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Seattle City (spot)Light: Bear Holter, Hydroelectric Maintenance Machinist Crew Chief

The Basics

Years of service: I have been with City Light just short of 31 years. My first eight years were spent at the Skagit Hydroelectric Project. The last 23 years have been at the Boundary Hydroelectric Project.  

Division: Generation Operations 

Role: I started with City Light at Gorge Powerhouse (part of the Skagit Hydroelectric Project) as a machinist specialist in June of 1992. After four years, I was promoted to machinist apprentice. In fact, I was the first City Light apprentice to go through the hydroelectric machinist apprentice program. After completing the apprenticeship, I transferred to Boundary, where I have been since January 2000. In 2012, I was promoted to machinist crew chief. I have extremely enjoyed my time at City Light. I couldn’t ask for a better job or better people to work with, and I thank each and every one of them for all they have done for me over the years.

Background

Hometown: Metaline Falls, Wash., where I was born. 

Alma Mater: I spent four years in the U.S. Navy. 

Tell us about your family: The hydro industry kind of runs through my veins. My dad spent 32 years with a local public utility district and then 10 years with City Light at Boundary. My brother and his wife also spent long careers with City Light at Boundary. Their son started March 1 at Boundary as a mechanical engineer. 

My wife Lynn and I have six daughters between us and 13 grandkids, so keeping busy in retirement shouldn’t be a problem! 

Just for Fun

What has been your favorite project you’ve worked on/have been working on at City Light? I really don’t think I have a favorite project. Maybe the numerous overhauls I’ve been directly involved in. 

What would we most likely find you doing on the weekends? Most weekends you can find me hunting, fishing, or playing music.  

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? If I could live anywhere in the world, it would be right here in Pend Oreille County. It’s home. This community is absolutely the best. Full of awesome people.