Michael Holland, longtime associate of the Richmond Astronomical Society, passed away on February 27, 2025 at the age of 76. He was a US Navy veteran and served in the first gulf War. He was an artist, singer, musician, actor, teacher, world traveler, and astronomy enthusiast. He sang in several church choirs and played church organ. For many years he was an actor in the reenactment of the Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death Speech at St. Johns church.
Michael at the eyepiece observing the Sun in Riverside, California
He volunteered at the Science Museum of Virginia, at RAS skywatches, and at the RAS Ragland observatory, where he most recently helped us with repairs to the roof and concrete structure of the observatory. He enjoyed sharing his joy of astronomy and the beauty of nature with everyone he knew. Michael is survived by his brother John and sister Margie.
Michael in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico
In the image above, Michael is shown at the eyepiece observing the Sun in Riverside, California and on an expedition to Chaco Canyon, New Mexico to view the famous supernova pictograph with RAS member Randy Tatum. The ancient pictograph is on the underside of the rock face near the top of the image.
Condolences and best wishes to Michael’s family from his friends at the Richmond Astronomical Society.