Robert W. Holland

Robert W. "Bob" Holland, 94, passed away with his loving family at his side on September 5, 2012, following a brief illness. Born to Frank and Laura Holland in Bisbee, ND on September 12, 1917, Robert was the sixth of seven children. The family moved to the Wenatchee Valley in 1919. In 1935, Bob was a member of the last graduating class of Sunnyslope High School. He attended the University of Washington, before returning to Wenatchee in 1939, beginning his long career at the E.T. Pybus Company. Robert married Dorothy Brown in 1940, and together they purchased the machine shop in 1964. Bob remained an active presence at Holland Machine until his death. Bob was extremely proud of his 73 year machinist career and his 72 year marriage to wife, Dorothy. As a young man, Bob excelled as a basketball and baseball player and later enjoyed hunting and backpacking, a passion he shared with son, Mike. He was active in the Sunnyslope Church of the Brethren and for many years, he served on the board of The Friendship Center. Robert lived the life of a "good Samaritan," finding many opportunities to step quietly in and help others when it was needed most. He was a true gentleman, exemplifying integrity in all he did, leading by example and inspiring us all. "Grandpa Bob's" greatest joy in life was his family and he spent endless hours entertaining his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Piggy-back rides, "grandpa hugs" and silly games were the order of the day. His lap was never empty. Robert was greatly loved and will be forever missed by his family and many friends. Robert is survived by his wife, Dorothy, at the family home; daughter, Linda Moore (William) of San Jose, CA; son, Michael Holland of Wenatchee; and daughter, Marcia Flagler (Keith) of Palm Springs, CA; his grandchildren, Lajette England, Ellie Coen, Brent Coen, Reagan Maechling, Lucas Flagler and Kael Holland; and great-grandchildren, Morgan and Will England, Emme Tucker, Cade Maechling and Zimora Coen. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Altha Hughes, William Holland, Hazel Baughman, Helen Wentz, Frank Holland and Cecil Holland. He was also preceded in death by daughter-in-law, Bette Jo "B.J." Holland. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 9, 2012, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Celebration Services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Monday, September 10,2012, at Jones & Jones~Betts Memorial Chapel, with Interment following at Wenatchee City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Sunnyslope Church of the Brethren or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones & Jones~Betts Funeral Home, Wenatchee.

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Robert W. Holland

September 12, 1917 - September 5, 2012