a devastating spinal cord injury while vacationing in Hawaii in 2012. Despite his new limitations, John continued to see the joy in every day and became an inspiration to countless people. Not least of which, his “bonus” children: Cat, Jenny, Colby and Simon. John and Karen became snowbirds in 2015 and loved spending their winters in Punta Gorda, Florida.
Karen would like to especially thank John’s doctor, nurse and caretakers: Dr. Gianna Rodriguez, M.D., Kim Seyfried R.N., Theresa Zschunke, Colby Buswell, and dear friend Chris Brooks for over 12 years of dedication and loving care.
John was a dear husband, a great father and step-father, and a fun grandpa who will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.
John will be missed by his wife, Karen Holden; his children, Scott Holden and Kelly Holden; step-children, Catherine (Colby) Buswell, Jennifer (Simon Fletcher) Carty; siblings, Skip (Kathy) Holden, Merry (Lee) Lowis, Carol (Sylvan) Mandell, Dorothy Holden Steben, Pam and John Bergman; grandchildren, Caressa Cordova, Atlas Fletcher, Aurora Buswell; numerous nieces and nephews; and many close friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Eleanor Holden; and his first wife, Shari Holden.
John’s family and friends will gather Thursday, November 21, 2024, from 4:00PM-7:00PM, at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Hamburg Chapel. His Community Farewell will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 11:00AM (10:00AM gathering), at Huron River Methodist Church, Dexter, Michigan. Pastor Steve Bringardener will serve as celebrant, eulogy by dear friend Pastor Bill Donahue. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation - www.christopherreeve.org. Please leave a message of comfort for John’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.
