H. Richard Hollow
Nov. 27, 1930-April 23, 2016
Mountain View, California
Submitted by Carol Y. Godsave

H. Richard Hollow 1930-2016

Humphrey Richard Hollow (Richard) was born in the UK on November 27, 1930. He worked in the oil fields of Iraq after graduating from college as an engineer. That’s where he lost part of his left hand in a blasting accident.

After relocating to California, he worked at NASA Ames and Syre in Mountain View for about 20 years before retiring in 1996. He loved his work as an experimental engineer where he designed parts for the space shuttle training vehicles.

He also loved hunting and fishing – and flying the occasional colorful kite. After a successful day of fishing, he enjoyed preparing tasty fish dinners.

Once on a long walkabout, he discovered the "perfect" tree branch from which he fashioned a walking stick. He carved a notch in the top that conformed to his hand and that stick became his constant walking companion.

About 10 years ago, Richard contracted Parkinson’s disease, which slowed down his physical activities more and more as the years progressed. He died of complications from this disease on April 23, 2016.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Tony; all of whom lived in the Isles of Scilly – a place he loved to return to for visits. It is believed that he still has a niece and nephew, Bridget and Michael, living there. His New World "family" included his best friends, Jerrold and Claudia Wycoff of Grants Pass, Oregon, and their supportive daughter-in-law, Kim, and loving grandson, Joey (17) of San Jose, California.

It was Richard’s wish that he be cremated and his ashes will be scattered over one of his favorite fishing spots on the Rogue River in Oregon.

His favorite charities were the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (Isles of Scilly) and the Guide Dogs of America; he was a generous benefactor to both.

God bless you and rest in peace, Richard.

Tags: veteran, business