Michael Dean Holder

Michael Dean Holder was born May 10, 1963, in Long Beach, California, to Harold “Hal” and Margaret Rose Holder. He grew up with three brothers in California until the family moved to the Keizer, Oregon, area in 1973. Hal raised his four boys to be outdoorsmen, spending a lot of time hunting, fishing, and boating. Michael graduated from North Salem High School in 1982 and immediately enlisted in the Navy. He served four years in the military as a cook and after being discharged from the Navy, he took work in the air conditioning and sheet metal business. Michael did not like being out in the inclement weather or crawling under houses, so he decided that he would go back to what he knew – being a cook. Not only was he able to work indoors, he was able to eat whenever he wanted, which was important because Michael LOVED food. He took several restaurant jobs over the years but for the last 18 years he worked for Shari’s restaurant. His co-workers and his customers just loved him. He enjoyed cooking and eventually worked his way up to manager. The love of the outdoors that was passed on to Michael from his father carried through his entire life. He enjoyed spending his free time hunting, fishing, and boating. Although he was partially color blind, Michael was somehow able to see deer long before anyone else in his party was able to make them out. Michael was a friendly and likeable guy and enjoyed socializing, but he was also a very private individual. Many of his co-workers became good friends, and several of them surrounded Michael as he passed away on July 27, 2019. He was preceded in death by his mother Margaret and his brothers Larry Dean Holder and Troy Dean Holder. Michael is survived by his father Harold “Hal” Holder and companion Marian Rabello; brother Jerrod “Jay” Dean Holder; and many friends. No services are planned at this time.