David Howard Holt

On August 31, 2014 David Howard Holt passed away at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nan, his sons, Todd and Andrew, his daughter Dianna Holt Autrey, and her young children, Ashlynn, Amber and Addison Autrey.

David was born and raised in Highland Park, Illinois, where he graduated from Highland Park High School before enrolling at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. While at Knox, he earned a degree in English Literature, played trumpet in a jazz band, and also served two years in the Armed Services, stateside, during the Korean War. It was at this time he married Nan, his high school sweetheart.

Upon moving to Los Angeles, David enrolled at the Art Center College of Design where he graduated with honors, and then began a successful career in advertising photography that spanned over 35 years. His work appeared in every major magazine and garnered numerous awards and accolades for its creativity, innovative use of film, and striking imagery. In addition to achieving professional success and critical acclaim, David devoted himself to passing on his knowledge, serving on the Art Center College of Design faculty for 12 years, teaching advanced classes in photography.

After retiring to Santa Barbara, he continued pursuing his passion for art through photography, entering his pieces in many of the area’s art shows, and serving on the Art Council for Westmont College.
Always a lover of art, music and culture, David was a dedicated and enthusiastic supporter of The Music Academy of The West.

David was inquisitive and full of wonder. He will be best remembered for his devotion to his family, his friends, his music and his art, and for being a gentle, giving, conscientious, and supremely ethical man.

The date for his memorial service has not been set.