Edward Mowry Hollis

Edward “Ned” Mowry Hollis of Springville, Utah died on February 21, 2024 at the age of 79.  He was born in Oakland, California on June 8, 1944 and adopted by Edward Poole Hollis and Eleanor Ruth Mowry Hollis who raised him in Palo Alto, California, where he lived until moving to Springville, Utah in 2014.

Ned married Dawne Bernice Witt on February 15, 1969.  He is survived by Dawne, as well as their three children, son Timothy Mowry Hollis (Alisha), daughter Melanie Hollis Hansen (George A.D. Hansen), and daughter Abigail Ruth Hollis.  Ned is also survived by his brother Theodore M. Hollis, as well as grandchildren, Jeremiah Poole Hollis, Emily Rita Hollis Bess (Joshua Lee Bess II), Addison Dawne Hansen Allan (Keith Allan), Evelyn Carol Hollis, Haight Edward Hansen, Isaac Mowry Hollis and Hollis Dean Hansen, and one great-grandson Joshua Lee Bess III.  He was predeceased by his parents and his grandson Samuel David Hollis.

Ned was the quintessential artist, often volunteering to build sets for local theater groups.  He was a skilled woodworker and built beautiful custom cabinets, some of which found their way into the Pottery-barn catalog as backdrops. Ned was also extremely musical, and having perfect pitch he played the guitar, bass guitar and keyboard by ear. He composed many songs throughout his life and was a founding member of the 1960s band, The Vejtables. He loved a wide range of music, but one of his favorite pieces was Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, which he could not listen to without becoming emotional. He loved to sing, especially songs by the Beatles and the Everly Brothers, because they were filled with opportunities to harmonize with others.  Ned was also an avid reader; his favorites genres being either science fiction or Jane Austin novels.

Ned was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was actively involved with his local congregation.  His passion in life was the importance of valuing people, and he often reminded anyone who would listen of how nothing should replace spending time together. He is already greatly missed by his loved ones.

Ned’s family is organizing a private service, but a date has yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers the family gratefully invites you to donate to the Palo Alto Children’s Theater.

Palo Alto Children's Theatre

1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Phone: 650.463.4930 | Email: info@fopact.org

Or use the following link:  https://www.fopact.org/donate

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