Portland resident and U.S. Marine Veteran, Michael "Casey" Holland died on May 5, 2016. A memorial service was held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Blue Lake Ward in Gresham, Friday, May 13, 2016, at 2:00 p.m.
Michael "Casey" Holland was born in Carrollton, Georgia to Michael Wayne and Michelle Rene (Parr) Holland on February 22, 1987. He grew up in the Atlanta area until turning 12 when his family moved to the Mount Hood area of Oregon and made it their home. He attended Sandy High School and graduated from Oregon City High School in May 2005. He attended PCC for a year and then enlisted in the US Marine Corps in August 2008 where he served in the Infantry and qualified as a Rifle Expert. He was recognized for his physical fitness achievement demonstrating Superior Performance in the Marine Corps fitness test with a score of 292.
Casey was extremely intelligent and was a published writer and musician. He was self-taught to play the electric and acoustic guitars, banjo, harmonica, and trumpet. He played trumpet in Elementary school. He was a lead singer, songwriter, and electric guitarist in his band. He participated in Battle of the Bands. Casey was also an athlete and excelled in Soccer, Baseball, and Football, but his first love was music. Casey enjoyed a challenge and was a quick study and always excelled in whatever he decided to do.
He loved animals and they were always naturally drawn to him. He enjoyed riding his horse, Dasher. Throughout his life, he rescued many animals, including a homeless kitten he found while walking home, which he picked up, held close to him, took him home and named him Zeke. Casey loved the Mount Hood and Grand Ronde Oregon areas. He enjoyed snowboarding on Mount Hood and was always most at peace in the woods. He enjoyed hiking, camping, target shooting, and the serenity of nature. Casey was a Patriot and believed in his Second Amendment Rights. He received a U.S. Military Honors Funeral service with Taps and 21 gun salute. His family is so proud of their United States Marine. He joined during a time of war and wanted to serve his country. He felt his platoon were his brothers and he stood by them.
He was a wonderful son and friend and had a beautiful heart. When Casey was with the people that he loved, there was nothing else in the world more important and he made sure they knew it. He was raised to be and remained a gentleman and is best known by the women and children in his life as their protector. Casey wanted children of his own, but died before that dream could be realized. His death is a tragic loss of such a wonderful young man, a beautiful soul, and a gift to all who were touched by him. His light will shine forever and his spirit lives on in our hearts.
Survivors include; his Mother, Michelle Rene Parr of Fairview, Father, Michael Wayne Holland of Bremen, Georgia. Siblings; Brock Holland, Joshua Lucas Parr, Mitchell Logan Parr, Garrett Lee Parr, Samantha Lynn Parr; Grandparents; Anne Story, James Hogan, LaNelle Holland, and Perry Holland; numerous aunt's, uncles, and cousins; Pet's; Zeke, Conrad, and Dasher. He is predeceased by his younger brother, Johnathan "Christian" and Grandfather, "Captain Jack" Shipp.