Steve Holland
(1949-2020)

Steve Holland was born in Granite Falls, Minnesota to Rev. Eugene and Virginia Holland. After the birth of his brother, James, the family moved to Grand Meadow, Minnesota and then to Fremont, California in 1960. Steve returned to the Midwest to attend Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, graduating with a double major in Scandinavian Studies and History. While at Luther, Steve met his wife, Laurel Holland (née Jameson). After getting married, the couple moved to Fremont, California where their sons, Erik and Reuben, were born.

Steve’s career began at Delta Dental of California, but in 1981, he accepted a position in Chicago, and the family returned to the Midwest. They remained in Illinois for two years—or as Steve was fond to say, "23 months, 2 weeks and 4 days"—after which the Holland family returned to California, settling in Kensington. In 1989, Steve left Delta Dental to become an independent insurance broker with Fidelity Insurance Service in Berkeley. Eventually, Steve became sole owner and President of Fidelity, a position he held until his retirement.

Steve was a dedicated philanthropist. He was active in the community, coaching his son's Little League teams and serving as Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 100. He led numerous backpacking trips to the Grand Canyon, Philmont Boy Scout Camp and the high Sierras. He was known and well liked for his positivity and ability to motivate others, saying "We're almost there!" and "The worst is over!" Steve was also an active member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church and served in a variety of roles there.

A longtime member of the Berkeley Rotary Club, Steve served as President from 1995 to 1996. During that time, he also became involved with Heart to Heart, where he would serve as a board member for more than 15 years! Supporting his lifelong interest in opera, Steve served on the Board for the West Edge Opera Company. Steve also was on the Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation/Better Health East Bay Board. Steve was often seen driving to these meetings in his 1970 red convertible VW Bug.

In his spare time, Steve loved to travel with his wife especially by train or on tandem bicycle trips. Train trips covered the United States as well as Thailand, Taiwan, Russia and most European countries. Steve and his wife completed multiple tandem trips often a combination of cycling and small cruise ships. These rides followed the Mississippi River, the Danube River, the Mediterranean Coast, Rhine/Moselle rivers and through the islands of Croatia. Additionally, Steve enjoyed vacationing at the family's second home in Palm Springs taking multiple trips every year. Steve particularly enjoyed when these trips included large family gatherings.

Steve Holland was an exemplary colleague, father, and friend—he will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.