Bert Holland Jr.

Bert Holland, Jr., a long time resident of Las Cruces, lost his battle with Alzheimer's on October 28, 2010. Bert was born on March 3,1927 in Tucumcari, New Mexico, to parents Bert Holland, Sr. and Cora Lee Dudley Holland.Bert was raised and attended school in Tucumcari, NM. In high school, he was a photographer and editor for the school newspaper and played on the Tennis team, lettering in the sport. During his Junior year of high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Since Bert was an Honor Roll student and had completed enough course work, he graduated from Tucumcari High School in May 1945, a year early. Bert was inducted into the U.S. Army in June 1945, he served in Germany as part of the occupational forces. He was a photographer and writer during his deployment in Germany. Bert was Honorably Discharged in 1947. He attended New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts, now NMSU, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Education in June 1951. Bert was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, he was also a member of the Marching Band and the Jazz Band, playing Trumpet. While attending college, he met and married Donna Meacham in August 1951. He continued his studies receiving a Master of Arts in August 1957. Bert was a teacher and an administrator in the Las Cruces Public School System for 38 years. He spent most of his career at Court Junior High School as a teacher, then as the Assistant Principal for many years, and as Principal from 1972 - 1978. Bert also taught at Picacho Junior High School and Onate High School, from where he retired in 1989. Bert was instrumental in bringing computers into the classrooms. He wrote proposals and helped to set up the first computer labs in the Las Cruces School System. He taught in the computer classrooms and helped to develop the curriculums. He influenced and encouraged hundreds of students leaving a wonderful legacy in the community for many years to come, a legacy of which his family is so very proud. Bert and Donna were members of the Aggie Booster Club, Century Club, from 1969-1981. They were members of the Sun Country Striders Volkssport Club, in which they participated together for several years. As an officer of the Club, Bert provided organizational support for the Sun Country Striders and its events. Bert was also involved in the community. He was a member of the Lion's Club Del Noche for many years providing public service and support. He received great satisfaction giving his time to help others. The family of Bert Holland wishes to express great appreciation to Jill Shannon and the staff of Casa Bella Residential Home and the Ambercare Hospice staff for the loving care they provided for their father. Bert Holland, Jr. inspired his family and gave them encouragement all during his life. He will live in our memories forever. Bert is survived by his three children Robert Holland and wife Terese Ford of Jemez Springs, NM, Gary Holland and wife Kyong of Phoenix, AZ, and Cyndi Holland and husband Brad Geller of Tucson, AZ. Bert's wife of 58 years, Donna Mae Meacham Holland, preceded him in death in December 2009. Bert has two grandchildren, Erik Holland of El Paso, TX, Kara Holland Birge of El Paso, TX, and one great-granddaughter Sydney Rose Birge. Bert was also preceded in death by his little brother George Holland, early in his childhood. A memorial service will be held at Getz Funeral Home on Saturday November 13, 2010 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations be made to Ambercare Foundation, 850 N. Telshor #A., Las Cruces, NM 88005, 575-894-1828. PDF Printable Version