Bonnie Holding (left to right), Blaine Holding, Col. Joel Wilkinson, Lt. Adam Gormley and Maj. Gregg Sanborn display Blaine’s uniform in a shadow box that was presented to him at a retirement celebration recently. (Contributed photo) CARRABASSETT VALLEY — On Sunday afternoon, Oct. 4 at the Sugarloaf Outdoor center, a retirement party for Stratton’s Blaine Holding was held. Warden Holding retired after 25 years of service to his community and the state.

Stories of Holding’s passion for protecting the region’s fish and wildlife resources, his care and kindness to those he encountered and many humorous anecdotes were shared by some of the over 150 well-wishers, family and friends in attendance.

During his career, he was involved in numerous lifesaving search and rescue operations and some of those Holding helped find were also in attendance. Holding’s wife Bonney, a Registered Maine Guide, was also commended and recognized as Blaine’s “better half” and constant helper and supporter. She was quite fittingly recognized by those that spoke and most notably by Holding himself.

In 2003 Holding received Game Warden of the Year honors for his career-long efforts. Warden Colonel Joel Wilkinson, Chief of the Maine Warden Service, Deputy Chief Greg Sanborn, and Lt. Adam Gormley closed out the ceremonies by presenting Holding with his uniform in a framed shadow box.

Guests were provided a handsome feast provided by friends and family and there were smiles all around as Holding’s exemplary career was celebrated.