Holland McTyeire Smith II

Born in Annapolis and son of a Naval Officer, Holland moved several times as a youth and attended three high schools. He then entered Lehigh University, majoring in Business, followed by Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. He received his commission as Ensign, USNR for a three-year commitment.

His Naval career consisted of one year as Deck Officer of the USS Norfolk (DL-1) in Norfolk, Virginia, and then a second year of combat duty as Deck and Gunnery officer on the USS Harnett County in the Republic of Viet Nam. The ship’s mission was to support 10 River Patrol Boats and two HAL 3 Seawolf helicopters to interdict enemy trade in the Mekong Delta rivers. One night in 1967 a swimmer-planted enemy mine misfired alongside the ship, fortunately causing only minor damage (and avoiding many casualties). Holland subsequently helped formulate a boat-towed grappling device that cut wires on the river bottom, thereby preventing future incidents. Later in 1968 he served valiantly during the famous 1968 TET offensive across Viet Nam. His final year was served in shipboard duty in San Diego, while earning his Private Pilot’s license.

Having completed his military obligation, he earned his M.S. in Business at San Diego State University while also teaching Market Research classes as a graduate student assistant. He and his classes sponsored actual marketing research projects for local companies, one including customer opinions of Ford’s newly introduced Pinto automobile.

Subsequently he met and married Nancy Tripp of San Diego, later parenting two wonderful children: Laurel H. Smith and Holland M. Smith III.

After graduation, Holland worked for Burroughs Computer Company in Los Angeles, and then Solar Turbines International (San Diego) as a Systems Analyst, while teaching accounting at night. He soon studied for and passed the three-day CPA exam. Working for several companies he learned the basics of Material Requirements Planning and Manufacturing Finance, skills which he subsequently used to advise other large companies on the best hardware and software for their next mainframe computer upgrade. During his career he also purchased and managed rental units to increase the financial health of his family, eventually owning fifteen units.

Upon retirement Holland held a variety of volunteer positions as Treasurer of St. James church, project manager for volunteers rebuilding flooded homes after Hurricane Katrina, and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. He played tennis at two clubs, built electronic gadgets, and enjoyed the plentiful social life of two La Jolla clubs.

He is survived by his longtime partner, M.C. Eastman; his daughter, Laurel H. Smith; his son, Holland M. Smith III; and his four grandchildren, Samuel Messer, Aaron Messer, Milo Vaillancourt, and Julian Vaillancourt. He was preceded in death by his sister, Marion ‘Mimi’ Ewens.