John "Santa" Hollander

To the Hollander family,

I'm studying for an exam and it suddenly popped into my head to look up "John Malcolm Hollander" on the internet. I'm surprised and saddened, however, to learn of John's death.

I remember John from - oh, so many years ago. I was in high school and would drive out nearly every day to ride "Tonka" and "Black Lad" for John while he was at the American University. He was living in Vienna, Virginia, but I'd write and give him reports on his horses. A rare man who would actually write back even longer letters than I wrote. :)

John always seemed happy. So down-to-earth. During my awkward teen years, John was one of the few males who could put me at ease and I could talk to, lol.

John was a very sincere individual, and totally so when it came to his horses or where they were concerned. But unlike many animal lovers, he loved people, too; wanting the best for everyone he met.

Roxanne, I remember you, I'm pretty sure. So sorry to hear about your mom and Woody.

The farm was a piece of heaven, a refuge, for a few years for me. So many wonderful memories that John did share, too, there.

My sincerest condolences,

To the Hollander Family,

John taught me to ride horses on old Tony. As a 10 or 11 year old, I remember him as patient and funny. You might remember me as Roxanne, one of the Cates girls. We lived on your farm for a few years. My mom, Gladys passed away in 2005, Woody in 2000. Sorry my sentiments are so late, I just learned of his death. My heart goes out to you. Remember the good times.

489 Sunburst Dr.
Paradise, CA 95969

Ann, Roger and Lynn--

John's death brings wonderful, vivid memories of many summer weeks the Hawthornes and Hollanders shared at Clearwater, with adventures on Bay Lake and a few summer evenings when new-driver John would drive the rest of us kids into Brainerd for a movie. (Scary, when I remember that!)

John is at peace now and we wish for you who survive comfort and peace as well.

To the Hollander Family,

Warm Summer Sun

Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night.

By Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens)
The Poetry Foundation

I will always remember John at the cabin and I thought Warm Summer Sun would fit the image.
Blessings, Janet