Peter Henry Holland

Born in Liberty, New York, Pete came to Austin in 1968 to attend St.Edward’s University where he worked as head photographer, and met his wife, Margie. After working in photo stores around Austin, especially Capitol Camera, he founded the iconic Austin photo lab, Holland Photo, in 1981, where he and Margie worked together for nearly 25 years. After selling the business, Pete went to work for Austin ISD as a tech support specialist at various campuses around Austin.

Pete had many interests and passions, but above all was photography. Ever since he was given his first camera on Christmas morning, 1960, he was a constant and avid photographer. He contributed to the Austin arts scene through many exhibits and shows featuring his photography. He often donated his time and work to photograph church events at his parish, St. Ignatius, Martyr. He has also photographed countless concerts, trips with friends or Margie, as well as all family events. He was an award-winning member of the Austin Shutterbug club, and participated in classes and lectures there. The camera was an extension of his left hand, and was rarely seen without it.

He inspired his children and grandchildren with his love for gardening and had a knack for thinking of creative strategies to keep the squirrels at bay. He visited the Barton Creek Farmers market nearly every Saturday and took time to talk and connect with the local vendors, often coming home with their wares. He was a lover of outdoor festivals, and one could see him with a beer in hand at many of them, such as: Austin AquaFest, Pecan Street, St. Elias Greek Festival, and of course his favorite, Eeyore’s Birthday Party.

Pete achieved perfection in barbecue and pizza, and loved to cook for family and friends. He enjoyed bowling at Westgate Lanes and he and Margie traveled extensively, also taking yoga and Spanish classes together for decades, fostering many friendships along the way. They took excursions with friends at South Austin Senior Activity Center (SASAC) and Pete enjoyed a writing class where he compiled detailed, humorous, and touching memoirs, sharing his childhood experiences and upbringing. Pete was a lover of live music and he and Margie have been to countless concerts of local musicians, and were regulars at the Rawhide Trail house concert series, benefitting HAAM, where he provided portraits of the musicians and their performances.

Pete was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother. He had the ability to listen to and connect with anyone he met and make them laugh with his unique and quick-witted humor. We will miss his jokes, especially the ones that made us groan.

He is survived by Margie, his loving wife and life partner of 53 years; his children Laura (Jeff) Embree, Jenny (Fernando) Melendez, Gene Holland; his seven grandchildren; his great-granddaughter; his brother Tom (Ann) Holland; and his many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) or St. Ignatius Food Pantry.

A visitation for Peter will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 2620 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704.

A rosary will occur Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, 2620 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704.

A funeral service will occur Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Saint Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church, 126 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704.