Wednesday, December 6, 2006

Sun Valley Co. owner reaches milestone

Business icon Earl Holding celebrates 80th birthday

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By TREVOR SCHUBERT
Express Staff Writer

Sun Valley Resort owner Robert Earl Holding turned 80 Nov. 29. Photo by David N. Seelig

Sun Valley Co. owner Robert Earl Holding turned 80 on Wednesday, Nov. 29, and celebrated in regal fashion at his Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City.

In addition to Sun Valley Co., Holding is also the owner of Sinclair Oil, the Little America Hotel chain and Snowbasin Resort in Utah.

"It was a very memorable evening to celebrate the life of an incredible man, Mr. Earl Holding," said Jack Sibbach, Sun Valley Co. spokesman.

Memorable, perhaps, was an understatement. In the company of 650 of his closest friends, including Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, Holding was treated to the serenades of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

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Since its inception in August of 1847, the Tabernacle Choir has preformed at the inaugural ceremonies of several presidents, from William Howard Taft to George W. Bush.

President Bush and his wife, Laura, sent Holding personal congratulations, which were read at the celebration, Sibbach said.

On Nov. 16, Hatch slipped into the congressional record a tribute to Holding, whom he referred to as "a dynamic man, my constituent, a loyal friend, loving husband and father, and a highly successful businessman."

Hatch went on to say, "His success has not been achieved with one single magnificent accomplishment but through a journey of good work and exceptional leadership."

With his wife, Carol, Holding maintains a part-time residence in Sun Valley.