August 28, 1962 �" August 28, 2015
Michael Wayne Holland passed away unexpectedly in his home in San Francisco's Mission district. He was 53. Mr. Holland was born in Washington, D.C., grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and earned a degree from Michigan State University.
Mr. Holland moved to San Francisco in the early 1990s for a career in banking. However, he developed AIDS in the late 1990s, and left his position to tend to his health. He also worked as a bartender in Kimo's bar on Polk Street.
In the mid-2000s, he was admitted to a graduate writing program in poetry at San Francisco State University. In 2007, he joined the Laguna Writers' Group, where he extensively honed his skills. Mr. Holland's work has been published many times, and he maintained a Facebook page of his poetry that was followed by thousands.
Mr. Holland is survived by David Hawkins (boyfriend), Nellie Holland (mother), Rick Holland (brother), and three nieces. A memorial will be held Sunday, September 20 at 4 p.m. at Alley Cat Books, 3036 24th Street, San Francisco. In lieu of flowers, loved ones request that donations go to Pets Are Wonderful Support, where Mr. Holland volunteered for many years.