DENMARK — Eric J. Holden, 44, of Denmark, died Sept. 19, 2012, with his wife and daughter at his side, at The Memorial Hospital, North Conway, N.H.

Eric was born in Norway, a son of Ronald and Barbara (Durgin) Holden Sr. of North Bridgton. Eric was the youngest of four boys. He was lucky to share his childhood with his three brothers and many friends while growing up in the Oxford Hills area and liked to share funny stories of his “adventures.” Eric attended Oxford Hills High School. He was married in 1989 to Tracey L. Slattery and shared 23 special years together, living first in the White Mountain, N.H. area before moving to Denmark nine years ago.

He was a volunteer for the Bartlett Fire Department in the early 1990s and enjoyed his tenure. His nicknames over the years included Big E, Big Guy, Hoover, Holden, Hun and Papa. Eric was a respected self-employed painter/carpenter most of his adult life. He also enjoyed working at Fryeburg Academy for the maintenance department and at a local kids' summer camp the last two summers. Eric enjoyed hunting with his family and friends, brook fishing, ice fishing, kayaking/canoeing, playing cards, making people laugh, mineral prospecting — in particular helping his brothers at the Bennett Quarry, looking for sand dollars at the ocean, music — such as Jim Croce, Johnny Cash, Aerosmith, and Godsmack. Another loved hobby was ocean fishing with his father-in-law, John Newton, his daughter, Erica, his nephew Michael, and friends. Although Eric enjoyed the simpler things in life such as going to camp in Jackman, or camping at the ocean in Gloucester, Mass., he also enjoyed visiting New York City, N.Y., Calif., and Seattle, Wash. Joy was also brought to Eric’s life with the company of many of his daughter’s friends over the years. And of course, Eric leaves behind five adoring cats.

Eric was predeceased by his brother, Ronald E. Holden Jr. in 1998. Eric is survived by his devoted wife, Tracey; his precious daughter, Erica, both of Denmark; his supportive mother and father, Ronald and Barbara Holden Sr. of North Bridgton; two brothers, Stephen Holden and Dennis Holden; and three nephews, Nicholas, Michael and Scott Holden, all of Maine. He also leaves behind an extended in-law family that meant a lot to him, as well as many friends. He will be missed by all.

A celebration of Eric’s life will be held at the Bolsters Mills United Methodist Church on Bolsters Mills Road, in Harrison, Maine on Friday, Sept. 28, 2012 at 11 a.m., with Pastor Joan Spitzform officiating. Immediately following will by a graveside service at the North Bridgton Cemetery on Kimball Road in North Bridgton, Maine. A reception will follow at 953 Denmark Rd, Denmark, Maine. Furber & White Funeral Home assisted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made in Eric’s memory to the Fryeburg Academy Art/Photo Department, c/o Alumni Office, 745 Main St., Fryeburg, ME 04037.