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 a

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