Darrell Wendell Holland Sr.

Miss you Dad!

I had the pleasure of sitting one desk away from Darrell at the Plain Dealer from 1988 until I left the paper in 1996. He simply was the most gracious, generous and kind man I've met. EVER. Might sound corny but it's the truth. On a lighter note, he was also a pretty fair table tennis player too - the West Virginia junior champ in grade school, I believe.

Darrell and I became friends when I was a PR guy for John Carroll University and he was religion editor at the PD. As a Catholic university, John Carroll hosted prominent clergy and sponsored interfaith visitor lectures. Darrell covered many of these events. Since Darrell and I shared a serious interest in journalism, we developed a personal friendship. May you rest in peace, my friend.

Dear Ann, Paul, and Family, Darrell was an inspiration and guide to all of us who serve in El Salvador through the COAR Peace Mission. Indeed, the word "peace" is central to our name and mission because of his deep appreciation for the complexity of El Salvador´s civil war (1980 - 1992) --and in all the conflicted and impoverished places of this world. His words inspired action, his words WERE action. And the proof of that is the many lives your family changed in many parts of El Salvador...

Dear Ann, Paul, and Family, Darrell was an inspiration and guide to all of us who serve in El Salvador through the COAR Peace Mission. Indeed, the word "peace" is central to our name and mission because of his deep appreciation for the complexity of El Salvador´s civil war (1980 - 1992) --and in all the conflicted and impoverished places of this world. His words inspired action, his words WERE action. And the proof of that is the many lives your family changed in many parts of El Salvador...

Ann, I send my deepest condolences to you and the family. I cherish the best memories from our many shared gatherings. You both have a special place in my heart. Darrell lived life to the fullest, and his writing reflected his talent in spotlighting those he interviewed. So he captured the attention of the reader, especially me, no matter the subject. Ann if you have a celebration of Darrell's life please let me know.

So sorry to hear about your loss, Paul. What a remarkable person and what it must have been like to have him as your father.

I got to know Darrell while working with Ann when we were high school guidance counselors. I have fond memories of talking with Darrell when I would do woodworking projects at their home. We were as different as night and day, growing up with different backgrounds but we loved our conversations that brought us together. Though it has been 50 some years we haven´t seen each other, my condolences to Ann and the family on Darrell´s passing.

Darrell was the oldest of a long line of cousin of the Dean Family. I was in the middle of the line but was a big admirer of Darrell and look up to him. He was a great man and will live on in the hearts of all the people he touched in his life time. Thank you Darrell for being a great inspiring Cousin!