1989 – 2015

CROOKED ISLAND, Bahamas — Michael Lee Holland, 25, a resident of Wilton, was lost at sea on Thursday, Oct. 1. He was one of 33 crew members aboard the S.S. El Faro that sank during Hurricane Joaquin near Crooked Island, Bahamas.

He was born Dec. 6, 1989, in Farmington, the son of Ronald Holland Jr. and Deborah (Holland) Roberts. Michael was a 2008 graduate of Jay High School and continued his education at Maine Maritime Academy graduating in 2012. He earned his bachelor of science degree in marine engineering technology and obtained his license through the U.S. Coast Guard. He has shipped as a U.S. Merchant Marine for the past three years as a 3rd assistant engineer, most recently for TOTE Services. Michael was a member of the American Maritime Officers Union.

Michael was a standout athlete at Jay High School, excelling in baseball and football and continued his football career as a Mariner at MMA. Michael loved to hunt and fish — out-fishing his family and his buddies most of the time. He liked to live life on the edge. He even went sky diving with friends this past summer. To Mike there were only two days in a week Mondays when he was on ship and Saturdays when he was off ship. He was a quiet, fearless leader. He has left an impact on the world that we will never forget.

His family includes, his mother and stepfather, Deborah Roberts and husband, Robin of Jay; his father and his fiancée, Ronald Holland Jr. and Tammy Grover of Jay; brothers, Ronald Holland III and fiancée, Jasmine Gagne, and Cody Holland; stepbrothers, Tyler Grover and Justin Turner; stepsisters, Jyssika Grover, Jaime Roberts and fiancé, Krys Lepcio, and Sara Fullerton and husband, Mark; paternal grandmother, Anna Marie Holland; maternal great-grandmother, Marguerite Slovak; his girlfriend, Kelsea Beisaw; as well as many aunts, uncles, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Ronald Holland Sr.; maternal grandparents, Brian and Janine Spencer; and uncle and aunt, Michael and Betty Holland.

Messages of condolences may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.