Tweeters:

Many of us first explored Southeast Arizona, or Florida, or the Rio Grande
Valley with a copy of Harold Holt's editions of the Lane bird-finding
guides on the dashboard. Some probably have met or birded with Harold, who
did as much as anyone to make high-quality, high-enjoyment birding into a
widely accessible activity. The folowing notice was posted yesterday.
Since Harold has so many friends around the country, and word of his
illness does not seem to have gotten out, it is appropriate to re-post it
here.

Hal Opperman
Medina, Washington
(425) 635-0503
halop at accessone.com

____________________________________


Date: Mon, 21 Dec 1998 11:52:01 -0700
Reply-To: "MYRON N. PLOOSTER" <mplooste at DU.EDU>
Sender: Audubon birding discussion list for Texas
<TEXBIRDS at LIST.AUDUBON.ORG>
From: "MYRON N. PLOOSTER" <mplooste at DU.EDU>
Subject: Harold Holt gravely ill
Comments: To: cobirds at lists.colorado.edu
To: TEXBIRDS at LIST.AUDUBON.ORG

Dear CObirders -

This morning I received a sad phone call from Lavona Holt, telling me that
Harold Holt is gravely ill. She called saying that since she had not heard
from any of us in the birding community, she felt that we probably did not
know of Harold's illness. I know that we did not, and probably others may
not as well. She said that I could post this message to let all of
Harold's friends know of his condition.

Harold was diagnosed more than a month ago with leukemia. It has now
progressed into all of the lymph system and spleen, and is now considered
to be advanced lymphoma. She says that he is suffering from dementia and
confusion due to the cancer. He has been placed under hospice care at
home. Until now, Lavona has been caring for him herself, but now with
hospice care she is hoping that he will be receiving some nursing care as
well, to relieve her. He has been given 6 months maximum, but Lavona feels
that he will not see the New Year arrive, because each day she sees him
fail more.

Harold has done much for the birding community in Colorado and for many
other areas in the country. Each of us who has ever used one of his
birding guides has benefited greatly from his work. Many of us have also
benefited from the great knowledge that he freely shared with us. I hope
that each one of you who reads this will send a note immediately to Harold
and Lavona, expressing your appreciation and concern for Harold.

You letters or cards may be sent to:

Harold and Lavona Holt
2001 West 92nd Ave. #715
Federal Heights CO 80221

or phone

303-429-1698

Please pass this information along to all of your birding friends who may
not be on COBIRDS. Lavona especially needs our support during this very
difficult time.

Suzi Plooster
Boulder CO
303-494-6708
mplooste at du.edu