Dr. Loyd Bruce Holman, 82, of Roach, Missouri, died April 24th, 2021 after a courageous fight with Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by his brother Dave, his wife Barbara, his son Alex and daughter-in-law Emily, and two grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Dr. Holman held a PhD in fine arts, and before retirement was a tenured professor teaching drawing, painting and photography at Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri. He was also a filmmaker, a cartoonist, an author, a woodworker, a scout master, a weightlifter, a pilot, a lover of animals, a tinkerer, and a builder of things. Bruce loved the experience and adventure of travel, having shot documentary films in India, photographed Prague during the Soviet occupation, and eaten fresh pineapples on a deserted beach on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques. Of all things though, Bruce loved sharing his experiences and knowledge; at his heart he was a storyteller and a teacher. He will live on through the people who walked beside him in the moment, those who enjoyed the tales of the adventure, and those who were inspired to seek their own path by his mindful lessons. He will be honored in a private ceremony, and his ashes scattered in a meaningful location.
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34 entries.
wrote on May 25, 2021
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8:39 pm
I fell in love with his comic/story when I discovered 5 old issues of Mother Earth News 20 years ago. I would go on to get any issues where I found his comic... I was learning and his comic made me see something that stood out and I related to his positivity and humor. Later in life, my sister married Will Dator and I found out that those stories I remember so dearly, were him telling his real life story... and the DIY film making book... he was just such an inspiration for me in so many ways and I really only knew him from the comic and Will.... Beautifully written words above. Thank you Bruce!
wrote on May 25, 2021
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6:18 pm
I too knew Shang through his posts on the Wooden Boat Forum, and while I never met Bruce in person I still feel as if I knew Bruce. I will miss his insightful posts, his gentle, yet oftentimes on-point sense of humor and his overall zeal for life came through in his many Bilge posts. There are people who come into our lives whether in the real world or the virtual world who manage to have an impact on our lives and make us see things sometimes in ways we wouldn't have thought of or even imagined, Shang was that kind of man. His avatar of himself and a dog alone on a tidal flat with a marine layer closing in is an image of Shang I think will linger with me for sometime. My most heartfelt condolences go out to Mrs Shang, his family, and all those who knew and loved him.
wrote on May 25, 2021
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11:44 am
I was an internet friend; a fellow member of the Woodenboat Forum. I enjoyed Shang's humor and his posts regarding animals and nature. RIP, sir.
wrote on May 25, 2021
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2:45 am
Knew him from the Wooden Boat Forum. He was a most valued member there, adding to the group from the depth and breadth of his life and his wisdom.
He will be missed, indeed.
wrote on May 25, 2021
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2:43 am
I regret that I never met him. For me, he was a voice on the wires, an interesting man who posted thoughtful opinions on the forum. I'm sorry I won't be reading his posts now. Please hold his memory dear and share it with everyone.
wrote on May 25, 2021
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2:38 am
We were virtual friends and I came to know Bruce as a man who enjoyed stepping sideways for a different view. Reading real world friend's remembrances I see my take was true. Missed he has been, and will be.
Peace Shang..
wrote on May 25, 2021
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2:34 am
I never met Bruce in person, but enjoyed many nice conversations with him on the WoodenBoat Forum. I enjoyed his humour, his warm and open demeanor, and his photos were awesome. I am saddened that I won't be able to see him on The Forum again. Deepest condolences to his family and friends.
wrote on May 22, 2021
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1:05 am
Ah yes....the butterfly chairs. That’s what I remember best.
wrote on May 19, 2021
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11:52 pm
I'd always shied away from art classes, afraid that they'd stifle my creativity, but the classes that Dr. Holman taught did the opposite, they taught me to harness it and not be worried about perfection. I think of Dr. Holman's advice just about every time I pick up a pen or pencil, which is pretty darn often. I also fondly remember his stories, and attempting to sketch his dog (Kaiser?). Reading the comments that people have left, and from my own experience in his classes, it's clear that he made a lasting impact.
wrote on May 18, 2021
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8:51 pm
Dr. Holman was one of the kindest, most encouraging soul I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I was a student of his at Cottey College. I took a few of his courses just for fun, but he made a big impact on me. I miss him greatly.
wrote on May 13, 2021
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2:06 pm
The passing of our gentle, very talented and kind brother in law leaves us with so many memories of times spent over the years with he and our sister Penny. The exciting visits up to Truxton NY were so special and fun loving for all of us continuing on to Lake of the Ozarks. It is so hard to think of the passing of this friend. We miss you Bruce but you will always be in our thoughts.
wrote on May 9, 2021
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8:49 pm
Bruce and Penny were a second family to me when I worked at Cottey College. He was a remarkable man and while I didn't have a class with him, I learned a lot from him. I have a painting of his in my bedroom that is a reminder of that time in my life. My condolences to Barbara and Alexander and the rest of his family.
wrote on May 8, 2021
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12:15 am
Bruce was a colleague of mine for most of the 27 years I taught at Cottey, and my wife and I enjoyed his acquaintance and the faculty parties and other social get togethers that he and Penny engineered. One notable example was the surprise mixer with the Preservation Hall band after their performance. Bruce was across the street from my building most of the time, but we did have occasion to discuss a variety of topics. I found him an engaging conversationalist. After one of our dreaded "faculty seminars," Bruce and I and some other colleagues went to lunch in my car (a 1977 Suburban). To say the least, the car had character, and our group felt like a bunch of teenagers cruising the strip as we drove down Austin. Barbara, Alex, and the rest of the family, please accept my condolences. Bruce will be missed.
wrote on May 7, 2021
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6:28 pm
Doc Holman! I had the honor of taking photography classes with you at Cottey. I will remember these fondly, for your humor, knowledge, and sense of fun. I count myself fortunate to have met you and to have studied with you.
wrote on May 7, 2021
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3:14 pm
Bruce was my Uncle. When thinking about him so many wonderful memories come to mind. He was always Tinkering,
Always busy with something.
The Farm that my Aunt Penny and him lived on was such an amazing and magical place. We would spend weeks up in NY. One memory I have is when he drew a picture of me. I thought it was so cool. I was always interested in his drawings and his cartoons.
I remember spending summers on their back patio in a butterfly chair eating cheese while the adults talked. He was always was telling stories about his life an adventures. And had away about him while telling stories that kept us interested even as young kids. Playing with the goats was a thrill and Bruce teaching me how to milk a goat and tasting goats milk yuck. He got a kick out of that. We would take hikes up to Tinker Falls and swim in the cool pools of water. In the winter when we visited I can remember sitting in their green house while they drank coffee (lots of it) that was attached to their house and looking at all their plants and him telling me about them. The snow was so high. There was so much snow. Piles that were higher then our cars. I can remember Bruce having to shovel all that snow.
The puppets that Bruce created were so amazing. The puppet shows he put on for us inspired me to make puppets of my own.
Which I still have. I could go on and on
But one of the best memory is sitting around listening to him play the guitar. The memory of Uncle Bruce will live with me forever. He was apart of my childhood and when thinking of him and all the amazing things he did in a life time, encourages me to continue to follow my passions and dreams. Love you Uncle Bruce
wrote on May 6, 2021
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7:51 pm
Remembering Dr. Holman, my introduction to Drawing. Part of my love of art! Rest in Paradise. CSC 88
wrote on May 6, 2021
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6:02 pm
Bruce was a great friend and the “BEST” adult scouting partner I ever had. If it hadn’t been for Bruce our Venture crew would never have experienced all the great adventures; Philmont Scout ranch twice, canoeing the Boundary Waters, sailing the Florida Keys, numerous wild cave explorations, sport rappelling and climbing, and many more adventures. Then there were the many stories Bruce’s shared with the crew in the evenings around a campfire. So many wonderful memories I have of my good friend. I hope one day Bruce and I will enjoy more adventures somewhere in eternity!!!
wrote on May 6, 2021
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5:21 pm
I still have "Down on the Farm" on my bookshelf - I loved his soft-spoken ways and his amazing inspirational teaching style. One of the best teachers I ever had anywhere - not just Cottey. He was formative in the way I looked at so many things in life. He will be missed. You all are in my thoughts.
wrote on May 6, 2021
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4:01 pm
Dr. Holman was inspirational. He helped me continue my love of photography while giving me grief for having ZERO talent in sketching. Love to his family as you grieve this amazing man.
wrote on May 6, 2021
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3:24 pm
I met Dr. Holman as a very young man in my local Boy Scout Troop. He had an uncanny warmth and knowledge about him that always permeated my experiences with him. He encouraged discovery, adventure, and curated a life well lived. His memory will always bring a sense of warmth and adventure, and never ceases to bring a smile to my face.
May his memory be a blessing to his family, and the best parts of him continue to live in us all.