Marian Holt Mclain

HOLT MCLAIN, Marian Lois, “Marian”, age 86, formerly of Bainbridge Island, Washington passed away Sunday, September 5, 2021 after a short illness. She was a graduate of Lake Washington High School in 1953, received her BA in Journalism from the University of Washington in 1957 and was the President of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority while she was at UofW.

Marian’s professional career began with an entry level position at the Seattle-King County Convention & Visitors Bureau in 1970. After fourteen years at the Visitors Bureau she moved to the Washington State Convention Center as Marketing VP. Continuing to work her way up through the ranks in the travel industry, in 1989 she became the first woman President/CEO in the nation of a “major market” Convention & Visitors Bureau in San Jose. While serving in the Seattle and San Jose markets, she not only broke a few ‘glass ceilings’ she also helped forge a future path for women in the travel industry as well as business executives she mentored across the country. Among her many recognitions included “One of the 200 Most Powerful Women in Travel” (Travel Magazine) and in 2018, Marian was inducted into the Destinations International Hall of Fame.

Marian retired and moved back to Bainbridge Island in 2000. In retirement, some of her many interests included; entertaining, golf, gardening, grandkids and travel. Marian was beloved by her family, and her many friends and colleagues. She was also known as the “flower lady” at Meadowmeer GC because of flowers she brought weekly to the golf course patio from her garden along the first fairway. She was a devoted Husky and Seahawk fan and her purple Husky cart could often be seen traversing the club’s fairways.

Marian is survived by her two sons David Holt (wife, Ann) & Doug Holt (wife, Cathy); four grandchildren, Carissa, Bailey, Ryan and Jeremy. There is no memorial service scheduled at this time although there will be a “Celebration of Life” at a future date. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the WA Women’s Foundation (Seattle 206-340-1710) on her behalf or contribute to the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island (206-842-7631). Condolences may be sent to the family at either davidholt12615@comcast.net or dougholtrealestate@gmail.com.

Memorial links can be found below.


Arrangements are entrusted to the Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA.