Remembering Rob Holland

As I write this I’ve just returned from a poignant, unforgettable memorial service for Rob Holland. I was honored to pass on condolences to the family on behalf of Rob’s IAC family. The IAC donated a beautiful wreath with red, white, and blue flowers.

Elsewhere in this magazine we are dedicating space to talk about Rob’s accomplishments and stature within the IAC, so I won’t cover those aspects of him here. You probably already know about what he was able to do with an airplane because, if you are reading this, there is a great chance you saw him fly at Nationals, or at an air show, or on the internet via one of the many videos he became famous for.

But Rob was a lot more than a pilot. He was a loving son to his dad, Bob, and his mom, Cheryl. He was a brother to his sister Marybeth. He was an uncle to her children, Luke and Stella. He was also a compassionate and caring partner for his girlfriend, Jennifer. And he was master to his dog, Buddy. I am so grateful I had the chance to meet the people who made Rob who he was!

I’ve been through some losses that are just gut wrenching, so I have a taste of what Rob’s loved ones are going through. The path to peace and acceptance is not a journey for the faint of heart. And it isn’t quick. But acceptance does come in time. To Rob’s closest loved ones, take heart: life will not be the same for you, but it will get better a little bit each day until it is good again.

In my own journey accepting Rob’s passing I’ve been reflecting a lot on the time I spent with him.

Training with Rob

Rob loved to train probably more than he loved to compete. He was a humble, generous, and affable partner at US Aerobatic Team camps. He had a mischievous spirit that would come out when he was bored. I always felt entertained by him. But! When it came to his palette, Rob was developmentally stunted. He would eat steak with A1 sauce every day of his life if he could. I remember one time begging him to go to a sushi place with me. “They actually have steak!” I exclaimed. “No thanks. I’ll eat at the steakhouse by myself” was the reply. It was no use getting him to try new cuisine.

Every camp, Rob would find some theme and rely on it for humor for the rest of the week. At one particular training camp he came up with the idea of “Rule #1” which in polite translation is “No whining”. Suddenly he had a new mantra. Everything became about “Rule #1”. Tired? No, you can’t be tired, because of Rule #1. Don’t want to push negative gs this flight? Remember rule #1!

Then, in a dramatic turn of events, it turned out there was also an equally important rule #2 which he confided to me in a serious tone just before a flight: “Rule #2” he whispered, “is don’t forget rule #1”

Finally, tired of all the “Rule #1” talk, I took him and some camp participants out for chocolate shakes. I ordered the giant size and exclaimed “Rule #1!” before sitting at the table. This shake had to be 60 ounces at least (and a full day’s worth of calories, I’m sure). Everyone else placed the same order. But I never told Rob that I secretly emptied 95% of my shake in the trash can before I sat down. I delighted making slurping noises and repeating “rule #1” as he did his best to work his way through his overabundance. He persevered, naturally. I never told him the truth but had planned to.

A couple of years ago I realized that “rule #1” had outgrown our little clique and even taken root in the international aerobatic lexicon. Similarly, I’ve heard Rob’s official motto: “Fly good, don’t suck!” applied in aviation circles well outside of the aerobatic community. I think these two sayings are going to be around a while. They are catchy and apropos.

Competing Against Rob

When it comes to Rob as a competitor, he had the same charm and respectful nature as he did during training, but his eyes would narrow a bit as the prize drew within reach. His focus became finer and finer until it reached a pinpoint shortly before he got in his plane, and then he flew with total abandon at his maximum effort. After a flight he was always humble and congratulatory. He once told me before I flew my four-minute freestyle flight not to take off until he had landed because he wanted to watch me. “Remember, I’m a fan of yours,” he said. Such a generous comment. I keep hearing it.

Rob as IAC Vice President

I also remember Rob in our IAC board meetings. Rob made it very clear to me when he took on the VP role that it was conditional on me never actually needing him to do anything! But I did happen to take a brief leave at one point, and I had no doubt at all that despite Rob’s deference, he would preside over a board meeting just fine. When I returned, I heard he did a great job.

I always marveled at how Rob would handle debates in our board meetings. He mastered the art of waiting until all the noise and arguing had stopped before chiming in with some brief, astute observation that would, every single time, be the most persuasive thing anyone had offered. And always delivered with an “aw shucks” tone of voice and phrasing that disarmed everyone in the room. Pure genius.

Rob told me he wasn’t always comfortable in social situations, but he didn’t realize how fun he was to listen to because 1) he knew so much about what he was talking about, and 2) he cared so deeply. People love listening to that sort of person and they love following people like that.

Rob as a Friend

Rob was really comfortable with himself so if you met him, even for only a few minutes, you pretty much met the real Rob. He was the rare sort who was driven to achieve but still found time to maintain close connections with people. Rob had fantastic listening skills. He found the right words to reach people wherever they were and could tell whether they needed acceptance or a nudge. I know I’m not the only one who will miss him, and my feelings about that have nothing to do with his flying.

Closing

Rob’s family was kind enough to ask for donations to the IAC National Championships in lieu of flowers and I’m pleased to report to IAC members that this campaign raised over $11,000 for us. Such a lovely act of generosity at such a difficult time! My thanks and best wishes to his family. We will find peace together.