Holt, Lieutenant Colonel Richard

Service Highlights

Served with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles from 1965 to 1969 as a Rifleman, Corporal, and Lieutenant.
Served with the Regular Force, Royal Canadian Regiment from 1969 to 2000, retiring at the rank of Major.
Transferred to the militia in 2000.
Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and Commanding Officer of the 4th Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment from January 2000 to December 2002.
Dedicated significant effort to the research and documentation of local servicemen, particularly those commemorated on the St. Marys Cenotaph.
Author of several works on Canadian military history, including The Fallen.
Assisted the St. Marys Museum and Archives in the development of military exhibits.
Died; April 14, 2017
Commemorated through the St. Marys Legion Veterans Banner Program.

A Life and Service Remembered

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Holt devoted his life to service, both in uniform and in preserving the history of those who served before him. He began his military career with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles in 1965, progressing through the ranks from Rifleman to Corporal and later being commissioned as an officer.

In 1969, he joined the Regular Force with the Royal Canadian Regiment, where he served for more than three decades. His career in the Regular Force saw him rise to the rank of Major by the time of his retirement in 2000, reflecting a long commitment to leadership and service within the Canadian Army.

Following his Regular Force career, Holt transferred to the militia, where he continued to serve. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, he took command of the 4th Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, leading the unit from January 2000 to December 2002.

Alongside his military service, Holt earned his PhD in History and became deeply involved in researching the Canadian Expeditionary Force and the lives of servicemen, particularly those named on the St. Marys Cenotaph. His work helped ensure that their stories would not be lost to time. Through careful research and dedication, he documented the service and sacrifice of men from the community, providing a foundation that continues to support remembrance efforts today.

He published several books and his book, The Fallen, remains an important resource for understanding the contributions and sacrifices of our local veterans, and has directly supported projects such as the St. Marys Legion banner program.

Holt also worked closely with the St. Marys Museum and Archives, helping to develop exhibits that share military history within our community. Through this work, he helped bring the stories of past generations to life for those who follow.

Lieutenant Colonel Holt’s legacy is one of both service and remembrance. The continued effort to document and honour local veterans stands as a direct continuation of the work he began.