Russ William Holland

Russ William Holland of White Lake passed away unexpectedly on Monday July 29, 2019. He was born at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn Michigan on December 18, 1965 to Tom Howard Holland and Anna Mae Holland.

He attended Divine Child in Dearborn Michigan through sixth grade at which time his family moved out to the home they built on Evans Lake in the Irish Hills. He completed his education through high school in Clinton, Michigan. At Clinton High School he performed in multiple theatrical productions and was a member of the track team for four years. He held many records and placed second at multiple state meets. For more than twenty years, he and his teammates held records for the 440 relay, 880 relay, and mile relay. He attended the University of Michigan and graduated in 1989 with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He obtained a job as a testing and developmental engineer at ITT Automotive later becoming Continental Tire. Here he worked with many colleagues whose relationships developed into long term friendships. He left Continental in 2005 to develop his career in other automotive areas eventually securing a sales management position at NISCO. In this position he not only enhanced his skillset but built lifelong friendships with his colleagues. He decided to leave NISCO and venture outside of the automotive field eventually securing a Ford Sales Management position at IEE Sensing in Auburn Hills. He was extremely proud of the work he was doing here in attempt to develop sensors to detect and prevent children and pets from being forgotten in hot cars or on school buses.

He married Eann Christine Holland on May 21, 1994 and they made a life together first on Long Lake and later moving to White Lake. Together they raised two beautiful daughters Ashley and Jenna. He loved spending time with them whether helping to build the sets for the many musical productions they were involved in at St. Patrick’s school, coaching them in softball or teaching them to water and snow ski, two of his passions. He was also there to cheer them on during their basketball years and continued encouraging them throughout all their high school endeavors. He was extremely proud of them and their decisions to attend the University of Michigan and Oakland University respectively.

He loved spending quality time with family and friends on White Lake whether it was taking boat rides around lake, teaching others to water ski, or having a drink at The White Lake Inn. He also loved traveling up to Boyne to snow ski every Christmas with family and to Siesta Key Florida for the annual Master Sandcastle Competitions. He was a true Michigan fan in every sense of the word attending all Michigan home games and cheering on his Wolverines whether they won or lost. He even created, wrote and edited a weekly Monday Morning Quarterback (michiganmanMMQ) blog which highlighted Michigan sporting events ranging from football, basketball, and recently men’s baseball and woman’s softball. He had a passion and a knack for writing.

He was a man of much intellect and creative passion which was evident in his woodworking craftsmanship. He not only created wood working pieces, but his craftsmanship was evident in his ability to renovate and rebuild various homes and apartments including his own.

He had a zest for life and enjoyed giving back to his community through volunteering for various youth coaching positions and umpiring for the Commerce Inter-Lakes Girls Softball League. He was a very kind and giving human being, never turning down anyone in need.

Russ is survived by his wife Eann of 25 years. Two daughters, Ashley and Jenna, parents, Anna Mae and the late Tom Holland along with one brother, Greg (Susan) Holland. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and loving friends. He will be deeply missed by many but never forgotten.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 2, 2019 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 9086 Hutchins in White Lake. The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 1, 2019 from 2-8 pm at the Highland Chapel of the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home, 3295 E. Highland Road in Highland and Friday at church from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. There will be a Rosary service Thursday evening at 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Interment will take place Saturday, August 3, 2019 at St. Joseph Shrine Cemetery in Brooklyn, Michigan at 1:30 pm.

Memorial contributions suggested to the children of Russ Holland to help pursue their University Education.