A mutual friend reminded me today that it is one year since our friend left us. Fond memories combine with sadness and I know many join me in sending loving thoughts to Rawle's family today.

I came across this news today and was shocked. Dr. Rawle Hollingsworth was an inspiration to me when I was in grad school. He was a brilliant scientist, full of energy and life. My condolences to you, Dr. Saleela, and your family. May his memories give you and your family strength. I will never forget him. May his soul rest in peace.

Dear Saleela, I was in MSU 2002-2004. Dr. Hollingsworth was a great mentor to me, always trying to inspire my own passion instead of just giving ideas. Please accept my deepest condolences. Edward Zhang

I am so sorry to hear of Rawle's passing. I knew Rawle at Combermere School in Barbados, and we also spent some time together at the UWI in Jamaica.  Condolences to Rawle's family. Rest in peace.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dear Saleela, I just went to reach out to Rawle and find that he passed away last February and was shocked, and terribly saddened.  I hope to keep you on my Christmas card list, and wish you nothing but the best of life going forward, particularly with your precocious children who live on as part of Rawle's legacy.  Your friend for life, Dayton Reardan

Sorry to read of your passing, I tried calling you a couple of times to touch base but I guess it was not be - love you with all my heart, time my god how long has it being - maybe 25 - 30 years since the last time I have talk to you. Rest in peace I will try to visit your grave with my family, I will always remember you for your kindness to me when we grew up together. God bless.

I am shocked to learn of Dr. Hollingsworth untimely death. I worked at AFID Therapeutics while in college at MSU. I will always remember Dr. Hollingsworth's brilliant mind and his collection of pens. Also, although he was always busy in the lab or traveling, he always gushed about his children. I briefly met Mrs. Dr. Hollingsworth , Nisha, and Akhil while working for Dr. Hollingsworth. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. I hope Nisha and Akhil can find a glimmer of happiness in knowing their father was a highly respected, down to earth, man who will be greatly missed.

I am very sad to have learned that Rawle has passed away.  As a young professional, Rawle was a mentor to me during my time at Synthon - and for years following my departure.  When we travelled together for business, he always encouraged me to enjoy the places I was visiting and more importantly, enjoy the people I was with.  His smile and laugh were infectious and you couldn't help but find yourself smiling when you were in his presence.  

I have thought of him often throughout the years and feel very fortunate to have considered him to be a friend. He always had a way of making you feel important and that your opinion mattered when you were with him, no matter if you were a student, an executive, or a young professional just starting out like I was when we first met.

Rawle definitely left his mark on the world and on many people's hearts.  He will be greatly missed.  My sincere condolences to Saleela and the girls.

I just learned that Rawle is gone and am stunned and very sad. I had the opportunity to do communications work for his company Synthon and later for his MSU lab, and during more than ten years since then, he became a professional colleague and friend who I greatly valued having in my life. 

I first got to know Rawle a bit when interviewing him to write his bio. I appreciated how generous and patient he was explaining science to me and offering advice. Just by his nature and the approach he took to his work, he was an inspiration. I saw him last fall and he was working hard and laughing hard as always. 

I thought of Rawle as one of the good people in this world -- of strong character and intelligence and able to be very successful with integrity. He was fearless and optimistic, worldy, with many different talents, but always humble, never pretentious. And funny!

He loved to talk about the time we drank martini's after a meeting in NYC, what was happening in the City, about politics and work ethic.

He talked about his family with pride and happiness. He will be greatly missed. 

Saleela, we met at Cristen's wedding a number of years ago. I wish peace and strength to you and Nisha and Akhil and all Rawle's family.  With love,

I would like to express my condolences to Rawle´s family. 

I was so devastated by his death when I found out this bad news on the internet a few days ago. I live in The Czech Republic with my husband and our 1,5 yrs old daughter Nikol.

I met Rawle 13 years ago during one of the chemical exhibition in Europe where he was a representative of Synthon. Rawle was always so full of happiness and energy and was working so hard all the time. He loved so many things and had so many plans. I´m sorry he will never be able to realize his dreams and finish all his reseach and help other people. If all scientists in this world worked as hard as he did and were so talented as he was, there would exist medication for all diseases. Rawle was too young and too good to leave so early... I still can´t believe he is gone...But I know he will always stay in our minds as he was so special. Even though my life is so simple, he was interested in it.
He loved art so much and was a great painter. When I saw one of his paintings, I was so amazed! My hobby is cross-stitch and I made a few projects for him. I knew that he was the one who appreciated my projects the most. He loved them and kept them in his office. He was so proud of them. I was going to make a dragon-fly cross-stitch project for him as I knew that dragon-fly was one of his favourite creatures. But now there is no meaning to make it...

Saleela, Nisha, Akhil, be strong at this difficult time. Unfortunately I don´t know any of you but I´m sure you are all wonderful persons as well as your husband and dad was. Nisha and Akhil, your daddy was so proud of you!

Saleela : My hearty sympathy to you Nisha and Akhil. I usually used to keep in touch with his web. He helped me during my Ph.D. work and he has been highly acknowledged by me in my thesis. I only can pray that Lord give you enough strength to overcome this hard time.
Regards, Prabhakar (PK) Dasgupta

My condolences to the Hollingsworth Family. Dr. Hollingsworth is a great man, I am lucky to have known him. Kind, wonderful, intelligent. May you rest in peace.

I was deeply saddened by the loss of Rawle Hollingsworth.  The nation has lost a great deal of intellectual capital.

We just learned of Rawle's passing away.Our hearts go out to Seleena, Akhil and Nisha.  We'll always remember how friendly he was, and that great smile. May he rest in peace.

My condolences goes out to Rawle's wife, children, and all the Hollingsworth family. I called them my adopted family growing up in Barbados.I was always at their house on Culloden road. I would always stop there on my way home from school every evening. One of the nicest family I know.I am so sad, the world has lost a brilliant man....GONE TOO SOON.

I just learnt of the death of a former fellow student, and distinquished alumnus of the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies.  He stands as a beacon of the great intellect of many working class Barbadians educated at the UWI and who went on to make a significant contribution on the global stage.  It hurts me deeply to learn of his passing so late after his death.  His work will live on as a reminder of his commitment to making a difference.  To his family may you find comfort in the fact that this gentle giant was loved by those who knew and worked closely with him. May he rest in peace.

Senator Maxine McClean, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
Former President of the UWI Cave Hill Alumni Association

My deepest sympathy to the Hollinsgworth family in this time of sorrow. May he rest in peace

Whenever I think of Rawle, I see and feel the epitome of humility, I see a man who soared with the academic elite while remaining grounded with the common touch and true to himself. As a former classmate of mine from Combermere, I remain immensely proud of our brother and am devastated by this loss. As someone who has felt the pain of bereavement, I stand with Saleela, Nisha and Akhil and share this with you.

I was indeed shocked to learn of the passing of Dr. Hollingsworth at such a young age. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to work in your research lab at MSU during my sabbatical leave in winter of 2010. To your family, I pray that God will help them find comfort as they mourn the loss of a husband and father.

Our deepest sympathy to the Hollingsworth family.  May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Regi, Usha, Rohan & Anissa Lukose
(Marthoma Church of NJ, Randolph, NJ

My deepest sympathy goes out to Rawle's wife and children. Rawle and I were boyhood friends. We lived a few houses apart, on Culloden Road, Barbados. We learnt basketball together with other friends and formed a team in the 70's - 'Streamers' - to compete in the national division 2 competition. Rawle was an intense player, who after our first game was approached by several Division 1 teams, asking him to join them. He stayed with us for the remainder of the season, although mid-way through that first swason he was drafted into the national under-21 squad. He was a well-liked person who always had a new joke to tell. I can still hear his laughter even after all these years. May he rest in peace.

Saleela:
Just learnt about your great and tragic loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your entire family

Dear Saleela, Nisha, and Akhil,

Our deepest sympathies to you.  While our interactions with Rawle were limited, they were always very pleasant as he was a wonderful person.

Hans, Helen, Monique, and Emily

My association with Rawle dates back to the mid 1970s when as students at Combermere we shared sixth form facilities, he being my senior was always open to any queries we had on Chemistry. We had the opportunity to colaborate on some work which we felt could bring great value to Barbados. My visit to see Rawle at MSU highlited to me the zeal and love he had for his family,his work as a professor and as an entrepreneur.
To Saleela,Nisha,Akil and family members my heartfelt sympathy on your profound loss. May God comfort you and be with you as you face life with the void that has been created with Rawles death.
Sincerely
Carl Simpson Barbados

Dear Saleela and family, 
Condolences, our thoughts and best wishes for you and your family are with you.
Starla and Rolf,

We're so shocked and saddened by this sudden tragedy. Rawle was the PhD thesis adviser for both of us. We remember him as very bright, positive, kind and generous toward others. He often organized lab gatherings in the local park and at his home. Those were fond memories for us even after so many years. If only we could talk to him more...Saleena, Nisha and Akhil, we pray for peace and strength for you.

Yin & JJ

My condolences to the Hollingsworth family. May God be your strength in this very difficult time.  Peter Ruddock, (UWI Mona)

Words cannot assuage the pain and grief of your loss but we can rejoice in the fond memories of a diligent, funny and beloved human being who has made us all proud.  Thanks for the memories Holly - you will never be forgoten.
My heart-felt condolences to Saleela, Nisha and Akhil.

William - Combermere '74
Franklin Park, NJ

Dear Saleela, Nisha and Akhil.
My deepest sympathy to you, and I wish you all strength to overcome your sorrow. 
It is a long time that we haven't seen each other but I was often in thoughts with you all. Recalling all the fun time together since I first met Rawl and you back in 2004, when I have been at MSU.

Stephan Gantner
PostDoc at CME (2003-2007)

I too would like to join many of the other fellow cawmererians in expressing a deep sense of profound sadness at the pass of Rawle. I could well remember his various pranks and hearty laughter when one of his intended victims was well done in.

Danny

I wish to express my condolences to the family of Prof. Hollingsworth.
His passing is a loss to the scientific, and more specifically chemical research, community.   He has prepared a foundation on which many will build.   In his homeland, Barbados, he will be ever remembered as a pioneer in his field and for his easy manner with all. 

Sonia Peter
Fellow alumnus of UWI, Cave Hill Campus
Barbados

To Rawle's Family, I would like to convey my very sincere condolences, I have not seen Rawle in many years since we parted ways and moved away, but I could never forget his very quiet and kind demeanour, he was a true interlectual, there were the days when we played basketball every Sunday for a number of years at the SDA school and he was a competitor...
He will be truly missed.

It was with great sadness that I heard of Rawle's death.  I worked with Rawle for over 20 years in the Biochemistry Department and heard many stories about his lovely family.  May they be given strength during this difficult time, he will be truly missed.

Lynda and I are deeply saddened at Rawle's passing at such a young age.

He developed an interest in carbohydrate chemistry while he was one of my graduate students and pursued this interest until the end.  I remember him working long hours in the night, long after everyone else had gone home.  He was undoubtedly a very bright, pleasant, productive, intensely curious, independent, innovative and hard working student, and took these qualities with him into his later life.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Saleela and the children.

I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Rawle, please accept my condolences. Rawle and I spent many days together played Basketball in our old school yard back in Barbados, times that I will never forger.I pray that the good Lord will bless and keep you during this time of your lost.

I am so very sorry to hear about Rawle, please accept my condolences.  During my time with the Biochemistry Department it was a pleasure, a privilege and an honor to have known and worked with Rawle.  He will surely be missed, but not forgotten.  

Jeffrey L. Lounds

Words seem inadequate to express the sadness i feel about  Rawle death. I am here to support you in your grieving process.  With sincere sympathy, May God give him eternal rest in peace.  Jaime Maya-Flores    Guanajuato, Mexico

Rawle and I were childhood friends and neighbours. I remember his kind, patient and considerate nature - we spent many evenings during our junior years in secondary school up in the ackee tree as he tried to help me understand challenging mathematical problems. That he was destined to make a very valuable contribution to this world was clear to those who knew him.

To his family, though you will miss Rawle, be happy for the person he was and the good that he did. He used his life for the benefit of others. His research will live on and bless many. Take comfort in the good memories you shared.

Iam deeply shocked at the sudden demise of DrRawle and offer my heartfelt condolences to his family members.I will always remember the experiences i had with him during my week long stay and work carried in his laboratory .
May god givehim eternal rest&may his soul rest in peace.

Iam deeply shocked at the sudden demise of Dr Rawle .My  heartfelt condolences to all his family members .I will fondly remember the experiences i and he had during my stay and work carried in his laboratory.May god give him eternal rest&may his soul rest in peace.

Saleela, Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss.....our caring thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. 
Brenda y Vladimir Maya 
Guanajuato, Mexico

Dear Saleela, Nisha, and Akhil,
I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Rawle's passing.  I first met him when I was working in the Biochemistry business office, and later got to know him better through the Haslett schools (particularly the choir program as my daughter Samantha was in choir with Nisha).  Rawle was a truly remarkable and genuine person, who left us way too soon and will be greatly missed.  Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this extremely difficult time, and beyond.
Sincerely,

Don't know what to sayas I am very saad over Rawle's death. I am still waiting for him to visit Barbados so we can hang out.  A bright fellow, son of the soil (Barbados) of whom we are very proud; yet a caring sensitive person who listened to what you had to say and had your back. Rest in Peace

Condolences to Rawle's family. Rawle is not only my professor and mentor, but also one of my most respectful persons. Rest in peace.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  I attended University of the West Indies with Rawle many years ago and remember him as a wonderful positive person.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

Dear Saleela, Nisha, and Akhil, I was so sad to learn of Rawle's death. I met you in my few months in MSU, a really wonderful family that made me feel loved and less far away from home. Rawle was an intelligent, caring and sensitive man. His family and friends have to miss him too early. I feel privileged to have known him. My deepest and sincere sympathies.

We are so very sorry for your loss.  Please accept our deepest sympathy.

The Bayland where you grew up Combermere where you went to school have lost not only a scholar and a son of the soil but a humam being of impeccable character,humility and decency. I'm priveleged to have known you. To all the family Rest in Peace. Up and On

My wife and I send our deepest sympathy to Saleela and the children f I remember Rawle as a most pleasant person, always full of smiles. I am saddened by his death at so young an gae, and regret I did noit get to know him better. Stan Bajue

My condolences to the Hollingsworth family. We have truly lost a brilliant man and a kind soul.  Our daughters played tennis together at Haslett High School.  Rawle was always warm, kind and friendly. I always enjoyed talking with him. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Hollingsworth family on this sudden and tradgic loss.  Peace-George Van Atta

To the Hollingsworth family:
Please accept our condolences.  I know Rawle as an MSU colleague and a Haslett parent.  I would run into Rawle occasionally.  We didn't talk too much science together but  he would always talk about his children.  I last spoke with him after Akhil's choir concert, where Akhil had a solo---he was very proud.  We wish you all peace and healing.

Rawle was my unofficial mentor and a great friend and I took great pride in observing his tremendous success as a scientist and an entrepreneur.  Like many others, I think he was taken too soon as I was waiting for his visit to Stockholm.  May Saleela, Nisha and Akhil take comfort in his incredible legacy.

Evon Bolessa, Edison New Jersey

Dr Hollingsworth was an extremely pleasant and cheerful personality (he was always smiling and had a very positive outlook to scientific research and life as a whole)...and I really enjoyed spending time with him at MSU. My heartfelt condolences for his family.

As a Barbadian living and working at www.usm.edu/chem, I was saddened on hearing the news today, March 06, 2012.  He was a friend.  Sad.

R.I.P.

Alvin Holder

My condolences to the entire Hollingsworth Family. I knew Rawle from having worked with him on a research project, along with other MSU colleagues. I know from that experience that we have lost yet another absolutely brilliant mind and, tragically, MUCH too early! I wish the family strength at this very difficult time. Rawle, REST IN PEACE.

We express our deepest condolences to Saleela and the children. Cousin Rawle was a giant among us in many ways and We shall miss him dreadfully. May you be at rest in the presence of the Lord.

Condolences from the Codrington family. May God exude his peace that surpasses understanding upon the family.
Joseph Codrington, Ann Arbor, MI. and a fellow Combermere Student during the 70's. I knew Rawle while at Combermere despite him being a few years ahead of me and he will be sorely missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jeff Johnson and Debby Harris, your neighbors on Woodwind Trail

i did not know Rawle, but being a fellow Barbadian I would like  to express my condolences. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

H.Henderson Hurdle
Brooklyn, NY

please accept my deepest sympathy, i had the opportunity to be on a winning basketball team with Rawle during our time at Combermere. I  can still remember his smile and humility, although he was a few years my senior at school he still found time to chat basket ball with the "youngster". R.I.P in peace my brother, and may the creator continue to guide and protect your family.oneness.

My condolences to Rawle's family at this difficult time. May Rawle rest in peace and repose peacefully in the everlasting presence of our Creator.

Carl Thompson, CSOS, Toronto, Canada.

My deepest sympathy to Saleela, Nisha, Akhil and the rest of the family.

Rawle's light shone brightly among us all and will continue to shine even now that he is gone.  My fondest memory of Rawle occurred in the early 80's when a group of us went to a picnic in St Philip.  When it was time for lunch Rawle said, " a picnic ain't a picnic unless d gravy cha way". Rawle took it upon himself to throw away almost half of the gravy, much to the dismay and amusement of us all. To his family in the USA and Barbados, my heartfelt sympathy.  Gone too soon!

Bye Rawle, u were my buddy a pal,who will always be remembered.Our picnics at home in B'dos will always b one of my fondest memories of u."A picnic aint a picnic unless de gravy throw way" and that is exactly what u did, throw away de gravy!As brilliant as u were u had a sense of humor. My sincerest condolences to your wife,children and  the entire Hollingsworth family.RIP

I was the first student to graduate from Rawle's lab which I joined in 1989. At that time, he was an amazing mentor. Through the years he also became a wonderful friend. I could not envision my scientific career without Rawle; he was brilliant and his enthusiasm contagious. Rawle's work was not about him, but about instilling in us, his students, a sense of scientific curiosity combined with giving us the tools to become successful. Saleela, Nisha and Akhil, may you find some solace on the knowledge that Rawle's passion for science and helping people will never be forgotten.

On behalf of the Combermere Alumni Association USA let me offer our condolences to the family of Rawle Hollingsworth.May be he rest in peace and rise in glory.

To my uncle Rawle: am not saying bye i am happy to have known you as the person you are, a loving man  to your famliy and touching the hearts of so many pepole. My prayers go out to our family in this sad time, we all knew the man you were thank you for being our uncle and a great role modle, we will always look to you and we love you dearly  RIP.

Dale Hollingsworth and Family (Boston, Ma)

I know that all who knew Rawle  will miss his broad sincere smile, and willingness to give time to those he taught.  My memories of Rawle stem from his work on my graduate committee.  His willingness to guide me through my dissertation played a significant part in my completion and pride in the work he guided.  Rawle   had a special gift that he was able to balance his significant career accomplishments and work with his being an anchor with his family.  I hope you may find comfort in knowing his gift of teaching and research are carried by all who learned from him.

Dear Saleela, Nisha, and Akhil, I was so sorry to learn of Rawle's death. I have such fond memories of all of you when Nisha was in my first grade classroom. I hope and pray that the love of family and friends will support you at this time of great loss. Sincerely, Anne Gross

Saleela and Family,
So sorry to hear this news.  Rawle worked a lot with my kids' Grandfather, Chuck Sweeley, and Akhil goes to school with my daughter.  I got to know you, Seleela, during school field trips that we both participated in.  My deepest sympathy to you all.  God bless all of you.

The family of Taylor Sanders wishes to extend condolences to Nisha and the entire Hollingsworth family. Taylor is a classmate of Nisha's at Columbia and speaks highly of Nisha. In fact, Taylor's father and I have had the pleasure of meeting Nisha on more than one occasion. Her success academically is a testament to her parent's focus on education. Although we did not know Dr. Hollingsworth personally, it is evident from reading other postings on this guest book that he will be greatly missed by not only his family but the students he served as well.

I have fond memories of Rawle as a friend, Ph.D. lab mate, scholar and an entrepreneur.  Rawle had touched many lives and his legacy will continue among his students, postdoctoral mentees, visiting scholars, colleagues and scientific community at large.  I hope Rawle's lasting legacy will console his family from the unbearable burden of pain resulting from the loss of their loved one. Rawle will always be in my memory.

May you rest in peace Rawle. God bless your family in this time of heartache.

I met Rawle at MBI where he had a lab.  He was always so friendly and had great smile.  He'll be missed by many at MBI.

Dear Saleela and Family.

It is with great sadness that we received the news of Rawle's passing away. Odette and our daughter Sophie join me in extending our deepest sympathies to you and your Family.

Luc

My deepest sympathies to Saleela, Nisha and Akhil.  May you all find peace in the days to come.  I had the pleasure of working with Rawle at MSU Biochemistry for 6 years.  He will be missed dearly by so many.  May you rest in peace, Rawle.

My deeprest sympathy to all his family. Will be missed by all Combermere Old Scholars.

I wish to extend my condolences to Rawle's family. Another bright spark from Combermere is gone. May his soul rest in peace and let light perpetual shine upon him.

Condolences to Rawle's family in Michigan and the Hollingsworth family in Barbados. I remembered Rawle while he was at Combermere I was at Alexandra during that time and I played netball with his sister Barbara.  May God give you strength at this time of bereavement.

Saleela I never met you, but Rawle and I were schoolmates at Combermere, as well as founding members of The Millennium Fund.  Condolences from my Family and me.  He has gone way too soon!

Deepest condolences to Rawle's family. We shared many a day at Waterford University. Rest in peace, my friend.

My deepest sympathy to Rawle's family in Michigan and his siblings and family in Barbados. God be with you all at this time.

My deepest sympathy to Rawle's family in Michigan and in Barbados. God be with you all at this time.

Margaret (Mickey) Fitzpatrick you are in God's hand,rest in peace Rawle! Had to do this twice.

Condolences to Rawle's family on behalf of Peter and Andrew Downes who would have been at Combermere School with him.
May he rest in peace.

My deepest condolences to Rawle's family on his death.

Rawle was my friend as a result of patent work on his brilliant inventions over the years.  During the last year or so, I would run into him at Starbucks in Okemo where we chatted over coffee as I no longer represented MSU.

I was startled to learn he had died so young and unexpectedly.  I will miss him and hope he is at peace in a better place now.

I have sent a donation to the Lansing Rescue Mission in his name and will plan on coming to the memorial service next Saturday.

Sincerely,
Ian McLeod

I wish to convey my deepest sympathy to his family. I was a business associate but always enjoyed his delightful company and interesting stories of his family of which he was very proud.

I want to convey my deepest sympathy at this time of sorrow to the family of Rawle,may he rest in peace.

I want to convey my deepest sympathy at this time of sorrow, may he rest in peace.

"Friends are forever, you might lose them but you'll never forget them." - Unknown
Rest in Peace.

may ALLAH grant him ease and comfort in the grave and keep him close to his mercy forever.

My condolences to his family..Be strong in the Lord and lean on his strength..
"Rest in Peace"

Rest in peace dear Rawle. My sympathy to your wife and childrens, hope they can have all the love is needed to navigate this moments together with tranquility and peace...

Dear Saleela,

My Aunt Rose has spoke of you and yours often.  I feel as if I know you.  My deepest sympathy to you and yours during this difficult time.  GOD Bless you and yours.
Sincerely,
Irene Hitt

OBITUARY

Rawle Irvine Hollingsworth

June 17, 1956 – February 29, 2012

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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