12/19/03- Boston College Law School is saddened by the loss of one of its most well-known and loved alumni, Daniel Holland (BC ’35, BC Law ’44).

“Dan Holland was a wonderful man and devoted alumnus of the Law School,” said BC Law Dean John H. Garvey. “We’ll miss his spirit, his energy and enthusiasm. We will not forget everything he has done for this University, and what he has meant to BC Law.”

An Honorary Life Member of the Alumni Council who attended monthly meetings regularly for decades, Holland has been a tireless supporter of the Law School and the University. He offered his help on any project, large or small, from stuffing envelopes to helping organize reunion and fund raising efforts. Friends and colleagues recall a man who was devoted to keeping the Law School community strong.

“He always asked how everything was going in a way that you knew he really cared,” said Linda Glennon, Director of Alumni Relations. “He wanted to be sure that everything was going well and people were happy. He was a caring, intelligent, loving man who wanted to be sure that the Law School never lost its sense of community. He set the example for other alumni to follow in everything he did.”

Born in 1914 in Boston, Holland attended Boston College High School, graduating in 1931. He went on to attend Boston College, and then BC Law. At the time of graduation he was serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and so was absent from the commencement exercises.

He worked for several law firms during his long career, including John Donnelly & Sons, Ryan and Holland, and Lynch, Brewer, Hoffman &. Fink, LLP. Through the years he remained close with the Law School, serving on the Alumni Board, volunteering on any project where he was needed, and attending almost every alumni event.

“The Boston College Law School Alumni Council has lost its guiding light,” said former Council President Joanne Locke. “We will never forget Dan's gracious and generous spirit, and his passionate love of the Law School. I will miss Dan's reassuring guidance, helpful advice, and the strong support he provided to me during the 15 years of service that we shared on the Alumni Council.”

Holland had received the Boston College Alumni Association Award of Excellence in Public Service, and the BC Alumni Association’s William V. McKennedy Award (highest award of the Association), as well as being named an honorary lifetime member of the BC Law Alumni Council. The BC Law Alumni Association currently gives out a Law Day award named after him called the Daniel G. Holland Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to him in 1993.

Visiting hours are Friday December 19 from 2-5 p.m. at the McNamara Funeral Home, 460 Washington St. (at Lake St.) in Brighton.

A funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 1317 Centre St., Newton Centre.