April 05, 1931 - November 01, 2014
John Patrick Holland Obituary
John Patrick Holland (age 83) passed away from cancer on November 1, 2014, at home in Spokane, WA, surrounded by family. Born at home in Bovill, ID on Easter Sunday morning, April 5, 1931, family legend (as reported by John) is that he was placed in a clothes hamper behind the door so as not to distract from his oldest brother?s confirmation. Instead of a single birthday each year, he had a birthday season. Good and loyal Irishman that he was, it began on St Patrick?s Day and concluded on his actual birthday or Easter Sunday, whichever was later.
Jack, as he was known to his parents Joe and Marion (Scott) Holland was the youngest of five: Joe Jr., Bob, Dutch (Maurice), and Sr. M Michelle (born Marion Jean). In his younger days, he had many jobs in and around Bovill. At age 11, his first paying job (for which he received $12) was to assist in the cutting of 80 acres of hay. He went on to deliver groceries, work for the railroad (CMSTP&P where he received his first actual pay check), fight fires, work in a logging camp, and as a mechanics helper, all while still in his teens.
Coming to Spokane at the age of 14, he attended Gonzaga High School, which at that time was a Department of the University. After high school, he attended Gonzaga University for three semesters but left to join the Army Airborne Division. Just before he was to ship out to Korea, he came down with the measles. It was discovered at that time that he had a heart murmur, and so he was honorably discharged.
A year after returning to Spokane and school, he and a friend purchased The Knot Hole Tavern. At about the same time, he took up stock car racing (Northwest Stock Car Association) and the bagpipes. He was a member of The Spokane Highlanders: the band would perform in regional events, parades, and competitions.
Beginning in 1954 he did seasonal work for Timber-Rib (the predecessor of Garco Building Systems) and also worked for 5 years for McKesson & Robbins (and sold the tavern during that time). Eventually, he went to work full time for Garco and was there until 2006, when he retired at age 75 with over 50 years of service. For fun and additional income, he tended bar at both the Knights of Columbus and The Pine Shed Restaurant.
John was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus, joining in 1962 and progressed through both the local and state chairs, including State Deputy.
John was also an active member of Mary Queen Parish for many years. He lectured, was a member of the Church Council, updated the Council bylaws, raised money for remodeling and expanding the church, and even called bingo.
As a Friendly Son of St Patrick (organizers of the annual St Patrick?s Day Parade in Spokane), he codified their bylaws, was President for a term, and Parade Chairman when needed. He was named Irishman of the year in 1993.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings and leaves behind to remember his life his wife of 52 years Muriel; son Scott (Theresa) Tubbs; daughters Teresa (Jerry) Jurgensen, Michelle Holland, Tricia (Rocky) Way; grandchildren Shane (Sophie) Johnson, Rosie (Mark) Griswold, Shelbi (Rik) Robles, Chelsea (Travis) Chamberlain, Shandy (Logan) Birch, Hanna Way, and Kerstin Way; great grand children Koby, Skylar, Jack, Nya, Andrew, Isabelle, and James; as well as nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved deeply.
A Rosary will be held on Fri, Nov 7th at 7 pm and a funeral mass (followed by a reception) on Sat, Nov 8th at 2:30 pm. Both will be at St Mary?s Church at 4th & Adams in Spokane Valley. Donations in his memory may be made to Hospice of Spokane, PO Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210.
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