HOLDEN, William Conrad (Bill)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Friday, January 01, 2016 William Conrad Holden, 67, died peacefully on Dec. 29, 2015 at his home in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona. He spent his final days enjoying Christmas with his family and grandchildren. The oldest of eight, Bill was born on Aug. 12, 1948. in Elgin, Illinois and grew up a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan. He graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1970. While his heart was always at Wrigley Field, he dedicated his life to teaching for 32 years. He loved teaching and his students were a huge part of his life. "Wild Bill" was known for hundreds of charitable events and acts of kindness throughout his life. The most notable made national headlines in January 2005 with his passionate walk across America to raise money to fight juvenile diabetes. It was a 2,100-mile journey that inspired Cubs' legend, Ron Santo, who battled diabetes his whole life. Holden crossed six states and arrived at Wrigley Field to throw out the first pitch for the Cubs' game against the Nationals on July 1, 2005. His story and determination raised thousands of dollars for the American Diabetes Association. Bill Holden is survived by his son, Joshua Holden and daughter-in-law Brooke; daughter, Rebecca and son-in-law Jacob Neider; grandchildren Ava, Addison, Kinleigh, Bennett, a new grandbaby on the way; and countless friends and fellow Cubs fans. A memorial service and reception will be at 11 a.m. on Jan. 15, 2016, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Bill Holden Memorial Fund, Wells Fargo Bank, 3186 Willow Creek Road, Prescott, AZ 86301 (928) 771-3770. Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home assisted the family. Information provided by survivors.