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Thomas Holdych Obituary
Thomas J. HOLDYCH Dec 17,1944~Apr 24, 2011 Witness to the Resurrection Tom, born in Rockford, Ill, to Ervin & Beverly Holdych, passed away early Easter morning. He married Carolyn Mattila on June 10, 1967. While attending the University of Illinois Law School, he was the Editor-in-chief of the Law Review. Upon graduation, he started his legal career as a clerk at the California Supreme Court and joined O'Melveny & Meyers in LA. With a new law school opening in Tacoma, WA, he joined as a founding member of the faculty of the University of Puget Sound, later Seattle University School of Law. He loved teaching and was both "feared & adored" for his rigorous demands. He served as faculty advisor for the Christian Legal Society and delighted in serving on the oversight committee for the Union Gospel Mission Open Door Legal Services. Surviving family include his wife, Carolyn; son Stephen (Laura) and grandsons Nate, Cameron, Ryan, & Luke; son David (Tien-Li) and grandson Micah; and sister Robbyn (Neil) Van Vleet. A memorial service is planned Saturday, April 30, 1 pm at Harbor Covenant Church, 5601 Gustafson Dr NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335. Remembrances can be made to the Evergreen Chapter of the ALS Association, Kent, WA or Seattle University School of Law. To leave a remembrance note, please visit www.havenrest.comTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Holdych
Jim Schacht
April 21, 2023
Best proff ever!
layne aden
May 27, 2011
Cousin tom was not only family,but a friend. I'm so glad he played the horn louder than me. He was able to drown out my horrible notes.He never really argued with anyone but he always seemed to get his point across. He truly knew the meaning of tact. Tom, I will miss you dearly.
John Reed
May 9, 2011
I was in Professor Holdych's contracts class in '72-'73. That first year of the law school was a truly unique and fascinating learning experience for all of us-students and faculty alike. It didn't take long to realize he was an excellent professor, dedicated to to his profession and to his students, as well as to the success of the new school. He was a master at the socratic method. I still remember many of the principles of law that he taught us. I'm sure that upon his passing there was a great "meeting of the minds" in Heaven.
Chris Marchant
May 5, 2011
Professor Holdych was, at all times, a gentleman. True, he nailed us with his piercing questions, but it was never personal and it was always to enlighten. he stretched my mind and enlivened my understanding of the law and how to think, not abstractly, but concretely and logically. I have thought of him often. I miss him.
Rick Gifford
May 5, 2011
I met Tom while we served together for several years on the Seattle Union Gospel Mission's Oversight Committee for its legal services ministry, now known as Open Door Legal Services. Despite his stature and "seniority", Tom was always gracious, self-effacing, and submissive to the will of the team. He was invariably considerate and kind-hearted--the consummate gentleman. He was and will remain an example to his family, friends, colleagues, and students, and to those, like me, who were privileged to know him in shared service to Christ's beloved. I am saddened by Tom's passing, and extend condolences to Carolyn and to his children and grandchildren, all bright lights in his sky. May your sorrow be tempered by the sure knowledge that Tom is in the presence of Jesus, rejoicing.
Jennifer Bishop
May 5, 2011
Professor Holdych was an amazing professor and introduction to my law school career in 1989. Oh, the anxiety of being called on by him! He was unflappable, always extremely prepared, entertaining (Contracts, who knew?), and his positive feedback fed my bruised little 1L ego until this day. My sincere condolences to his family for your loss, and the UPS/Seattle University School of Law community.
Tracy Thomas
April 30, 2011
I think about Professor Holdych and his classes often, as learning to use and love Socratic method has been instructive and fun in many areas of my career after law school. He was always amazing and will be missed. Tracy Thomas, SU Law '95
Jim Schacht
April 30, 2011
Professor Holdych’s 1st year Contracts class was for many of us our wakeup call. After the first day we knew we were not in college any more. I took two more courses from Professor Holdych after 1st year. Those three classes will always represent my best memories of UPS Law School. What a privilege to be challenged by a vast intellect with a genuine smile. My thanks to Professor Holdych’s family for sharing him with us. Jim Schacht ‘87 Gretchen Leanderson '87
Hal lohse
April 29, 2011
April 29, 2011
Tom and Carolyn, I never thanked you enough for the kindness that you showed me by letting me reside for a while with you and the boys back in 1975. Your example of true Christian love has never been forgotten by me. I treasure the Friday night Bible studies we had at the Noch's house. Those were trying times for me and you were an anchor for my soul. Tom, you were a good professor even if I did not understand where you were going in my Contracts and Constitutional Law classes. You "walked" your Christian "talk" as the saying goes.I envy you. You have entered the Kingdom before me. I can wait for it though because it is worth it isn't it? May Adoni bless and keep your family until that day when we all meet the Law Giver and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! He has risen indeed!
Jim Robinson
April 29, 2011
I remember Professor Holdych as both my teacher and my friend. I will miss talking to him very much. God has taken him too soon. Rest in Peace my friend. Jim Robinson, SU Law, '98
Patrice Cole
April 29, 2011
I did not have the pleasure of being in Professor Holdych's class until UCC Sales, my third year in law school. By that time, law professors did not scare me any more; in fact I couldn't figure what all the fuss about "Spike" was. His class was thought provoking but I always left the room feeling I had learned something. To his family I would say that you should know what a fine professor he was. I am sorry for your loss and sorry as well to hear about his last several years. My good thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
John Borden
April 29, 2011
To his first year Contracts students, Professor Holdych was the icon of the Socratic Method. At the end of a tortuous line of questioning he would always close with a question or cryptic comment, never with an “Answer.” And Professor Holdych would rock slightly on his feet, with a mild smile on his face and a glint in his eye. In that glint, this student could see mischievous good humor, and compassion for the rigors of learning the law.
Steven Booth Songstad
April 29, 2011
I was saddened to read of Tom Holdych’s passing. I was a member of the first law school class. I joined several hundred other first year law students who had little idea of the nature of the journey we were about to embark on. The first class I entered was contracts with Tom Holdych. My first experience as a law student was with this man who couldn't have been more than 18 years old. This “kid” was the first conductor on the path of my legal career. After graduation I would occasionally visit the mainland and drop into the various law school campuses. Though I, other grads and other professors seemed to be aging appropriately I noticed that Tom still appeared to be only 18! How could that be? His teaching skills were phenomenal. I felt well prepared to analyze and understand contract and UCC issues as a result. I admired him at the time and mourn his passing now.
Gari Goodman
April 28, 2011
I took UCC from Professor Holdych in 1980 and he had a one-liner I quote to this day: "The bank always wins." He told us this on day one and said, "if you don't remember anything else from this class, remember this." He obviously knew something important.
Talis Abolins
April 28, 2011
What a loss to the community. Professor Holdych was one of the most memorable teachers in my academic life -- truly socratic, kindly torturing students in order to prepare them for the rigors of legal argument. Thank you Professor Holdych!
Katharine Hardt-Mason
April 28, 2011
What an incredible man and professor. I don't know if I ever thanked him for everything I learned in first year contracts, but I certainly thank him every day I write or am the recipient of a real estate contract! He will truly be missed. Katharine Hardt-Mason (Morgan Hill, CA)
April 28, 2011
Professor Tom Holdych taught 3 law classes that I took, but I am most grateful for him as my Constitutional Law Class professor at UPS Law School in 1978. My area of specialty is civil rights law & policy, and he gave me a great foundation for the work I have done in my entire professional career. Alec Stephens, Seattle, WA
Terry Marston
April 28, 2011
For me, Tom Holdych was law school. He probably didn't teach me how to think, but he certainly forced me for the first time to really do so. I will always be grateful.
Katrenia Hardin
April 28, 2011
Professor Holdych was without question the best professor I've ever had; and one of a select group of people that I really admired. He really seemed to live his Faith - even to point of visting prisoners to share it. I will pray for his lovely wife who so graciously opened their home for an occasional Christian Legal Society smoked salmon dinner. He really was one of a kind. As a 1 L I remember how surprised I was to find that he had a fantastic sense of humor. I can almost hear him laughing at me now as I assured him that God was not a Republican. Like several people who have posted already, I too was a beneficiary of his Contracts and UCC classes. Thanks to him, I passed 4 bar exams 1st try using just the notes from his classes. Looking forward someday to that 'Great Reunion', until then you will be missed.
Lisa Belden
April 28, 2011
I had Prof. Holdych for Contracts in 1984 (at University of Puget Sound in Tacoma), and so enjoyed his teaching and teasing that I signed up for another go for his UCC class the next year. Prof. Holdych was such a great teacher.... always good-natured, smart, energetic and amusing. Just when the class thought we had finally figured out the law and had given the right answer (after much fumbling about), Prof. Holdych would end the temporary victory with another round of brilliant questions undermining what we had just figured out. He left everyone with a laugh or smile on their face and made us think rather than memorize. it became clearer over time that he taught not only what the law was, but what it should be or could be. And then he mixed it all up again with more and more increasingly ridiculous questions to see if he could move us off the "ah ha" moment, before changing the area of inquiry to a different case or statutory scheme. And this was in an area of law which was developed to provide certainty to future acts and behavior so that people would be willing to act first, or even out of sequence, to obtain the benefit of the bargain. Prof. Holdych gave much more than a peppercorn of consideration to support his promise as a young law professor. He demanded much and gave much and had fun doing it. I am sorry to hear about his illness and passing. He blessed many with his life.
Daniel Syhre
April 28, 2011
Professor Holdych was a great teacher of law and legal reasoning. I still can't write a brief or prepare for an argument without imagining what he would say. He will be missed.
Stephen Henderson
April 28, 2011
I was in the original class at UPS law school and had "Spike" Holdych for contracts and later in the summer for constitutional law. His classes were difficult and demanding...he scared the hell out of us all. Later when I got to know him as a alumnus he was always very friendly and enjoyed laughing about his teaching style.
He influenced my life greatly and I believe made me a better lawyer and person.
God bless him.
Lisa Moore
April 28, 2011
Professor Holdych was the cause of much fear during my first year of law school. He relished the nickname “Spike” he had been given (as in a railroad spike because he was known to nail you to the wall). I had never worked so hard in a class before and when I recieved a B+ from him it was one of my proudest moments. I came to know him outside of the classroom and found him to be a funny, devout, caring man and I wondered how I was ever afraid of him. He adored his family and I hope he knew how much he was adored and respected.
Sara Denton
April 28, 2011
I will never forget Professor Holdych and everything he taught me about contract law. I am grateful for every day I got to spend in his class.
JIm Aiken
April 28, 2011
I was taught contracts by Professor Holdych during his first year at UPS law school. I can recall as if yesterday the many occasions when I was called on and stumbled my way through his questions re: Article 2. He has had a lasting influence on me and taught two of my children who also benefited from their experiences with him. He was a fine man, a great teacher, and one who will be missed.
David Lombard
April 28, 2011
I took Contracts from Professor Holdych in 1973-1974, my first year. I also took Constitutional Law from him my second year. He was a terrific teacher, but, more than that, he was a terrific guy who made law school tough, but also fun. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing.
Lisa Dabalos-McMahon
April 28, 2011
When I went to law school, Professor Holdych invited students in the Christian Legal Society over to his home for a get together. I attended with my husband and kids and we had a lovely time. It's rare for a professor to invite students to his home. He lived his faith in his work and life. He will be missed.
Chris Jackson
April 28, 2011
As did many students at UPS (now SU) School of Law, I had "Spike" Holdych for contracts and UCC, both foreign languages to me. But he was patient and kind --despite his rigorous questioning in class-- and helped me see through the fog. He was a merciful soul and the gentle light of Jesus Christ shown through him.
Clarissa Brown
April 28, 2011
I hold Professor Holdych in my heart. In 2000, I loved attending his Contracts class and the experience forever changed my way of thinking. What a fine man. God bless Prof. Holdych and my gratitude to his family for sharing him with all of his law students.
Ryan Pauley
April 28, 2011
Professor Holdych was an incredible professor. I will never forget the memorable times I had in his class and preparing for it. I still use some of his catchphrases when speaking to my law school classmates, i.e. "back to the ranch so to speak". R.I.P. Professor Holdych, you will be missed.
April 28, 2011
Professor Holdych was the best teacher I ever had. He expected his students to be at their best and as a result I learned more from him than any other Pfrofessor. He was also a fantastic person with the highest standards in both morals and ethics. I'm sad to see him go. Mike Lande (Class of 86).
Charlie Brown
April 28, 2011
Professor Holdych was my Contracts Law Professor first year. He was mentally rigorous and a great teacher. He wanted his students to learn the law and be well prepared in this important topic. Today, I still remember - and use!- the principles we learned then.
Our class ('82) put on a light-hearted end-of-year first year program featuring a student imitating each professor. He had a unique physical style which included putting one foot on his desk while speaking. (I think I'm remembering this correctly) He took our play in the spirit in which it was intended.
He's a nice man and I won't forget him. Charlie Brown
Andrea Vitalich
April 28, 2011
Prof. Holdych's contracts class was a memorable and unique learning experience. He left his mark on many future attorneys, and his family should be very proud of that.
Rob Turner
April 28, 2011
Prof. Holdych was a good teacher and I use many of the princples learned from his classes. God speed to him and his family.
Bruce T Clark
April 27, 2011
I liked and respected Professor Holdych from the beginning of my law school experience right on through graduation. I am sorry to hear of his passing; I am grateful for his influence on my life and legal career.
Merry Kogut
April 27, 2011
I didn't know Tom well, but he seemed like a kind and gentle soul with a great sense of humor. He'll be missed. I'm so very sorry.
Tim Anderson
April 27, 2011
I'll always remember how Tom would laugh so hard while telling a funny story at family gatherings. May he eternally get the respect he is due.
Don Winskill
April 27, 2011
I took Constitutional Law from Prof. Holdych in 1975 at UPS Law School (the University that sold the Law School). He was probably the most Socratic professor at the school. Students would come to class thinking they had a handle on the subject and leave more confused than ever. His expertise of the Socratic method was something to behold and led to a depth of study of Con. Law that few law professors could muster. I hadn't seen him in over 30 years, but I will never forget him.
Hillary Madsen
April 27, 2011
Prof. Holdych was the greatest teacher. It is not an exaggeration to say that his contracts class changed my life. I hope he finally receives that Maserati in heaven.
Bill King
April 27, 2011
Professor Holdych was a wonderful teacher, and always a wry and entertaining presence around 950 Broadway Plaza. He left quite an impression. Blessed to have known him.
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