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Brian Holland Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Brian Holland
Chris Baker
August 16, 2002
In memory of Brian
I first met Brian some 5 years ago through work. My first day at Northeast Utilities coincided with Brian’s first day back at work after his first heart surgery. During these last five years, Brian and I spent a lot of time together, both at work, on business trips to Boston, New York and San Diego and also socially, whether it be for a meal after work, or our regular Wednesday night ‘wings fest ’ in Plainville.
I considered it an honor and a privilege to call Brian my friend and more importantly, that he called me a friend. Brian was a large man in life and a man of large stature and presence. Once you met Brian, you would never forget him. He made a lasting impression on all the people that he met, which is reflected in the gathering of people here today from all walks of life and from all parts of Northeast Utilities, and also in the number of people who have sent their condolences.
Many of those people only met Brian on one or two occasions or who last saw him many years ago, but they so liked the man, that they could not let his passing go without saying goodbye.
On a personal level, it is hard for me to accept that I will not see Brian again and know that his passing must be even harder for Judy, his family and friends here today. My life and the lives of all of us gathered here today are going to be a far sadder and emptier place without him.
Brian loved life and loved his family and no matter where he was, they were always in his thoughts. There are two people in that family of whom Brian was especially fond and proud, his nieces Alena and Jaylin who Brian adored.
These last 2 years have not been an easy time for the Holland family and while we remember Brian here today, I would also ask that you remember the family’s recent losses and keep his mother Mary, and sister-in-law Kathy, in your prayers.
On a more positive note, and there are positive sides to today. We can take comfort from knowing that Brian is now in good hands, probably sitting with his brother John, sipping a grey goose or two. And as we remember him here today, Brian would ask that we not be sad, (well, I’ve got news for you Brian, that’s a lot easier to say than to do). Instead, he would ask that we remember the good times that we shared together with him and that we live our lives to the full.
Brian was the kindest, most considerate person that one could ever wish to meet. Over the last few years, Brian has helped me alone in the following areas –
travel agent,
AAA service
restaurant guide
road atlas
vacation planner
hotel directory
optician,
shopping guide
car mechanic,
financial advisor
Well, I’m not too sure about those last two, as I am still working and my car is not!
Anyway, this was typical of Brian, he was always there when you needed him and nothing was ever too much trouble to him.
Brian and I shared a number of things in common. We shared a similar sense of adventure, and I certainly remember the good times that we and others enjoyed together.
Such as – on a recent visit to California, jumping in a ‘very compact’ car and driving up the coast from San Diego to Santa Barbara, stopping for lunch in Santa Monica. So far a perfect day, but on the way back we got lost, ended up in Camp somewhere and received a military escort off the base.
Or - wine tasting in the Temecula valley. Whereas ‘normal’ people visit three or four wineries, we tackled all eleven – or at least I think it was 11, we lost count somewhere around 8.
Or whether it was simply sharing a meal after work where, after a couple of drinks we would resolve NU’s problems, such as what to do with the IT department, generally put the world to rights and exchange views on the merits of the Yankees versus the Red Sox. I never understood why, but that seems to be a popular topic of discussion around these parts.
We were also the same age, actually I was a few months older than Brian, but he always told people that there were years between us.
Brian also had a sense of humor, some might even say that it was a warped sense of humor. I think that this was one of the reasons that we became such good friends, as this was a common trait that we shared and Brian was one of the few people this side of the pond to understand my sense of humor and also laugh at my English jokes, such as ‘there were two tigers walking down 5th avenue’ joke.
An example of his how shall I say, different sense of humor was to be found over dinner at a very posh Boston restaurant. There were 10 people at our table, they all introduced themselves, Brian introduced himself and the introduced me a Vladimir, an exchange worker from Russia. I spent two hours talking gibberish to Brian, with Brian supposedly translating what I was saying.
I will miss Brian for all of these reasons and many, many more.
On a personal note, I would like to thank Brian’s family for their dedication to Brian during his time in hospital and especially to Neil for keeping all of us informed of Brian’s situation. That was no easy task and he performed it with unwavering dedication – Neil, thank you.
It is no exaggeration to say that Brian truly had a heart of gold. How ironic it is that it is that very heart of gold that brings us all here today.
In Brian’s own words – ‘go figure’.
Amelia Valvo
August 16, 2002
Brian,you will be missed greatly! I'm glad I had the pleasure of knowing you. It was to soon for us to have to miss you. I will always remember Wednesdays at J.Timothys and our dart game down at the V.F.W. My sympathys to the Holland family and Judy. You are the true "Gentle Giant" and a friend to all. Miss you, Amelia
Mickey C
August 16, 2002
Unfortunately, the good die young! Wish it weren't so. CL&P IT USER.
Valeria Scagliarino
August 15, 2002
Brian,
When I met you, Jorge and Chris told me your nickname was "Big Brian". I thought it was because you were big and tall. After talking to you I changed my mind and I realized it was because you were a good man and then a "Big" man.
I'm sorry to hear that a good person has left this planet but I know that you are now in a better place and from there you can look after your friends and family.
Barb & Jeff Jambora
August 15, 2002
Brian,
You were just like family to us. All the times you came with Judy and AuntFran to Mom&Dad's house for a visit will be memories we will cherish. You were a kind, caring, man whom brought laughter and joy to all of us. We will truly miss you. Love Always, Barb & Jeff
Shawn Santomenno
August 14, 2002
Brian was a very dear and gracious friend and co-worker who will be missed by many. His smile, caring heart and admirable wit are memories I will always cherish. My deepest sympathy to the Holland Family
John Kriedel
August 14, 2002
Brian your humor will be missed. I never knew you were such a traveler until you help me plan my vacation to San Diego. Unfortunately only God is the planner in this one for us all. I am sure everyone in heaven is laughing at your jokes and adventures. You are definately missed.
Susan Zuraw
August 14, 2002
Brian was a great guy who was always willing to help. My sincere condolences to his family.
Brad & Yvonne Doyle
August 14, 2002
Brian,
Words cannot express the sorrow that we feel... You are one of the most generous persons that I have ever known. It truly has been a pleasure knowing and working with you these many years, and, I will miss our frequent lunches/walks together. It pains me greatly and both Yvonne and I will miss you greatly. Our prayers are with Judy and your family during this most difficult, sad time.
Brad and Yvonne
Jorge & Nancy Gelabert
August 13, 2002
Brian, 'the gentle giant', your humor and kindness will be greatly missed. Words fail when we try to state the sadness we've felt since learning you were no longer with us. We were priviledged to have known you and have you as a friend and coworker. God now has a new Angel in Heaven.
Our deepest felt condolences to your family. May their pain over your loss be eased by the knowledge that your friends and coworkers have you in their prayers and will always have their memories of you in their hearts.
Jorge & Nancy
Gerry Blanchard
August 13, 2002
Brian,
You were a great guy who I'm going to miss. You a were a pleasure to work with.
Gerry B.
Mary McVay
August 13, 2002
Brian,
The "B" man !!! To a great friend who liked to travel and have fun. I will miss our trips, group gatherings and his smile. Brian was a true friend, easy to talk to and who listened. We will miss you here at Northeast Utilities.
Louise Jacques
August 13, 2002
Brian was a true friend, and he will be deeply missed around the Berlin office of Northeast Utilities. The mood around here has been somber and our hearts are truly broken. We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family. We find comfort in knowing he is in a better place.
Doris Mollica
August 13, 2002
Brian - A great friend and lunch pal, I'll miss our lively conversations and your sense of humor.
My Condolences to Family and Friends
Doris
SHERRY POWELL
August 13, 2002
BRIAN,
You were always so friendly and pleasant, I always looked forward to talking to ya, you will be missed dearly missed.
Sherry
Luz Martinez
August 13, 2002
Brian, I know that you are in heaven. You were definitely my angel, and always will be. Thanks for being there my friend. You will truly be missed.
Love always,
LUZ
Carleen Peryga
August 13, 2002
Brian, was my friend, co-worker and lunch buddy, along with Sandy who also passed away last year. Brian, you will always be in my heart. Your sense of humor and good spirits have brought joy to many and will be missed tremendously. God Bless
Chris Baker
August 13, 2002
Brian was the kindest, most considerate person that one could ever wish to meet. I considered it an honor and a privilege to call him my friend. My life and the lives of all of us who knew him are going to be a much sadder and emptier place without him. My thoughts and sympathies are with Judy and his family.
Chris
Cynthia Bazzano
August 13, 2002
Brian was a great help to us at the IT Support Center at NU. We'll miss his sunny smile and warm disposition. Deepest Sympathy to family and friends...
Lise Kozlowski
August 13, 2002
Brian was a true friend and will be missed terribly. I have known him for as long as he worked at NU. I will miss his 'Hello, Kiddo' when we would see each other. I will miss you, God bless.
Love
Lise
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