Christopher Rumsey Holt

Christopher R. Holt, 79, of Pepperell, Massachusetts, died of an acute ischemic stroke in Merrimack, New Hampshire on March 9, 2026. He is remembered as an even-tempered, caring, and principled person. Always maintaining a calm demeanor, he was a good friend with an instinct for offering support when it was needed.

Born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, in 1946, Chris was raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. He spent most of his adult life in Greater Boston and eventually settled in Pepperell with his wife, Margo. There, he found a community of kindred spirits and friends in which he flourished.

Chris attended art classes throughout much of his childhood, his talents recognized early by his instructors. Encouraged by an appreciative high school art teacher, he mounted a well-attended one-man show during his final semester. He went on to study fine arts at Boston University for three years, later completing his degree at UMass Amherst.

Chris applied his artistic imagination to a wide variety of subjects, media, and creative endeavors. His paintings ranged from politicians and pop stars to bicycles and seashores, and he often took stylistic risks. He was also involved in film production, and the design and creation of theater sets and costumes.

When difficulties arose, Chris would often respond, “Don’t wary about it!”

From the mid-1970s through the mid-1980s, Chris worked as an assembly technician for a succession of technology companies. In the late 1980s, he founded Holt Drawing & Design, combining his artistic and technical abilities to create computer-aided design (CAD) drawings for patent applications.

Chris's interests were numerous: automobile racing, music, photography, tennis, cycling, dancing, and making wine and cider. He thrived on friendship and community. In true New England fashion, neighbors shared know-how, support, and celebration. Chris would push for a party at the slightest provocation.

Even ordinary evenings had rituals. Dinner included wine and lit candles—and, of course, salad and ice cream.

Chris was predeceased by his beloved wife, Margo Giroux; his father, Arthur Wheeler Holt; his mother, Constance Cooper Hendrickson; and his stepfather, Adolph Carl Hendrickson.

He is survived by his stepmother, Vera Williamson Holt; his siblings, Kenneth Holt (Sarjan), Nicholas Holt (Sherry), Philip Hendrickson (Kim), Kirsten Hendrickson (Marty), Vera Twigg (Douglas), Katherine Holt, Arthur Holt Jr. (Chrissy), and Lucy Shea (Chris); his nephews Jason Holt (Beth) and Dante Hendrickson; his nieces Leyla Holt (Asher) and Giulietta Hendrickson; and his great-niece, Meredith Holt.