MY HERO: He Said His Final Goodbye, but He’s Still Giving

My brother-in-law, William Edward Holland Jr. — better known as Dutch — was a man with a heart bigger than Chester, California, the town of a little over 2,000 souls where he lived. 

Born on Pearl Harbor day in 1947, Dutch was drafted into the U.S. Army as a rifleman at age 20 and, after training with his artillery unit at Fort Sill, shipped off for active service in Vietnam. It was 1968, the year when American war casualties peaked. 

Vietnam was a part of his life he never talked much about. There were clues about his service in his discharge documents, such as the Combat Infantryman Badge, awarded for participation in ground combat, and his specialist marksman qualification.

AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Join Now

Dutch was honorably discharged in 1970. He spent just two years in uniform, but it became the part of his life that ultimately took him from us way too early. 

In 2011, at age 63, this strong, vibrant man who had made a living designing and constructing magnificent buildings was diagnosed with a cancer related to Agent Orange. After 11 months of treatment at the VA hospital, Dutch passed away peacefully at home just after Independence Day in 2012. He was buried with military honors.

In his final months, with the help of friends and family, Dutch eagerly set about creating an event that to this day benefits hundreds of children — the Dutch Masters Golf Tournament, which takes place annually at Bailey Creek Golf Course in Lake Almanor, California. 

Dutch didn’t live to see the inaugural tournament. Last October was its 10th anniversary, and to date, proceeds have topped $125,000. That has meant new sports equipment, ranging from baseball bats to golf clubs to cheerleading outfits, and countless opportunities for families to gather and urge on their offspring.

To those who knew him, this has come as no surprise. Dutch could be stubborn, opinionated and bullheaded, but he never turned away someone in need of help.

While in the Army, to protect himself, he made a point of not getting too close to anyone. Once back home, he turned that around and made a commitment to help those in need, believing there is good in everyone.

A common question around town was, “How do I find this guy Dutch?” Head down Main Street. Turn right on Melissa Avenue and go to the house (one of many built by Dutch) facing the meadow and with a breathtaking view of the mountains. 

Time and again, men and women looking for work or advice, or simply wishing for someone to talk to were given those directions. Dutch welcomed every single one of them into his home.