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Holland Locker Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Holland Locker
Sponsored by Julie K. Wong and Family.
Howard J Larimer
April 22, 2025
I am so sad to hear about Holland's passing. He was a truly good friend and colleague. Absolutely one of the best of people. He always had a great smile when we were together.
Ashonti Ford
April 22, 2023
What an amazing person! He had such an impact on me as a kid! Will be missed by many.
Christopher Fullbright
November 5, 2022
I'm saddened and yet glad to find this. Mr. Locker was my 4th grade teacher at Weldon Elementary in Clovis. He was a pivotal part of my young life. He even attended my 8th grade graduation. God bless you Sir. I'm sure I'll see you again heaven. Sincerely Christopher Fullbright
Ashonti Ford
October 24, 2019
I'm so glad to have found this! I was just talking about Mr. Locker with my mom. He was my kindergarten principle and hero! Wow. I'm almost 32 y/o now and I still remember sweet Mr. Locker! Thank you for having such a huge impact on me and my family!
Although you look like "Little Buddy" from Gilligan's Island in this picture, you were always the "Skipper".
Mark Mather
February 28, 2019
Lock you are the best! Thank you for all that you taught and enlightened me with when it comes to kids always first. I know you are working the Goal #2 Office up above and making it all about others. You will live in my heart and through my actions the rest of my life. Love you man!
C. Nelson
February 27, 2019
I remember Holland as a kind person while attending Tenaya JHS. It is no surprise he left an outstanding legacy.
Tammy Patterson
February 17, 2019
I first met Holland when he was hired as Administrator in Human Resources and I was the HR Administrative Secretary to the Associate Superintendent of HR. That was the start of our friendship. I remember Holland was eager to learn all that he could regarding our HR office. It was obvious that Holland was a hard worker but no matter how busy he was he would talk or greet every person that he come in contact with. Sometimes it was just a friendly Hello or else he was asking how their day was going. In MANY cases he knew of the person's family dynamics like how many kids they had and their names, who was getting married, who was having health problems etc. How Holland kept up with everyone's professional and personal life was amazing to me. His memory was second to none. It was just Holland's characteristic to genuinely care about everyone he met. Everytime I ran into Holland, it never failed, he would ask about my daughter and how she was doing in school.
Holland eventually left HR and became Assistant Superintendent for FUSD. We contined to work together when I assisted in the hiring process of our management positions. He was the Hiring Protor and I was then the HR Specialist. He was so professional through the interview process. He was so good at putting every applicant at ease. Holland would give every applicant compliments like how "sharp" they looked in their suit or outfit and reassured them that they would do a great job with the interview questions. At the end of the day applicants left feeling good about their interview and the process.
I just retired in June 2018 and Holland made sure to come to HR on my last day of work to wish me the best in the next chapter of my life. Such a "Holland thing to do".
I was truly blessed when our paths crossed. Thank you Jesus for his friendship. What a gift!
Corina Morales
February 17, 2019
We were both new teachers and volleyball coaches in the 80's! Full of energy and very competitive, you would call every year to scrimmage. Your Bethune team and my Webster team. Your enthusiasm motivated me to be the best. Tournament time always, Bethune 1st place and Webster 2nd!! Throughout the years you were my "cheerleader "! I was blessed to have you as a friend. Vaya con Dios.
Ray Avila
February 15, 2019
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the Locker family. Our family has fond memories of vacations in Cambria and Dinkey Creek with the Locker family. Holland most definitely made a positive impact for students and staff in FUSD and I was proud to call him a friend and colleague. Holland will be missed. We all need to remember our happy times with Holland Locker!
Sincerely,
Ray and Michelle Avila
Donna McBride-Donabedian
February 7, 2019
Dear Jan. I was so saddened to learn of Holland's passing. I remember him as a little boy. My heart goes out to you and your family. My daughter, Susan, taught at Gibson Elem. for 22 years. Holland was their Area Superintendent for many years. Susan said he was well liked by everyone and always so helpful and readily available. Reading about all of Holland's many accomplishments over a rather short period of time - you must be so very proud of him. Also, reading about about family times at Dinky Creek brought back happy memories of the many times I spent there with you, Elaine, and your sister. I have tried to contact you, but has no current phone # or address. It has been some time since we have seen each other. Hope we can remedy that in the future. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna McBride - Donabedian
February 7, 2019
Dear Jan. So saddened to read about Holland's passing. I remember him as a little boy. My heart goes out to you and your family. Reading about family outings to Dinkey Creek, brought back many fond memories of my times there with you, Elaine and your sister Donna. My Daughter, Susan Starbuck, taught at Gibson School for 22 years. Holland was their area Superintendent. Susan said he was such a fine person and always available to them for anything that was needed. You must be very proud of Holland. He accomplished so much in his rather short stay on this earth. I tried to contact you, but had no current address or phone number and was unable to find one. It has been way too long since we last saw each other. Hope we can remedy this in sometime in the future. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Suzanne Nalbandian
February 6, 2019
Rest In Peace Holland. I will miss you and thank you for all of your kindness. I will cherish all the great summers in Dinkey Creek with you and your family.
Tami Kessler
February 6, 2019
Holland was a great influence in FUSD. I remember him being out on the field at Landen's soccer games when he played with my son on the Fig Garden Soccer League at Kratt Elementary. Always being positive. Sorry for your loss.
February 5, 2019
Locker family is gold standard for education and sports. Big influence as student at Bullard. Sorry for your loss..
Chris Wong
February 4, 2019
I have great memories of Holland all the way back to our early elementary years as I walked by his house on the way to Ruth Gibson School and up through our years in high school. He always had a warm friendly smile. I remember Holland to be a person who was genuinely kind and concerned with the people he knew and encountered. It is with deep sadness that I offer my prayers and condolences to Holland's family.
Jennifer Kleinkauf
February 4, 2019
Mr. Locker was my 4th grade teacher. His passion for life and learning resonated with my for my whole life. I will never forget him reading The Mouse and the Motorcycle out loud to us... doing all the voices. He was warm and friendly... and always made each student feel special. He was a treasure of a person and I'm so sorry to his family for their loss.
Mark Mather
February 4, 2019
Thank you Holland for sharing your expertise and incredible leadership in order to build the capacity in all who crossed your path in FUSD. Especially me. I miss you Lock!
Julie Wong
February 3, 2019
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Holland's passing. I had the immense pleasure of serving on serveral interview panels with him over the last 5-6 years. His warmth, sincerity, and care for the students and staff of Fresno Unified was unmatched.
Holland was the ONLY administrator that would not only answer any question I might have about my child and services/placement, but would make sure that if he didn't know the answer immediately, I would have it by the end of the day. He would then follow up and ask how things turned out. That is true dedication.
The loss to the district, though immeasurable to that of his family, will be felt by generations. May his family find peace in knowing what a difference he made in the lives of so many. Rest in peace, Holland - I will miss you and your sense of humor, wonderful smile, and advice.
Judy Ostrom
February 3, 2019
We feel so sorry for all the Locker family.
I was the Office Manager at Ayer Elementary when Holland was assigned his first Principalship. He was the youngest Principal in the District at that time. In a short while, he knew the first and last name of each student in the school and could be found at lunchtime on the playground coaching sports. The staff and parents respected him for creating an environment in which each student could learn and grow. He was funny, very energetic, and full of life.
Holland was our dear friend almost 30 years and will always remember the fun times we had.! Love, Judy and Stan Ostrom
RIP
Carolyn Major
February 2, 2019
May God bless the Locker family at this time of lost. I got to know Holland when he served as my Boss.I found him to be very supportive. My school assignment was a difficult one, but he was always there to support me. Later years after my retirement, I would run into him, and I still remember his warm smile.
Ann Thaxter
February 2, 2019
Jan and family, I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you will find comfort in your cherished memories of your happy times together. Love, Ann Thaxter
February 2, 2019
So sorry to hear about Holland! I had the pleasure of working with him at Ayer elementary, his first year as Principal! We called him baby face, because he was only 29......Holland will be missed greatly! Prayers to the family................. Sincerely, Joyce Huber
Nancy Fisher
February 2, 2019
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the entire Locker family. From the earliest days beginning in kindergarten at Ruth Gibson through the years at Bullard High School: Holland was so kind and friendly to everybody, and a person that showed real integrity. His warm smile showed it all!!
Lynda Borrelli
February 2, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Holland was a wonderful person and he will be deeply missed.
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