Dr. Reed Amos Holdaway

Reed A. Holdaway ceased "breathing in and out" on February 28, 2009 at the age of 91. He was born June 7, 1917 to Elmer Thomas Holdaway and Mary Ellen Ekins in Vineyard, Utah. Reed attended school in Vineyard and Orem, graduating from Lincoln High School. Margaret Taylor entered his life when they were teenagers. They courted, fell deeply in love and were married August 8, 1938 in the Salt Lake Temple. They remained inseparable for over 70 years.



As a small boy he announced his desire to be a "tooth doctor". Subsequently, Reed attended the University of Utah, then the University of Southern California Dental School where he graduated with honors. Early in his dental career he developed an interest in orthodontia, which became his lifelong passion. Dr. Holdaway practiced for 40 years. He was a visionary leader in the field of orthodontics and his influence extended worldwide. From his office in Provo, he pioneered techniques, instruments, and approaches which are still used today. Whatever he undertook he approached thoughtfully with a commitment to excellence.



Always an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, he had a deep and abiding faith and strong testimony which sustained him through life's challenges. He served in many callings including Sunday School President, Bishop, and Stake High Councilor even serving as a counselor in a bishopric in his 80s.



"Begin with the end in mind" was a spoken and unspoken theme of dad's life, demonstrated in myriad ways: designing a visual treatment plan for each patient; planning and planting a garden that was always a work of art; choosing the right blood lines to achieve his ideal Arabian horse; providing a boat, a mountain cabin, and a condo at Bear Lake to create years of multi generational family fun and memories.



Over the years, Reed kept in touch with lifelong friends and associates. These relationships embraced a variety of interests including horses, photography, and love of learning. Traveling the world together inspired Reed and Margaret with wonder, curiosity and gratitude.



He and Margaret loved watching their horses gallop in the pasture behind their home. In later years, they donated that land to Springville city for a park and traded the sound of hoof beats for the peals of children's laughter.



He will be remembered as a brilliant professional who unselfishly shared his innovative philosophies and practices with visiting colleagues from all over the world. He will be remembered as a loving husband, supportive father and devoted disciple. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and his impeccable integrity. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, which keeps us smiling even as we mourn his loss. We look forward to a glorious reunion with him in the resurrection.



He is survived by his wife, Margaret and children, Karen Miller, Don (Barbara), Susan (Douglas Robinson), Claudia (Max Dastrup), Craig (Jane), and Nora (Clark Bishop), as well as 28 grandchildren and 49 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Lucille Orme, Aileen Jones, brother Harold, son Lee Kae and granddaughter Kristen Holdaway.



Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 7, at 11:00 AM in the LDS Ward Chapel located at 355 East Center in Springville. Friends and family may call Friday, March 6 from 6 7:30 PM and on Saturday morning prior to the funeral from 10:00 10:40 AM at the same location. Burial will be in the Provo City Cemetery.