Nicholas Forster Holst

Aug. 22, 1910 - Aug. 12, 2010

Nicholas Forster Holst (99) was born in Versailles (Morgan County), MO August 22, 1910. He died on August 12, 2010 in New Smyrna Beach, FL, where he had recently relocated from Nevada City, CA.

He was the son of Thomas Rossen Holst and Effie Jessie Forster Holst of Versailles, MO. He had an adopted sister, Jessie Holst Widowski and a foster brother, Harry. In 1932 he entered the US Navy with his cousin M.E. (Jack) Forster. He married Vina A. Gilberts of Seattle, WA in 1933. Nick served with the Asiatic Fleet before and during WWII. In 1955 he retired from the US Navy in San Diego, CA, where he and his family resided for many years. He graduated from San Diego State College in 1960 earning a Bachelor's degree in Social Science. He had a distinguished career with San Diego County Department of Public Welfare, retiring in 1975 as Assistant District Chief. Nick and Vina first relocated to Arkansas, living in both Yellville and Mountain Home. They moved to Glen St. Mary, FL in 1989. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary there August 1993, surrounded by family and friends.

Nick and Vina enjoyed many years of traveling across the US and to Canada visiting family and friends, as well as, attending Asiatic Fleet Reunions. Nick took pleasure in gardening, home remodeling, hunting and fishing. In later years, he enjoyed riding in the car through rural areas, observing the animals and scenery. After he was widowed, November 1993, he lived in Las Cruces, NM until he relocated again to the Nevada City, CA area. During the last 3 years Nick traversed the USA from California to Maryland and Florida five times in the backseat of a GMC pick up. He also took pleasure in a good vanilla ice cream cone.

Nick is survived by three daughters, Agnes E. Henderson of Jacksonville, FL, Ann Thomas (Tom Maloney) of Browns Valley, CA, and Sue Ellen G. McIntyre (Jim) of New Smyrna Beach, FL. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and special friends. His memory will be cherished by all.

A celebration of his life was held in Jacksonville, FL on what would have been his 100th birthday. His cremated remains will reside beside his wife, Vina, at Ft Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, CA.