In Memory

In Memory of Douglas Paul Holle
January 6, 1943, Whitetail, Montana - June 22, 2009, Kennewick, WA

When it is our turn to leave this earth we hope it can be said that we loved and were loved, we enjoyed the respect of others, that our lives made a difference, and that we will be remembered well. Doug Holle lived such a life.

Doug had family and friends who loved him, and are heartbroken that he has gone from this life. Surviving him are: his wife Cathy Merrill Holle; two sons Kirk (Kat), and Ken (Dana), stepson Chad (Nicole) Foltz, stepdaughter Katti (Steve) Warren; twelve grandchildren - Kramer, Tyler, Tanner, Kendyl, Payton, Phoenix, River, Cameron, Carson, Cassidy, Nickolas, and Olivia. Also surviving him are five of his nine siblings - Walt, Bob, Connie, Pat, and Steve; sister-in-law Paula Holle; many much-loved nieces, nephews and friends, and two very special friends, Ken Barker and Wayne Bell.

A 30-year member of the Kiwanis Club of Kennewick, Doug served as secretary for 15 years. He was named 'Kiwanian of the Year' in 2000, and received Kiwanis' highest honor - The Hixson Award - in 1998.

Doug volunteered for many events and projects in the community. Two of which he was especially proud were being part of the building crews for the Playground of Dreams and 25 years volunteer service at the Fair. He took part in hundreds of other volunteer projects. Doug liked to be part of the working crew, leaving the glory to others.

Doug's favorite volunteer service rolled around every December. Since that is Santa's busy time, Doug would fill in here. Children knew he was really Santa's helper because he had his own beard and mustache. During the holidays he 'Santa-ed' at the Second Harvest/ KNDU Food Drive, at schools encouraging children to read, and then he drove for Ben Franklin Transit. He was always touched by what children and adults shared with him when he was wearing his Santa suit.

Doug's trademark was his firm handshake. Often people commented on it being a 'little too firm.' It was more than a handshake though. When he shook your hand he was conveying his respect and affection for you. When you shook his hand you knew this was a man you could respect and trust.

Doug had happiness in his life. It didn't take much to garner a hearty laugh from him. He loved a good joke. He loved being surrounded by his beloved family and friends. Driving the Ice-Burg Drive-In in Walla Walla or Miner's Drive-In in Yakima, with the convertible top down, on a warm summer evening, made him happy. His lawn was his passion - not a weed would dare grow there and it feels like velvet to the feet. Baseball was his game. He was an excellent horseshoe player. Every week he swore he was never playing another round of that stupid game of golf. Temporarily his love-hate relationship with golf was on an even keel when he made a hole-in-one at Canyon Lakes in 2002.

It is sad when we lose a beloved fellow Kennewick Kiwanian, especially one like Doug Holle. He was an extraordinary Kiwanian and this poem by Robert Service a rugged outdoors man like Doug shows some of our feelings about Doug Holle.

The Ordinary Man
by Robert Service

If you and I should chance to meet,
I guess you wouldn't care;
I'm sure you'd pass me in the street
As if I wasn't there;
You'd never look me in the face,
My modest mug to scan,
Because I'm just a commonplace
And Ordinary Man.

But then, it may be, you are too
A guy of every day,
Who does the job he's told to do
And takes the wife his pay;
Who makes a home and kids his care,
And works with pick or pen. . . .
Why, Pal, I guess we're just a pair
Of Ordinary Men.

We plug away and make no fuss,
Our feats are never crowned;
And yet it's common coves like us
Who make the world go round.
And as we steer a steady course
By God's predestined plan,
Hats off to that almighty Force:
THE ORDINARY MAN.

If you want to honor Doug's memory please do something nice for someone today, and spend some time with your family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Benton Franklin Humane Society, or the Kiwanis Club of Kennewick Foundation, PO Box 6291, Kennewick, WA. 99336.

Fishing was what filled Doug's soul. He was a catch-and-release man. He always said 'It's not about the fish you catch, it's about being outside and getting back to what's important in your life.'

A celebration of Doug's life will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, June 28th, 2009, at the First Christian Church, 1921 S. Olympia, Kennewick.