William L. Holden

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Holden, Rev. William L. "Highpockets" Age 83, of Edina passed away peacefully on August 22nd, 2014. Survived by his wife, Sondra Smalley; children, William Lynn (Karin Lauria), Barbara Lynn, Michele Wallace (Doug Root), Sarah Merwin (Kedrik), and Doug Smalley (Sara); grandchildren, Madeline, Chloe, Jack, Isaac, and Bennett; sister, Nancy Gear; cousin, Beaulah Welch; and best friend - and brother of the heart - Joe Keating. Bill grew up in Boston and the accent (and sense of humor) stuck with him. As a young man he was a voracious reader, Eagle Scout, and summer camp counselor. He received a BS degree in 1954 and served in the army until 1957. He earned advanced degrees in Social Work and Divinity and made the most of them through service as a Unitarian Universalist (UU) Minister, Social Worker, and a corrections professional including many years as the Superintendent of the Hennepin County Home School. Bill's extensive volunteer ministry included serving as a chaplain for the St. Paul PD and at HCMC; as a member of the MN State Children's Mental Health Advisory Committee; as guest minister and consultant to countless UU congregations and groups; and as co-founder of the Victims Intervention Project. In his 50's Bill received a miraculous heart transplant and thrived. Between trips to Europe and Hawaii he preached often about grief and dying, and co-founded the Second Chance for Life Foundation that supports transplant recipients, candidates and their families. He truly honored his donor's legacy by making the most of his second chance and his family will be forever grateful for that gift. Bill will be missed by many. Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on October 4th at the First Unitarian Society of Mps, 900 Mt Curve Ave, Mpls, MN 55403. Memorials preferred to The Second Chance for Life Foundation or the UU Service Committee.

Published on September 7, 2014