I  just now learned of Michael’s death, and want to share my condolences with his family. I am a cousin. His mother, Enid, was my mother Isla’s sister.  I knew his sisters Karen and Donna, who have both passed away. Enid and Joe shared pictures of young Mike, as I recall. 
May  his memory be a blessing.

With the internet and social media at are finger tips it has made the world a very small place. In 2013 I started researching a piece of Colonial Philadelphia made piece of furniture. The experts rebuffed it strongly but it was while I was looking closely at the General John Cadwalader saddle seat chairs did I spot a photo Mike had taken.
So out of the blue Mike received a message from me regarding other detailed image.
He came back to me within hours to let me know he was going the next day and would take better photos for me which I went on to use in my first research document. 
This start are very short period of email and one phone contact regarding Colonial furniture making and my research into General John Cadwalader and the craftsmen he used.
Mike was also quick to contact me about my posting on Twitter and Instagram regarding my daughter cake making. To which he keep tell me she should do a Bake Off.
Now 15 she still loves making cake which I know he would be smiling down on them.
Sadly living in the UK we didn't get to meet face to face but in this crazy and unstable world Mike was nothing but a old school Gentleman, open with his passion to learn and listen with a open mid.
To Holden family, my deepest sympathise and thank you for his kindness and willingness to listen to a Manxman interested in Philadelphia furniture made 1765-75

I'm so sorry for Mike's passing.  I remember many great times at Lost Lake Woods Club, sharing breakfast or dinner around a big table with Mike and Becky and others, and sharing great stories about our lives and interests.  Mike always had fun, interesting stories and events he could share.   We always looked forward to these times together.  We miss him.

I remember sitting next to Mike at a CRR meeting and he was reading a book!  After the meeting I asked him if he new what was said at the meeting.  Mike proceeded to tell me everything that was going on.  I was very impressed as the only way I could remember was to take notes!
We are very sorry for your loss.

John and Marilyn Tarantino

Dear Becky and Family:

We were very sad to hear about the passing of Mike.  We send our deepest condolences to you and family.  We will always cherish our very interesting conversations with Mike as he would share his travels with us while visiting at Lost Lakes.  We also have one of Mike’s wooden bowls he so proudly made.

With love, your CRR Friends,

Bill and Julie Windhorst 

I still have a “high mileage” club jersey 1989. Every time I’ve worn it in the not to distant past and Mike saw it he reminded me  it was awarded to me when he was president of our club Clinton River Riders. Did many rides with Mike before he broke his ankle riding the icy roads at Stoney Creek. I remember once riding up a huge hill on a club ride next to Mike when all of a sudden I started hearing a beeping noise and Mike got off his bike and proceeded to walk the short distance left to the top. When he got there I asked about the beeping and he said matter of factly, “heart monitor went off, I had to stop”. 

I’ll miss that facial quizzical look on his face whenever gullible me suspected he was pulling my leg., followed by that warm smile. 

OBITUARY

Michael Joseph Holden

May 5, 1950 – June 22, 2020

Kaul Funeral Home

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