Jay Thomas Holtz — 1945-2025

Jay Thomas Holtz 1945-2025

A huge lacuna has opened near the west end of Cove Road. The empty spot is one left in the hearts of his family by the passing of Jay Thomas Holtz, steward of a small forest, its trails and seasonal wetland. Some on the island may remember Jay as their mail carrier, some as the man who designed their gardens, and some will remember him for his quiet assistance with various conservation projects led by Vashon Audubon, Land Trust, Forest Stewards, and Low Tide Celebrations.

Beyond Vashon, Jay will be remembered by classmates at La Serna High in Whittier, at Pomona College and by a few soldiers from his time in Vietnam. Growing up, Jay loved summers spent at Camp O-Ongo and was very involved in scouting, earning his Eagle Scout Award. In school, he loved running and competed on the high school track and cross country teams. After his release from the Army (and completion of his Master’s degree), Jay began a trip around the U. S. to figure out what he would do next. Heading north from California he paused in Seattle to see Rayna Smith, a former Pomona College classmate. They visited for a few days and planted their first garden together. Then he headed to B.C. to continue his travels. When Rayna came home from work a few days later, she found him on her doorstep. That was 1971. Together they bought 10 acres that had been clearcut. They planted annual gardens and hundreds of trees, restoring a 7.5 acre forest within the band of woods connecting Fisher Pond to Agren Park. Fifty years later it thrives, providing habitat for rough skinned newts, flying squirrels, pale tiger swallowtails, western tanagers, and other wildlife. They also started a family and Jay built a house for them with the assistance of neighbors and friends.

A few close family and friends gave Jay a green burial on Aug. 29, in the cemetery’s Greenwood block. He leaves behind family members in Washington, Minnesota, Oregon, and California. They include his wife Rayna, son Morgan (Kurtis), daughter Ariel Dressler (Dan), along with granddaughters Hazel and Anna. His siblings include sister Pat Adams (Dave) and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sister Melissa (Ronald), brother Bill (Donna), and his brother Brad (Jane) and their children. He also leaves sisters-in-law Shelley Calabrese, Iris Halvorsen and Marina Kavanagh (Mark).

A gathering for friends and family is being planned for October 18th to share stories, discoveries and memorabilia. Donations in his memory can be sent to Vashon Bird Alliance.