SELAH - William "Bill" Craig Holland, Jr., 56, passed away at his home in Selah on Sunday, 8/1/10. He was born in Buffalo, NY on March 10, 1954 to Rose (Haskell) and William C. Holland, Sr. Bill came to the valley in 1978 with his fiance, Eileen Benes and they were married in Yakima in October 1978. Bill worked for many years at Steiner's hop processing plant and delivered newspapers for the Yakima Herald. He was always ready to help anyone and would drop what he was doing to answer these calls. About ten years ago, he became a caregiver to developmentally delayed adults and in the process he merged his readiness to help others with earning a living. Bill had many interests as a result of developing friendships with people from all walks of life. In the past, he coached T-ball and other children's sports. He loved watching football and was an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills. Bill became involved with car racing, and participated in racing and Demo Derbies at the Yakima Speedway early on and for the past 25 years was a weekly spectator and fan. In his caregiver role, he became involved in Special Olympics and coached Bill's Crew bowling league. Just a month before his passing, they presented him with a plaque of appreciation which he treasured. A big man with a snowy white beard, Bill was Santa to many children. For many years, Bill purchased small gifts and brightened the eyes of children in local hospitals on Christmas Eve as he delivered these gifts to them. He thrilled the children of family friends when he showed up at their homes as Santa on Christmas Eve with a bag of gifts. He also played Santa at gatherings of foster care programs to pass out gifts and pose with each child for pictures with Santa. Bill was a spiritual person and attended Bible study meetings twice a week and, as demonstrated by all of his good works, he put into practice his belief in God. Bill loved and was loved by many people, but none more than his grandson, Nathan. Bill had Nathan by his side whenever possible. They watched football together and Nathan was his special "elf" as he delivered gifts at Christmas. Besides Nathan, Bill is survived by his wife, Eileen Holland, father and stepmother, Nancy and William C. Holland, Sr.; son William C. Holland III and daughter Shannon Holland all of Union Gap; mother and stepfather, Rose (Haskell) and Ralph Wils, sister Tina Van Guilder, brother Wayne Holland all of Buffalo; brother Richard Holland of Georgia; half-brothers Craig Holland of Oregon and Patrick Holland of Yakima.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 9 at Solid Rock Worship Center, 315 No. 5th Ave. Burial will follow at Tahoma Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the funeral fund.

"Bill, you touched so many people and your passing leaves a big hole in all of our lives."

Send condolences at www.valleyhillsfh.com.