Mark Sykes said there’s really not a part of his life that Tim Holt didn’t influence.

Sykes, a longtime teacher, coach and administrator in DeKalb School District 428 , said Holt was an invaluable resource when he was starting out as a coach. He was also the one who sparked Sykes’ passion as a driver’s education teacher. Their relationship even extended beyond the halls of the high school as they became friends.

“He was like a brother and a mentor for things inside or outside the school,” Sykes said. “If it was teaching or athletics or your personal life, he was there.”

Holt, a month past his 75th birthday, died November 29 in his DeKalb home. No cause of death was listed. He is survived by his wife, Pamela.

According to information provided by the district, Holt started teaching i

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