Robert “Bud” Hollands

Robert Earl Hollands, Jr.

Robert “Bud” Hollands, of Key Colony Beach, Florida, formerly of Hornell, NY, passed away April 15, 2008. He is preceded in death by his wife Jean, and is survived by his children, Stephen, Christopher, Patricia (Ken) Morrow, Amy (David) Gaber, his beloved companion, Mary Kathleen Young, and grandchildren, Katherine Hollands, Genevieve Morrow, Lorelei Morrow, Lilly Morrow, Lucas Gaber, Eliza Gaber and Isabelle Gaber.

Bud was born August 25, 1929, the son of Robert Hollands and Mable Flanders Hollands. He was a member of Hornell High School Class of 1946 and graduated from Cornell University School of Engineering in 1951. After serving as Captain in the US Air Force from 1952-1955, Bud returned to Hornell to work at the Hollands Lumber Company. His expertise and education allowed him to expand the hardware business to include a successful general contracting company, HLC Construction serving Western New York State. In 1972, he obtained complete ownership of the company from family members and under his skillful hand, the generations old hardware business, Hollands Lumber Company, grew significantly to include stores in Wellsville, Corning, and Geneva. As a professional engineer, he dedicated much of his time over the last few years to professional arbitration for the State of New York.

Professional affiliations include: Associated General Contractors of New York (Board of Directors), General Building Contractors of New York State (President 1977), American Society of Civil Engineers, Building Exchange South Central New York (President), Genesee Reserve Supply, Inc. (Chairman, President and Director 1986-1994), Steuben County Industrial Development Association (longest serving Charter member, serving as Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer), Hornell Chamber of Commerce (President 1970), Registered Professional Engineer in since 1957.

A dedicated citizen, Bud Hollands devoted countless hours to public service:
Bethesda Hospital Board of Directors, Hornell YMCA Board of Directors, The American Legion (honored with the Certificate of Continuous Membership for 50 years affiliation), The Hornell Country Club (President).

Bud lived life to the fullest, enjoying laughter with friends, travel to six continents, golf, and relaxing days in the Florida Keys and the Finger Lakes. We cherished Bud for his kindness, generosity, intellect, professional dedication, humor, love of travel, appreciation for nature, and devotion to his family and friends.

The family is welcoming visitors Friday, April 18, 2008 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. 285 Main St., Hornell. The funeral service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, Hornell on Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 11am followed by a private internment in Hope Cemetery, Hornell.

Charitable donations may be made to the Hornell YMCA Memorial Fund, 12 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843 or to Southern Tier Hospice and Palliative Care, 11751 East Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.