Thomas Blaine Holdaway

Our amazing dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa, Tom Holdaway, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 11th, surrounded by his family. That date was extra special to him—it’s the day he always celebrated his birthday, even though he found out at age 65 that he was actually born on August 12th. At 94 years old, he got his birthday wish: to be reunited with his sweetheart, Marilyn, who he had missed deeply since she passed away earlier this year on January 31st. We know he was looking forward to a joyful reunion with his parents and siblings, too.

Tom leaves behind a big, loving family: his sister Bonnie Greenberg (Gary), children Michael Holdaway (Angela), Sherrie Kinyon (Jerry), Kathy Stringham (Phil), and Connie Hansen (Mike); 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

He was born August 12, 1931, in Eureka, Utah, to Kenneth and Rayola (Haun) Holdaway. He was the second of five kids and had a happy childhood full of great memories. The family later moved to South Salt Lake, and that is where he met Marilyn in ninth grade. They started dating in high school, but when Marilyn moved away during their junior year, they lost touch for a bit. Once they found each other again, they never let go. Tom graduated from Granite High in 1949, and they got married soon after on August 24th, with just $25 to their name. He worked three jobs to support their new life together.

While working at a grocery store, Tom met a salesman who encouraged him to apply at Wonder Bread/Hostess Cake. He started as a route driver at age 20 and ended up working there for over 40 years, eventually becoming Western Regional Sales Manager. He liked to surprise people and put on the Twinkie the Kid costume and promote Twinkies in stores or parades. He retired in 1995 at age 64. He was named Sales Manager of the Year three times and was known for being a hard worker, a great mentor, and a loyal friend.

After moving to South Cottonwood, Tom became an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and Marilyn were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on February 21, 1969, a day he always said was one of the happiest of his life. He had a strong testimony of the gospel and the Savior and was a great example to his family. He served in many callings over the years, including Elders' Quorum President, executive secretary, and Bishopric counselor. He especially loved serving with Marilyn in the temple and as service missionaries at Deseret Industries and a halfway house.

Tom was full of joy and always had a smile on his face. If you asked how he was doing, he’d say, “I’m great! If I were any better, I couldn’t stand myself!” He loved to laugh and have fun, especially with his family. Some of his favorite memories were boating trips to Flaming Gorge and Lake Powell, where he water-skied well into his seventies.

He also loved hosting family parties at their home. He was happiest when everyone was together, and he made sure each of us felt his love.

He and Marilyn built their dream home on Oak Grove Dr. in Sandy, where they lived for over 40 years and enjoyed their loving neighbors and the Ward family.

After retiring, Tom picked up all kinds of hobbies—woodworking, painting, and carving. He loved to decorate for Christmas and made many ornaments and beautiful gifts for family, friends, and neighbors that we will always treasure. He even made his own cane, which helped him get around as he got older.

Tom was devoted to Marilyn and lovingly cared for her. His example of love and devotion is an inspiration to his family.

He is now reunited with Marilyn, his parents, Kenneth and Rayola, and his brothers Kenneth and Larry, and his sister Joan Jacobsen.

Our family is so grateful to the wonderful staff at Crescent Senior Living for taking such good care of Dad and showing love to all of us. We also want to thank his friends who looked out for him and kept him company. We thank the Lone Peak 5th ward relief society for providing a family luncheon.

A service for Tom will be held on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, at 11:00 am in the chapel at Larkin Sunset Garden Mortuary, 1950 E Dimple Dell Road (10600 S), Sandy, UT.

Visitation will be prior to services starting at 9:30 am at the same location. He will be laid to rest at Larkin Sunset Gardens.

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