Jon Charles Holliday

Jon Charles Holliday was born at Swedish Hospital, July 22, 1961. He was born in a time when children with Down Syndromes were not always brought home. Jon was brought home, he flourished, and he nourished his family with unbridled affection. In a society that was propelling its self headlong into the Jet Age, Jon reached out and reminded us all about the human touch. He was a hugger, a cuddler, and he always had time to see that you got the hug he was sure you needed.

Jon was born in a time when children with Downs were not included in schools. Through the determination of his mother, Hilda, and a few friends with similar hurdles, Jon went to school, learned, made lifelong friends, and graduated from East Lake High School in 1982. Jon was a good neighbor. He smiled at everyone for the best of reasons, he liked everyone. He nurtured his friendships, listened carefully and always had an encouraging word. Jon loved walking and could be seen walking all over his neighborhood, waving to people, recognizing them and calling them by name. Jon loved his walks, and the people and relationships he formed with his neighbors this way.

Jon loved Buddy Holly, Rock n’ Roll, acting, and dancing. Jon performed on stage and loved every minute. He appeared in Grease numerous times, Shrek, Oklahoma and others. It didn’t take an audience and a stage for Jon to come alive, but it sure didn’t hurt. Jon loved to entertain, and he was always up for a gig. He would work an audience, living for a laugh, a smile, or applause. Jon was what acting is all about.

Jon had a way with people, and grew into their lives. He invited you into his heart with open arms and a wonderful smile. Without knowing exactly how you got there, you were his, forever. Jon’s family will always be grateful to the wonderful people he brought into our lives; Banchero Friends Services and Mountain Group Home among others.

Sadly Jon was preceded in death by many loving friends and both his parents, Donald Milton Holliday DVM, and Hilda Lorraine Holliday. His surviving siblings, Cheryl Magnuson, Bruce Holliday, Guy (Cathy) Holliday, Jamie (Arla) Holliday, and Arminda (Jon) Phillips will miss him terribly, as will his nieces and nephews; Jamie and Jack Holliday, Eric Magnuson, Jennifer Waters, Amy and Guy Holliday, and Scout Phillips.

We will be celebrating Jon’s life this Saturday, 4 December, at Acacia Funeral Home, 14951 Bothell Way NE, Seattle, WA 98155. There will be a reception following at The Nile Country Club: 6601-244th St. SW, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Banchero Friends Services at: Banchero.org/wordpress/

Never shy about his place in our hearts, Jon once proudly proclaimed, “I’m the King of the Hollidays!” Long live the King.

Arrangements under the direction of Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Seattle, Washington.