Tim and I were great friends for twenty years and were married in 2000 for eight and a half more. Tim loved his job, performers and the circus. He would talk to performers late into the night to really learn about them and what made them who they are, he was also known to go out of his way to help them out with whatever they might need, above and beyond the scope of his job. His favorite part was negotiating contracts and any of you that had the pleasure of negotiating with him know what I mean! We even negotiated at home, he couldn't get enough of that! He once told me that he wanted to be the "ultimate employee". No one can argue the fact that he certainly was. Tim was quite well known around the world. When we traveled together anywhere someone always knew him. Tim wanted to write a book about his travels in his retirement and would keep a journal on all his trips to all parts of the world. He was also interested in pursuing a masters degree. Tim spoke several languages and had an incredible memory for names and details. Our friend Roiter was with him when he took ill initially in Brazil. Tim and I spoke on the phone from his hospital room and I will be forever thankful for our last conversation. The circus world has lost a great man and a great historian and those close to him have lost a great friend.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tim Holst Celebration, a note from Lisa Dufresne
Tim and I were great friends for twenty years and were married in 2000 for eight and a half more. Tim loved his job, performers and the circus. He would talk to performers late into the night to really learn about them and what made them who they are, he was also known to go out of his way to help them out with whatever they might need, above and beyond the scope of his job. His favorite part was negotiating contracts and any of you that had the pleasure of negotiating with him know what I mean! We even negotiated at home, he couldn't get enough of that! He once told me that he wanted to be the "ultimate employee". No one can argue the fact that he certainly was. Tim was quite well known around the world. When we traveled together anywhere someone always knew him. Tim wanted to write a book about his travels in his retirement and would keep a journal on all his trips to all parts of the world. He was also interested in pursuing a masters degree. Tim spoke several languages and had an incredible memory for names and details. Our friend Roiter was with him when he took ill initially in Brazil. Tim and I spoke on the phone from his hospital room and I will be forever thankful for our last conversation. The circus world has lost a great man and a great historian and those close to him have lost a great friend.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tim Holst Celebration for those that couldn't make it, a personalized recap
I went to Sarasota on Sunday to share memories of the life of Tim Holst. For those of you unable to make it, here is my recollection. Circus family is unlike any other I know of. I always feel honored to be a part of it. Thank you to everyone that put this together and spoke on his behalf for all of us. Our condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life
Keith Greene, Kenny Cubicciotti and Dave Holmes - Played heartfelt music in Tim's honor. Keith later said it was the toughest show he'd ever played. Thank you Keith and band, for live music played so touchingly.
Welcome and Invocation
David Kiser
As David welcomed me at the door I glanced over his shoulder as we hugged. There, on a screen, was a slide show of Tim. After having tended to my mundane life's needs and a 3 hour drive, the reality of this gathering suddenly hit me. I was thankful I had a shoulder to cry on. Thank you David Kiser for that and being brave enough to stand before us and tell those stories barely holding it together so the rest of us could let go. You have some mighty big shoes to fill, I wish you well. In the spirit of Tim, let me know if there's ever anything I can do to help.
Reflections
Adrienne Holst - Stepped up to the podium with her bursting file of papers remarking that she was following in Tim's footsteps. Her voice cracked as she spoke eloquently of her father. Many remarked how much she bore his resemblance.
Sad she lost her father at such a young age as she related that she was just beginning to understand him.
Kenneth Feld - Told light-hearted stories of Tim the friend, associate, business partner and fellow adventurer as they worked and traveled together for over 30 odd years. Some of them odder than others. From the 8-fingered alligator trainer to first-ever bowling in China, I would imagine Kenneth will miss Tim more than most. The stories he told were entertaining and painted a vivid picture of Tim, his unique idiosyncrasies and droll sense of humor in any situation.
A short video was shown of clips of Tim ringmastering and interacting in his unique way. My favorite was the bit at the end where he was explaining "weigh day" and "pay day" to us dancers. A delicate and oft times disturbing weekly ritual for some, Tim handled it with aplomb and a much needed sense of humor.
Remembering Tim
Billy Powell - Read the following poem:
"The circus is a jealous wench. Indeed that is an understatement. She is a ravening hag who sucks your vitality as a vampire drinks blood – who kills the brightest stars in her crown and will allow no private life for those who serve her; wrecking their homes, ruining their bodies, and destroying the happiness of their loved ones by her insatiable demands. She is all of these things, and yet, I love her as I love nothing else on earth."
Henry Ringling North
and then examined the "why" of what we do.
Jim Ragona - Told of the honor he felt carrying Tim's luggage and his adventures in retrieving Zusha the Blood Sweating Nile Hippo from Russia under Tim's guidance.
Steve Smith - Couldn't speak up fast enough in clown alley when an understudy for the Ringmaster was asked for. Tim did pipe up in his baritone voice and got the chance. Steve and Tim went on to have a lifelong friendship.
Peggy Williams - Related Tim's invitation to adventure on Kaleidoscape which upon arrival turned out to be "Doniker Designer"
Emails received from around the world were read, each shedding light on the immense number of people Tim, and in turn the circus, had touched worldwide.
The Lords Prayer
Johnathan Lee Iverson sang sending chills through me.
Afterwards light snacks were served and jackpots cut up. Sadly many of us only see each other at these occasions. Happier moments need to be shared. I've never seen so many well-dressed clowns behaving themselves. Such was the effect of the "inTimidator" as I fondly referred to him. He said himself in his resume his 'job' was to make everyone on the circus 'happy.' Tough job indeed. Thank you, Mr. Tim.
Keith Greene, Kenny Cubicciotti and Dave Holmes - Played heartfelt music in Tim's honor. Keith later said it was the toughest show he'd ever played. Thank you Keith and band, for live music played so touchingly.
Welcome and Invocation
David Kiser
As David welcomed me at the door I glanced over his shoulder as we hugged. There, on a screen, was a slide show of Tim. After having tended to my mundane life's needs and a 3 hour drive, the reality of this gathering suddenly hit me. I was thankful I had a shoulder to cry on. Thank you David Kiser for that and being brave enough to stand before us and tell those stories barely holding it together so the rest of us could let go. You have some mighty big shoes to fill, I wish you well. In the spirit of Tim, let me know if there's ever anything I can do to help.
Reflections
Adrienne Holst - Stepped up to the podium with her bursting file of papers remarking that she was following in Tim's footsteps. Her voice cracked as she spoke eloquently of her father. Many remarked how much she bore his resemblance.
Sad she lost her father at such a young age as she related that she was just beginning to understand him.
Kenneth Feld - Told light-hearted stories of Tim the friend, associate, business partner and fellow adventurer as they worked and traveled together for over 30 odd years. Some of them odder than others. From the 8-fingered alligator trainer to first-ever bowling in China, I would imagine Kenneth will miss Tim more than most. The stories he told were entertaining and painted a vivid picture of Tim, his unique idiosyncrasies and droll sense of humor in any situation.
A short video was shown of clips of Tim ringmastering and interacting in his unique way. My favorite was the bit at the end where he was explaining "weigh day" and "pay day" to us dancers. A delicate and oft times disturbing weekly ritual for some, Tim handled it with aplomb and a much needed sense of humor.
Remembering Tim
Billy Powell - Read the following poem:
"The circus is a jealous wench. Indeed that is an understatement. She is a ravening hag who sucks your vitality as a vampire drinks blood – who kills the brightest stars in her crown and will allow no private life for those who serve her; wrecking their homes, ruining their bodies, and destroying the happiness of their loved ones by her insatiable demands. She is all of these things, and yet, I love her as I love nothing else on earth."
Henry Ringling North
and then examined the "why" of what we do.
Jim Ragona - Told of the honor he felt carrying Tim's luggage and his adventures in retrieving Zusha the Blood Sweating Nile Hippo from Russia under Tim's guidance.
Steve Smith - Couldn't speak up fast enough in clown alley when an understudy for the Ringmaster was asked for. Tim did pipe up in his baritone voice and got the chance. Steve and Tim went on to have a lifelong friendship.
Peggy Williams - Related Tim's invitation to adventure on Kaleidoscape which upon arrival turned out to be "Doniker Designer"
Emails received from around the world were read, each shedding light on the immense number of people Tim, and in turn the circus, had touched worldwide.
The Lords Prayer
Johnathan Lee Iverson sang sending chills through me.
Afterwards light snacks were served and jackpots cut up. Sadly many of us only see each other at these occasions. Happier moments need to be shared. I've never seen so many well-dressed clowns behaving themselves. Such was the effect of the "inTimidator" as I fondly referred to him. He said himself in his resume his 'job' was to make everyone on the circus 'happy.' Tough job indeed. Thank you, Mr. Tim.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
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