Kenneth Harold Hollis

Kenneth Harold HollisROY - Kenneth Harold Hollis, a proud member of "The Greatest Generation" who loved life so much and lived it to the fullest, has finally decided it was time to go fishing on those trout streams up in heaven. He died Thursday, February 24, 2005, at the home of his son, surrounded by those who loved him, after a valiant 18-month battle with leukemia. Just two weeks earlier, Harold had celebrated his 82nd birthday. When he was diagnosed with a pre-leukemia condition in October 2003, doctors told him he probably had only 3-6 months to live. But with the fierce fighting spirit that served him so well when he defended his country 60 years earlier in World War II, he fought this disease and continually fooled the doctors who counted him out, time and again. Just two days before his death, he was up walking the hallways of the VA Hospital, trying to get stronger in an effort to get well again and fool 'em one more time. He was so proud to have served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII, when he participated in the Normandy Invasion-D-Day plus 6 - and numerous other battle campaigns. He received several combat medals, including a Purple Heart. The words "class," "style," "grace," "gentleman" and "generous" come to mind most often when talking about Harold Hollis. He was a man with great character and courage, a man with many great friends who cherished their association with him. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting pheasant, ducks, antelope and deer, and later in life he became an avid fisherman. He loved spending time at Ken's cabin in Wyoming. He'll be greatly missed by his ol' hunting and fishing buddies Gerry, Dee, Tobe and Cindell, his son Ken and grandson Taylor, but he'll be anxiously greeted at the gates of heaven by his Mom and Dad, his two brothers, and by a couple of his dear old friends Reed Shaw and Dee Hendry, who went ahead of him to scout out the territory and will no doubt be waiting for him with a hearty laugh and a good bull sto ry. Harold was born February 10, 1923, in Wayne, OK, the son of Taylor Albert and Elva Hardcastle Hollis. He grew up in Oklahoma and, after World War II, married Jayne Kelly in 1948. They were later divorced but remained friends. He married Maxine Peterson in 1962. They were later divorced. He worked in the purchasing department at Pacific Iron and Steel (later Jetway Equipment Corp.) in California and was transferred from Los Angeles to Ogden in 1955. He founded Hollis Industrial Supply and Paints in 1965 and owned and operated his company until retiring in 1992. Dad leaves behind two sons and two daughters: Kenneth A. (Bonnie) Hollis, North Ogden; Randy (Susan) Hollis, Roy; Shannon A. (John) Sasse', Tampa FL; and Jacqueline Hollis, Ogden; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews, nieces and friends, all of whom adored him and thought he was the greatest guy in the world. He is also survived by two sisters: Evelyn McAtee of Fort Smith, AK; and Laverne Walck o f Tecumseh, OK. We will all cherish his memory and all the good times we shared together forever. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Oran "Chuck" Hollis and Blaine Hollis. The family wishes to thank his wonderful home care nurses, the doctors and staff at the VA Hospital and the Hospice nurses who were so kind and helpful to Harold as he fought his illness. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 2, 2005 at 11 a.m. at Myers Mortuary in Roy, 5865 South 1900 West, with Bishop Keith Foulger officiating. Friends may call at the mortuary on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10 to 10:45 prior to services. Interment, Myers Evergreen Memorial Park, 100 Monroe Blvd., Ogden. Send condolences to family at www.myers-mortuary.com.