HOLDEN, Eric Scott

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Saturday, April 12, 2003 Eric Scott Holden. What does it take to be an MVP? Scott Holden's love of sports was fostered by cherished outings with his father when they would steal away to the Chicago Cub's spring training games. Eric's game began in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania on February 20, 1967, born the youngest player in a family of five. His parents Marie, a nurse, and George, a pharmacist, are thrilled to add a "sweet, good baby" to the lineup. A rookie in the eyes of his twin brothers Greg and Mark, he is starting first grade as they are entering college. Equipped with an easy-going personality, a keen sense of humor, a gifted talent in music, and a sensitive nature, Eric is destined to shine. A fourth grader at Tonto Elementary School, Eric is eager to play the violin. With very little practice, he became quite accomplished. In time, Eric embraces the tuba, which secures him a position on the Coronado Marching Band. Four years later, an ASU music major, Eric dreams of becoming a band director. At band camp, serving as an assistant with Coronado's Marching Band., Eric takes note of a tall blonde beauty, Lynne Marie Andre, who is a dancing Donette. After "back to the Future" and eight viewings of "Spies Like Us, Eric and Lynne knew they were meant to be together. On May 16, 1992, they marry with the overwhelming blessing of his in-laws Sandy and Marcel Andre. That same month Eric graduates from Arizona State University. Eric begins a four year position teaching band at Akimel Middle School. But, in search of a dream, he begins designing band uniforms for the newest Ahwatukee High School, Desert Vista. He will become an influential, guiding force for hundreds of students as Desert Vista's first band director. Loved and respected by his students, when Eric's arms raise, he commands silence for the Superior Rated Band. Eric's pride in his band was second only to his devotion for his family. Eric's own team is growing at home also. In addition to the beloved Labrador retrievers, Zeb, Samantha and Niki, the very active players include three year old daughter, Eryn, and two year old twin sons, Max and Jack. The game takes a turn with Eric's cancer battle, which steals his strength but not his spirit. Determined to enjoy his past times, he and Lynne sneak away again to share in a spring training game and spend time with family and friends. April 8, 2003, Eric's hospital bed is surrounded by his family. As Lynne kisses her star player, two tears tunnel down Eric's ashen cheek: one tear for the three children who will never know their father and one tear for Lynne, his beloved. Singing out from the depths of Eric's soul is his favorite Rod Stewart song, "you're in my heart, you're in my soul, you'd be my breath if I'd grown old. You are my lover, you're my best friend you're in my soul.." Services are scheduled for Friday, April 11th at 6:00pm at Christ Church of the Ascension, 4015 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley and a Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, April 12th at 2:30pm at The Latter-Day Saints Stake Center, 111 E. Knox Road, Tempe. A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, April 14th at 10am at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, in Ahwatukee. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions for the Holden Children's college fund at Bank of America/Eric Holden Trust Fund. Arrangements made by Messinger Mortuary, Indian School Road in Scottsdale. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.