Nelson Holl — 1952-2004
Nelson Holl lived his life with enthusiasm and believed in people, inspiring them to achieve their dreams. He was living the life he loved in the company of family and friends on an annual Sonoma Coast camping trip over the 2004 Labor Day weekend when his life was tragically and suddenly taken.
Nelson was born in San Francisco’s Chinatown in 1952, the fourth of five children born to immigrant parents from Southern China. As a teenager, he established a strong work ethic by working in the family-run restaurant in Berkeley. Nelson attended Berkeley High School and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a communications degree from San Francisco State University in 1983.
Consistent with his belief in making the world a better place, Nelson actively gave back to the community both professionally and through his volunteer work. His professional life centered around grantmaking. He worked at the San Francisco Foundation, was Executive Director of the Asian Community Foundation of the East Bay, and utilized both experiences to become the founding Executive Director of the California Consumer Protection Foundation, a position he held for over 10 years. In that capacity, he worked tirelessly to support the work of over 250 non-profit community organizations that advocate for and protect the rights of consumers.
As a dedicated parent and community member, Nelson played a leadership roll in transforming the ailing College Oak Montessori Pre-School in Santa Rosa into a thriving nonprofit, engaging both teachers and parents in the rebuilding process. Earlier in his life, Nelson was a founding board member of the Asian American Residential Recovery Services in San Francisco, where he met his wife-to-be, Julie Kawahara. Together they worked and volunteered in various non-profits to improve the life of others in the Asian American communities of the Bay Area.
Having found a soulmate who shared his love for family, community, and fun, Nelson married Julie in 1987, and they started a family of their own. He was a devoted father and provider, yet playful in his relationships with his two children, Cameron and Kiyomi, and their friends. His commitment and love for family were further demonstrated in his caring for his aging mother, Ernestine, who has been living with the family for several years.
An avid fisherman, Nelson was always planning his next fishing trip. He ventured to Alaska to catch Halibut, to Cabo San Lucas to catch a marlin, and in San Diego he caught Ahi. “Nelson always shared his good times with family and friends. He loved fishing, skiing, fishing, camping, and fishing,” said Julie.
Nelson is survived by his wife, Julie Kawahara Holl; his children, Cameron and Kiyomi; his mother, Ernestine Jang Holl; brothers Norman Holl and wife Macy, Warren Jang and wife Deanne; and sister Jenny Holl and husband Ross Demaree.
For CCPF, Nelson set a high standard for integrity, effectiveness of trust fund community investment and fiscal responsibility in administration of trust funds. He was a bridge-builder and facilitator, working tirelessly with consumer advocates and the corporate community across the state to strategically address a wide range of consumer issues from auto fraud, telecommunications, utility reform, and technology.
Nelson Holl had a great deal of commitment to and innovation in operating the Foundation. He challenged us to think outside the box, and always made us laugh. He will be deeply missed.
In Memory of Nelson…
In response to those who have expressed a desire to make a contribution in honor of Nelson's memory, donations may be made to:
- The Cameron and Kiyomi Holl College Fund
- The Nelson Holl Memorial Fund, which will support non-profit organizations that were near and dear to Nelson's heart.
Donations should be sent to PO Box 1100, Sebastopol, California 95473-1100.