Richard Martin Holsten Jr. ’46

“I believe that there is really no such thing as retirement,” said Dick in our 50th-reunion yearbook. “It is merely a reorientation and reprioritization of energies and interests.”

Dick spent 40 years in the marketing and operations side of the coal-mining industry. He entered coal-mining following World War II and Korean War service as a first lieutenant in the Marine Corps. His company was a major producer of bituminous coal from surface and underground mines in southern Appalachian, Midwestern, and Western coalfields for utility consumption. He served as president, chairman, and chief executive officer of the Pittsburgh and Midway Coal Mining Co. in Chicago, Kansas City, and Denver for 12 years before retirement.

An ardent skier, Dick was strongly involved in ski-patrol activities, serving as assistant national director of the National Ski Patrol System. He was also active in Wellness House, helping provide support for cancer victims and their families.

Dick died Sept. 20, 2014. His wife, Jeane, predeceased him. He is survived by his sister, Janet Perry; daughter Jennifer Templeton; son Peter; six grandchildren; and his longtime companion, Anita Holcomb. The class salutes them all with thanks for the steadfast life of our thoughtful classmate.