Dean Holland

My step-father was a fun person and always looking for the alternative in life. His mind never stopped coming up with new adventures and hobbies to try. Without Diana, Kathie and Phillip Dean, my life would be half full. And thanks to Betty and Tom for putting up with all our all night slumber parties! Thanks everyone for being my family too.
(Originally submitted on Monarch Society Guestbook May 7, 2013)

Wow, I'm so lucky Dean Holland was (and still is) in my life. Why? Because he taught me so many things. Drums, electronics, and fixing cars to name a few...

But most of all he taught me how to interact (deal) with other human beings!

Thanks to Dean, Diana, Kathie, & Phillip were also in my life. Our relationships exposed me to so much more.

Knowing that, I can truly say... "Dean Holland & Family made me what I am today!"

(Originally submitted on Monarch Society Guestbook May 10, 2013)

Virginia, my heart goes out to you and the family at this time. Wil and I send our love and a big hug to you. Let us know if there is anything we can do.
(Originally submitted on Monarch Society Guest Book May 7, 2013)

Dean was the most loving, caring, and humanitarian person I ever knew. He helped me get to where I am today. The Good Lord needs his help in Heaven now!

Diana, I am so sorry for your family's loss. Keeping you in my thoughts--

The jazz musician we all know so well, has left us to play his tunes elsewhere. Play on little drummer man. You were such a gem to all who knew you. You were loved and will be greatly missed. My best wishes to your family.
With love, Ann Roger May 6, 2013

Dean - mom, Audrey Holland, has departed earth and been sent on a soft white cloud to join you in the after world. She passed in Collier Hospice just 2 rooms away from where you passed, 6 years difference. The family planned this for mom so you may enjoy each other's company in a non-judgmental space where jazz music bounces all around and illness and pain does not exist. Please give my mom a loving hug and kiss from me, Karen, as she is missed all to pieces!!

Grandpa--I hope that you are at rest and happy where you are and that there are a lot of drums and all the pets from your life are with you. I love you.

Dear Dean —
I know you're up there looking down at us as we rock and roll through the maze down here on this absolutely crazed, yet phenomenal, swirling ball of inner fire known as Earth. As you watch, I know that you have that wonderfully quirky and bemused smile that you nearly always wore on your face while you were still mixing-and-matching with the rest of us Earthlings up until a week or so ago.
Although I never told you while you were still swinging here on Earth, I'm telling you now that I am so grateful to you and owe you a huge thank-you for having sprinkled so much of your wisdom, inquisitiveness, musicality, humor, and other marvelous traits that contributed so very much both to the development and blossoming of Karen and Philip during their earlier years as well as to their abilities to thrive adroitly in today's world.
Thank you also, Dean, for the often hilarious times we had while making Sunday afternoon music at the old Cubby Hole on Lookout Mountain. 1958 maybe? For a year to two years? Again, your humor and diplomatic talents minimized most problems (owner Frank being one of them at times). Also, your musical nimbleness enabled you to put up with my awkward keyboard (dis)abilities as I was transitioning from drums to piano in those days.
Take care in your new gig, Man. Keep those snares sizzling and the cymbals splashing as you're holding down the drummer's throne alongside Gabriel et al in St. Peter's Hot Jazz, Hopping Polka, and Friendly Folks Funk Band!
Condolences, yet best wishes to all of your close and extended families.

Hey Dean —
Sorry about the misspelling in the previous note. It's 'hilarious', not 'hilareous'.
At age 81, my fingers (and brain) mess up even worse than they did at the Cubby Hole.
Thanx for your understanding — once again.
You're a Gentle-Man.

Wow, I'm so lucky Dean Holland was (and still is) in my life. Why? Because he taught me so many things. Drums, electronics, and fixing cars to name a few…

But most of all he taught me how to interact (deal) with other human beings!

Thanks to Dean, Diana, Kathy & Phillip were also in my life. Our relationships exposed me to so much more.

Knowing that, I can truly say… “Dean Holland & Family made me what I am today!

My step-father was a fun person and always looking for the alternative in life. His mind never stopped coming up with new adventures and hobbies to try. Without Diana, Kathie and Philip Dean, my life would be half full. And thanks to Betty and Tom for putting up with all our allnight slumber parties! Thanks everyone for being my family too.

Virginia, my heart goes out to you and the family at this time. Wil and I send our love and a big hug to you. Let us know if there is anything we can do.

The jazz musician we all know so well, has left us to play his tunes elswhere. Play on little drummer man. You were such a gem to all who knew you. You were loved and will be greatly missed. My best wishes to your family.
With love, Ann Roger

Diana, I am so sorry for your family's loss. Keeping you in my thoughts~

Dean was the most loving, caring, and humanitarian person I ever knew. He helped me get to where I am today. The Good Lord needs his help in Heaven now!