Circuit Judge Robert L. Holland Jr. dies

CHARLESTON -- Third Judicial Circuit Judge Robert L. Holland Jr. died Monday after having a heart attack Sunday at his home in Greenwood.

Holland, who was 57, was taken by helicopter Sunday from United Hospital Center in Clarksburg, to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa., where he later died.

He was the only judge in the circuit that includes Doddridge, Pleasants and Ritchie Counties. He was appointed in 1997 by then-Gov. Cecil Underwood and ran for election in 1998. He was re-elected in 2000 and 2008.

Holland was a 1981 graduate of West Virginia University College of Law.

"Judge Holland was a fine judge and his loss will be greatly felt," Supreme Court Chief Justice Robin Jean Davis said. "We went to law school together and I have known him for almost 30 years. I consider it a personal loss. He was well thought of in the judicial community and in the communities he served. Our sincere condolences go out to his family."

"The association mourns the loss of our colleague, Judge Robert Holland Jr.," said 14th Judicial Circuit Judge and President of the West Virginia Judicial Association Jack Alsop. "He was an outstanding jurist who served our state well. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his wife and to his children at this time of their loss."

"He was a dear friend and one of the most honest, ethical men I've ever known," said 12th Judicial Circuit Judge John W. Hatcher Jr. "He was a great family man, devoted to his family, and has a great reputation among all of his judicial colleagues. It is absolutely so, so sad"

Supreme Court Administrative Director Steve Canterbury said Holland was "refreshingly blunt, vitally interested in the life of his community. It's impossible to replace a judge like Judge Holland."

Holland is survived by his wife, Kim Holland; his son, Robert Holland III; daughter, Hunter; and two sisters.

Spurgeon Funeral Home in West Union is in charge of arrangements, which are incomplete.