Obituary: Holland, John Patrick

HOLLAND,
John
Patrick
(Age 83)

John Patrick Holland 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 morn- ing, 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).

Beginning at age 11, he had many jobs in and around Bovill: hay cutting, delivering groceries, working for the railroad (CMSTP&P), fighting fires, working in a logging camp, and working as a mechanics helper, all while still in his teens.

Coming to Spokane at the age of 14, he attended Gonzaga High School after which he attended Gonzaga University for three semesters, leaving to join the Army Airborne Division.

After receiving a medical discharge, he returned to Spokane and to school and shortly after purchased The Knot Hole Tavern.

Beginning in 1954 he did seasonal work for Timber-Rib (the predecessor of Garco Building Systems) and also worked for five years for McKesson and Robbins.

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 also tended bar at both the Knights of Columbus and The Pine Shed Restaurant.

In the mid ‘50s, he took up stock car racing (Northwest Stock Car Association) and the bagpipes (The Spokane Highlanders).

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.

He was also an active member of Mary Queen Parish for many years and a Friendly Son of St Patrick (President, Parade Chairman, 1993 Irishman of the Year).

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; seven grandchildren; and 7.5 great-grandchildren; as well as nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved deeply.

A Rosary will be held on Friday, November 7th at 7:00 pm and a Funeral Mass (followed by a reception) on Saturday, November 8th at 2:30 pm.

Both will be at St Mary’s Church at 4th and Adams in Spokane Valley.

Donations in his memory may be made to Hospice of Spokane, P O Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210.