John Hollis

John Hollis, 80, a native of Tempe, passed away peacefully at home on July 4, 2024 after a valiant battle with Leukemia. He was the only son of Burt and Lesley Hollis, growing up with three little sisters, Margaret, Janice and Imogene, to whom he is the best big brother ever.

John was actively involved in the government, music, drama, and social activities of the class of '61 at Tempe Union High School. He was also a member of the track team and an instigator of the "Village Idiots." He served as a lifeguard and later as Assistant Manager at the ever popular Tempe Beach Pool.

John attended the U of A in Tucson right after high school, where he met his wife of sixty years, Anne Guillaume. He was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity while at the "U." He also attended ASU.

While still in Tempe, he was an active member of the Tempe Jaycee's, serving as President.

John and Anne have two sons, Scott and Daniel. He moved his young family to Broomfield, Colorado in 1968 where he worked for the Aetna Insurance Company for seven years. He became actively involved with the Broomfield Jaycees and played tympani in a local symphonic orchestra while in Colorado. They then moved to Edmond, Oklahoma where he organized and directed the Delta Dental Insurance Company for a group of local dentists and continued his work with the Jaycees.

They returned to Arizona in 1980 where he served as an Executive with Delta Dental Insurance Company, Phoenix for several years. During that time, he became a member of the Tempe Diablos where until recently, he was actively involved. He served as President and enjoyed participating in the Fiesta Bowl events, the many parades on horseback, the youth scholarship program, the Diablo Stadium parking program, and many other events and programs sponsored by the Diablos.

John has spent the last twenty three years with Keller Williams Realty East Valley in various leadership roles as a member of their Executive Leadership Team. In March of 2023, he was honored when an annual award was re-named - The John Hollis Spirit Award. On October 11, 2023, The Keller Williams team and the Tempe Diablos surprised him with an extensive "drive by" retirement parade at his residence, including Tempe Police and Fire, a "hay-ride" full of Tempe Diablos and many, many cars full of well-wishers.

Over the years, John was the recipient of many awards for outstanding service, dedication and leadership from the many civic groups with which he was associated.

John is survived by his wife Anne, his sons, Scott (Flora), Daniel (Lori), two grandsons, a great grand-daughter, his three sisters, two nephews, two nieces, and several great nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of John's Life will be held at a later date. In Anne's words, "when it is cooler."