Richard David Holtman, aged 62, beloved father and husband, of Port Ludlow Washington suddenly passed from this world on August 13, 2024. Rich was born in Seattle to Richard and Rose Holtman on December 16, 1961. He is survived by his loving wife Catherine Holtman, his sons Chad Johnson, Tyler Holtman (Alexia Nanfito), daughter Sarah Rose Holtman (Thomas Hertenstein), his father, Richard Holtman, his granddaughters, Olivia and Penelope, and great granddaughter Myla, sisters Diane, Linda, Sandy, Geri and Frances, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He is predeceased by mother Rose Holtman and his much loved dog Bentley.
He was raised in Shoreline Washington and was the only boy in a family of five sisters. A 1980 graduate of Shoreline High School, Rich was known for his athleticism, as well as being a good student. He played varsity football and basketball and pitched a no-hitter in 1977.
Rich attended the University of Washington studying engineering and worked as a dishwasher at the Black Angus while in school. There he met and fell in love with a pretty blonde waitress named Cathy. They married in 1985 and in 1994 moved to Port Ludlow, which would become their forever home. In Port Ludlow, Cathy and Rich raised their family and in the basement of their house started a business together called Highway Specialties. The business grew along with their family.
Intensely proud of his Italian heritage and his mother Rose, Rich loved his cousins, his trips to New York and his trip of a lifetime to Italy with Cathy, sister Sandy, brother-in-law Tom, Uncle Marc and Aunt Barbara. He loved his mother’s meatballs, bracioles and Sunday pasta dinners.
A bit of a prankster, “Highway” Rich had an acerbic wit, which belied a fundamental kindness towards others. Cathy and Rich were an American success story. In building their business they befriended many. Rich gave freely of his time and talents to his friends and family. A coach, a mentor to many, he always had your back. When he committed to a task, he always followed through. All who knew Rich were lucky to have a friend who truly cared about them, their families, and their lives.
He so enjoyed family dinners, parties, and oyster barbecues. He gave the best hugs and his presence filled a room. Though a gregarious people person, Rich also valued alone time. Cruising the waters of the Puget Sound solo in his boat was his church. In later years he took an extended road trip with his Dad to the Midwest. They spent the trip researching their paternal Scandinavian heritage, which was a source of great pride.
He loved to start the day with a few moments of solitude, a cup of good coffee, and one or two of Cathy’s Kringlas, which Cathy made using his Grandma Nora’s time honored recipe.
In his family life, community life, and work, Rich touched the lives of many. He loved deeply and was so deeply loved. We, his family, give thanks for the life he lived and the memories we will always cherish. If you wish to share stories and celebrate a life well lived, come to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Port Townsend on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 4pm. There will be plenty of love, friendship, family, food, drinks, and music for Rich’s Celebration of Life. We encourage all who wish to bring food to do so as well. If all who come have an appetite half as big as Rich, we will need plenty of food.
Friends and family may share memories of Rich and sign the online guestbook at www.bradley-kosec.com
