Tree Dedication Honors the Memory of Billy Holland
On June 17, 2017, members of the Einstein community gathered at a tree dedication for longtime Einstein employee William "Billy" Holland, who died last year at age 62. The memorial plaque that graces the base of a newly planted "October Glory" maple tree in front of the Leo Forchheimer Medical Science Building attests to Billy's special connection with Einstein, noting, "He gave his heart and his craft to Einstein."
William "Billy" Holland
Among those attending the dedication were Billy's wife Kathy and their sons Bill and Mike; Bill's wife Rachel and daughter Alayna; Billy's sister Mary and her husband Allen; and Billy's brother John.
Do What You Love
Sal Ciampo offers his remembrances of Billy during the dedication ceremonyBilly worked at Einstein for over 25 years, first as a carpenter and most recently as a multi-trade foreman who oversaw building renovations across campus. Many of the renovations he oversaw were involved and detailed. He was especially proud of the renovated labs in the Michael F. Price Center for Genetic and Translational Medicine, and of the transformation of 10,000 square feet in the former Van Etten Hospital to create the Ruth L. Gottesman Clinical Skills Center, said coworkers.
"There are so many renovated spaces within Einstein that Billy had a hand in, and they stand as testimonials to his talents," said Cece Haas, assistant director of facilities planning.
Love What You Do
Through his years of dedication to Einstein, Billy made friends across disciplines and departments. Members of the Einstein community who spoke at the memorial all remembered him as a man who enjoyed life, was easy to talk to and always brought a smile to their faces.
"Billy was a gentle soul," said Ed Burns. "He appreciated life, and no matter what obstacle he had to face, he took it in stride. He loved life, he loved Einstein and he loved his family."
"He had a story for every occasion," recalled his wife, Kathy Holland. "If there was one thing he was devoted to more than his trade it was his family and that includes how he felt about Einstein."
A Lasting Legacy
In an unusual twist of fate, among the last renovations Billy oversaw was work completed on the fifth floor of the Harold and Muriel Block Building—where his daughter-in-law Rachel Holland now works.
Billy’s wife Kathy, sons Michael and Billy, Jr., daughter-in-law Rachel and granddaughter Alayna"I only learned that he'd done work on my office a few weeks ago," said Ms. Holland, a financial administrator. "And now there are pictures of his granddaughter there." As she spoke, her 2-½-year-old daughter squirmed in her arms.
At a reception following the dedication, friends and family shared stories about Mr. Holland—love of fast cars, including his own 1969 Corvette, and of the chickens, goats and tractor he had at his home in Montgomery, NY. Those loves are also represented on the memorial tree thanks to various ornaments that Ms. Haas and others have placed among its branches, including tools of Billy's trade, along with a pickup truck, a tractor, and goats and chickens.
"I think this tree, as it grows and grows, will be a fitting monument to Billy's spirit," said Jed Shivers, associate dean for finance and administration. "And it will provide shelter and comfort for the future of Einstein."
Editor's Note: Have you got a memory of Billy Holland—from your work or interactions with him? Visit the special "Remembrance" page in Billy's honor and click on "Add a Remembrance."
Posted on: Thursday, August 10, 2017