04/20/2026
Mark Holland
Even though it started before I could remember with “do-all” my grandpa, the Holland mechanical, problem solving blood is strong. It started with the construction/destruction phase when I was a toddler in a diaper yielding a black and decker screw gun. That didn’t last long and many of cabinet doors may have been altered. My uncle Mark sometimes known as “punk ass snitch”‘from a potty mouth toddler was a very important person in my life. From Mini bikes, three wheelers, jet boats and many other unique rides he always had my attention. From the carport on Lake Drive listening to the Guess Who on repeat wrenching on cars, to rigging high end boats at Magic. Houseboat trips to steam boat, buoy field at hydro fest, rippin the Orion through the channel, burnout pit at rockabilly, regattas at the blue water, tube floats and so much more. One of my favorite times in life was spent with him at Magic rigging boats. I learned so many skills and lessons some of which I wouldn’t understand until many years later. Although he had a unique way of showing his love, I always knew it was there. Sometimes in the form of a smack upside the head for skipping on the head of a screw but I learned fast the proper way to do things. The proper tools to use and exactly how they should be used. A drill will never be a screw gun and a wrench is never a substitute for a hammer. He had a work ethic and pace that many found hard to keep up with. He had an expectation of me that I once thought was impossible to achieve. He was not easy on me and for that I will forever be thankful to him. If it wasn’t for Mark/BamBam/Hot Rod Holland I would not be where I am at today. Some traits I learned may not have been so “useful” but hey telling someone they suck at something and showing them how to do it better isn’t the worst thing in the world. Come to find out most often it’s the delivery of such that’s needed a little fine tuning. My world will look, feel and forever be different without you. But I know in my heart I will always have you looking down on me. Making sure I’m not half assing anything or “Bob Villaing” and screw heads. I’m so grateful I was able to pick you up and have you help me install one last boat motor. I will continue to strive for perfection and do my best. If it’s worth doing it’s worth doing right! I love you uncle Mark thank you for your help in making me who I am today.
