Simon Carey Holt Obituary, VICTORIA, Australia — Rev Dr Simon Carey Holt, a respected pastor, theologian, writer, lecturer and thought leader, died on Tuesday evening, August 25, 2026, leaving colleagues, church people, students, friends and members of the wider Victorian public mourning his passing.
Holt was remembered for a life of Christian ministry, teaching and scholarship. His work reached people through both pastoral leadership and academic teaching, with those who knew him reflecting on his humility, compassion and inclusive approach to leadership.
For more than a decade, Holt served on the faculty of Whitley College as Senior Lecturer in Spirituality and Practical Theology. His contribution to the college, the university and the wider church was described as major, with former colleagues and students remembering the influence he had through his teaching, ministry and friendship.
After leaving Whitley College in 2010, Holt continued his work in Christian ministry and leadership as Senior Pastor at Collins Street Baptist Church in Melbourne’s CBD. His career reflected a broad commitment to pastoral care, theology, writing and engagement with the wider Christian community.
Tributes following his loss have highlighted the personal qualities that made Holt a respected figure among those who worked and worshipped alongside him. One tribute remembered him as an “amazing humble, caring, inclusive leader,” while another described the breadth of his life and career, remembering him as a chef, pastor, writer, theologian, lecturer, thought leader and a “bloody good guy.”
Holt’s death has left a significant sense of loss among the communities connected to his ministry and academic work. Those mourning his passing are also reflecting on the legacy he leaves through the people he taught, the congregations he served and the many lives shaped by his work and friendship.
At the time of the announcement, no cause of loss had been publicly provided. Funeral or memorial arrangements were also not included in the information available.
The Whitley College neighborhood and those across the wider church continue to remember Rev Dr Simon Carey Holt with gratitude for his years of service, scholarship, ministry and friendship. His legacy will remain in the people and communities touched by his work, and condolences are extended to all those grieving his loss. Vale, Rev Dr Simon Carey Holt. May his memory be a blessing.