Ken Hollies

3/16/55- 4/28/16

Ken died in the spring of 2016 after a long battle with pain, depression and a shorter challenge with memory issues. Ken had two back surgeries which slowed him down considerably.

He attended Wyngate Elementary, North Bethesda JR HS and Walter Johnson. Ken graduated early in 1972 and spent a “Gap” year as an exchange student in Sweden; north of the Arctic Circle.

His undergraduate degree was from U of MD. His received his law degree from UVA in Charlottesville, where he met his wife Cindy playing Volleyball.

Together they have three adult children and two grandsons. He leaves behind Kristen and Jose Fuentabella (son-in-law) and grandsons Felix and Alden, son Ben (aka Chuck ) and son Steve.

His career as a lawyer spanned 31 years, retiring from the US Postal Service in 2013.

Ken enjoyed playing volleyball and basketball, and watching sports on TV; particularly basketball and baseball. He and Cindy enjoyed hiking, volleyball and long road trips. They had an anniversary trip/ retirement celebration trip to Scotland in 2013.

Ken was one of 5 brothers and a sister. His parents instilled social justice issues in the family by creating the “Hollies Hostel” during their years in Bethesda and helping teens and kids who needed a stable home environment. His father Dr Norman Hollies (Chemist) died in 1989. His mother Shelia ( M.S. Child Psychology) died in 2013. His brother David died in 2010 and his sister Maria died in 2012.

Ken cared deeply about social justice issues and was passionately intellectual. He had planned to write science fiction stories in his retirement. He enjoyed motorcycling.

Cindy and Ken hosted exchange students in their Rockville home from Denmark, Germany and China after his positive experience in Sweden.

Several Wyngate & NB & WJ friends enjoyed a camping mini-reunion with Ken and Cindy in 2012 in Asheville, NC. It was great fun to re-connect and see their motorhome. Ken was in pain then and making the most of his situation; sitting in a portable reclining chair on the trail while the rest of us hiked on the Blue Ridge Parkway trails.

In his last years Ken offered to hold infants at parties as a way to let others mingle. He loved being a baby whisperer.

He is greatly missed by family and friends. If you wish to get in touch with Cindy to express your condolences, please consider sharing a happy memory on his FB page. — with Cindy Hollies and Ken Hollies.