Richard Holland

Richard Simpson Holland, Littleton, died on March 1, 2015, at Lafayette Care Center, Franconia after 8 months of failing health. He was 91. He was born in Philadelphia to Henry Simpson Holland and Anna Steele where he attended local schools and a special choir school until his induction into the Army in 1943. He served in the 722ND Battalion. Overseas duty included ferrying German officer prisoners from Omaha Beach to England and then the United States. His last assignment was serving the POW camp at Fort Dupont, Delaware.

After the service he was employed at Vick Chemical Company in Philadelphia. He married Nancy Steele and later a son, Wayne Simpson, was born. Nancy’s precarious health prompted a move to Phoenix, Arizona where he was employed at the Valley National Bank. There he was instrumental in setting up the first computer system for the largest bank company in Arizona. The death of his wife prompted a move to manager of a private ranch school in northern Arizona where he and his son could be together during the transition time. Later he returned to Phoenix and was named Vice-President of the bank. He became the bank’s representative for a new headquarters, a 40 story high rise building, located in downtown Phoenix. Following its completion he became the manager of the facility.

Near retirement age he married Barbara Krueger of Phoenix where they soon retired to Littleton in 1988. . He promptly joined the Littleton Lion’s Club where he set up the Lion’s Club Foundation. The annual car show and the important vision program for young children were special to him. He became an active member of the Littleton’s First Congregational Church and the North Country Chorus until his failing health prevented him from participating.

He fondly remembered hiking in the Grand Canyon and the Superstitions with his son, riding with Phil Cross in an antique car during the car shows, singing in the Madrigals of the North Country Chorus and simply traveling through the North Country to admire its beauty.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Holland, son, Wayne Simpson Holland, Melanda Holland, Demi and Lexi Young and members of the Steele family. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Richard S. Holland, can be made to the Littleton Lion’s Foundation, PO Box 104, Littleton, or the First Congregational Church, 189 Main Street, Littleton, 03561

There will be a Celebration of Life Ceremony at the Littleton First Congregational Church on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 11AM

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