What I learned from Steve Holloway

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 Last week my Father In-Law Steve Holloway died from brain cancer. He was an incredible father to my wife and her siblings. He was an amazing husband to his sweet wife Catherine and he was the best father in law I could ever ask for. 

So many people complain about their in laws but my father in law Steve Holloway was one of my best friends! He was one of the smartest, strongest, most faithful, loving people I have ever met.

I had an episode planned for this week but I thought the best thing I could do was to have an episode dedicated to him. This episode is about 3 things I learned from him. There are so many things that I have learned from him but these are three things that stick out to me right now. 
The three things are:

1. Treat all people like they matter
2. Live your faith 
3. and there is nothing more valuable than your integrity. 

This has been a huge shock to everyone and it is a reminder to me that life is precious and how important it is to love more, live fully, and to be your best self. 

Thanks for listening!

Jake

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He had to shave his head when he had his biopsy so after he came home we all joined him. He loved this photo and I do to. My wife asked us to give our "hardcore faces." I am so blessed to have married into such an amazing family.

Holloway Family photo

Here is Steve's obituary: 

Stephen Edward Holloway passed away in his home on Jan. 18, 2017, at the age of 57. He was surrounded by his children, his mother, and his loving wife. 

Stephen is survived by his wife, Catherine, of 32 years, and his eight children: Mckenna Wadsworth, Caitlin Ballentine, Stephen Holloway, Madeline Cheney, Alex Holloway, Sarah Holloway, Joshua Holloway and Rebekah Holloway. He is also survived by his mother, Peggy Holloway; his sister, Pandora Bolling; his brother, Kenneth Holloway; and his six grandchildren. Stephen enjoyed many things in his life, but he always put God and family first. His family celebrates his life, which was filled with service, kindness, laughter, and wisdom.

His dedication to God was shown in his service to his church. At the young age of 20 he served as a missionary in the Christchurch, New Zealand mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Stephen often spoke of his love for his mission and the many lessons he learned while serving there. Later in his life he served for many years in the young men organization of his church. He also served as a high councilman, a bishop and a temple worker. He found great peace while serving in the temple and went often, as well as encouraging his children to do the same. During his service he touched many lives, both inside and outside his church. He loved many and accepted all. Trusting and loyal, Stephen Holloway always kept the Christlike attitude that everyone was his brother or sister. 

When Stephen was not working in his church or spending quality time with his family, he was working diligently at his job as a Financial Advisor. His honesty did not stop in his daily life but extended into his professional career as well. He spent countless hours working to ensure that his clients, or extended family as he saw them, were well cared for. He saw that it was his duty and privilege to treat each person as he wanted to be treated. Although he spent much of his time serving in his church, most of his time was spent in the company of his adoring wife.

Stephen and Catherine were married in the Salt Lake temple on Nov. 10, 1984. The 32 years they spent together were filled with much love, joy, and happiness. He was blessed to able to work from home in the last three years of his life, which was a great joy to the both of them. Often found kissing in the kitchen, their relationship inspired their children to seek marriages as strong and healthy as theirs. If ever given a choice, he always chose to spend time with his family. 

The happiest days of his life consisted of the births of his eight children and the day he married his sweetheart. With the addition of each child, he was thrilled to spend time on the floor playing tickle monster, barbies, action figures and many other games. His children have fond memories of falling asleep to the sound of his voice as he told imaginative stories that both thrilled and enchanted them. He instilled in them his love for the outdoors as he took them on countless camping and hiking trips. The hearts of his children truly belong to their father and always will. 
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A man who was truly great in many capacities, Stephen Edward Holloway was a mountain of a man. Although missed, he will forever reside in the hearts of those who knew him. 

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