Obituaries
Allan K. Holm, 78
May 03, 2020
Allan K. Holm, 78, of Landis Homes, passed away May 3rd, 2020. Born in Elmira, NY he was the son of the late Melvin and Kathleen (Fosse) Holm. He was the loving husband of Shirley (Firestine) Holm with whom he shared over 50 years of marriage.
He was a 1959 graduate of Ottawa Township High school and later went on to receive a degree from Rochester Institute of Technology. Allan retired from Armstrong World Industries and went on to establish Allan Holm Photography, a well-known Lancaster firm. Over his career, Allan’s work has been featured on American Greeting cards and in national magazines such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Good Housekeeping, and Brides Magazine among others.
Allan proudly served in the US Army as an US Army combat photographer serving in Vietnam. His military photography has been prominently featured on the cover of National Geographic Magazine and Life Magazine. He was one of only two active duty Army combat photographers to receive the Life cover distinction. In addition, Allan taught photography for a number of years at the U.S. Army Signal School and the Winona School of Professional Photography.
Allan was as passionate about photography in his personal life as his professional life, enjoying it recreationally as well. A prolific photographer from even his earliest years, he has captured generations of special moments for his family and others, and painstakingly worked to archive these memories to pass along for future generations. A camera was never far from Allan’s reach.
In addition to his wife Shirley, he is survived by his two children: Anita Holm, wife of Eric Hagelin of Ambler, PA, and Nathan Holm, husband of Kelly Crenshaw of Austin, TX. Also surviving are his two grandchildren Sean Hagelin and Halle Holm, his brother Peter Holm, sister Martha Holm Black, and sister Susan Holm. Allan’s third grandchild will be welcomed into the world in early May. He was preceded in death by his sister Mary Kennedy, and parents Kathleen and Melvin Holm.
There will be a family viewing and funeral service on Thursday, May 7, 2020 that will be Live Streamed for extended family and friends beginning at 1PM from the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home. Due to the COVID-19 guidelines we are limited to 10 family members in attendance who will be contacted directly by the family. Burial will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Allan’s memory to the Greater Pennsylvania Alzheimer’s Association.
Live Stream link will appear at 1PM or close to the start of the scheduled service. Please refresh your screen as the service time approaches to view the live stream.
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Condolences to the Family
February 24, 2021
Al was my best friend in high school. When he joined the service he lost probably 50 or more pounds. He was the one who came into my room in Lincoln IL and told me President Kennedy had just been shot. I have so many good memories of him–only good ones. He also came and visited us in Dallas, and he beat me in several games of Euchre. He was a blessing to me for many years. I did not know he had died until I saw his obit. Once we stayed in Lancaster, but at that time I did not know he lived there! It broke my heart when I found out. I look forward to seeing him on the “other side.” A very good man–and a great friend.
Dr. Mark Berrier
May 28, 2020
My sympathies go out to Shirley and the Holm family. Allan and I quickly became friends when we worked together at weddings. I was “the video guy”, immediately impressed with Allan’s humility, kindness, and attention to detail. He always wore a jacket and tie, leaving casual dress to the less professional photographers. He captured moments so well. My daughter still recalls Allan taking our family photos 20+ years ago, determined that she would NOT be kissing her brothers if she didn’t smile for the camera. Allan was an amazing artist, and an inspiration to many.
Glenn Burkhart
May 07, 2020
My deepest sympathy to you Shirley and your family. He was a gentleman and one heck of a photographer. Many memories of the class of 1959 at Ottawa High with Alan and all our friends.
Bonnie McGrogan
May 07, 2020
Shirley, we are so sorry to learn of the passing of Allen! He was our favorite photographer and he did such a fabulous job shooting all the fashion shows we were involved in at the mall. We enjoyed having your family as neighbors for years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless all of you- Allen will be missed dearly!
Stacie, Nancy, Leslie, and Joan and Dan Randall
May 07, 2020
Anita and Nate,
I miss your Dad, I loved our chats in Homeview and his sense of humor. His love for Shirley and his family was so real and sincere. He loved to talk of the grandchildren and beamed as he spoke of another grandchild on the way.
He was a man of honor and faced crisis with determination that I admired. I wished I had known him in his earlier days. Watching the service I was filled with sadness and gratitude I count it a privilege to have learned to know him. Thank you for sharing his sevice today.
Dorcas E Benner
May 07, 2020
We will share some of Allan’s photos on our VietnamWarHistoryOrg facebook page. Slow hand saltue for Allan. Peace, Keith Goudy. Admin Team for VWHO facebook page. 1970-71 Vietnam Veteran.
Keith Goudy
May 07, 2020
Enjoyed what time I spent with Allan when we were at DASPO together. Allan was a wonderful person and excellent photographer. A part of his legacy is the many photographs he took while with DASPO. Many are stored at the National Archives. His photographic contribution to the history of the Vietnam and photography itself is priceless. RIP my DASPO brother!
Robert C. Lafoon
May 07, 2020
It was a beautiful ceremony for a generous and kind man.
Josh and Michelle Holm
May 07, 2020
Anita and Nate:
Your dad was like a second father to me. He always looked out for me, even when I didn’t want him too😊 I will miss the times we spent together sharing and laughing at childhood memories. May he Rest In Peace.
Kate Kendig
May 07, 2020
While family events, regular communication and time together are strained by distance and busy schedules, the bonds remain strong and a central part of the fabric of the extended family, in this case our family, the Harold and Sadie Fosse clan. Thinking of all of you in this time of grieving, but also this time of gratitude for the many and profound ways your husband, dad, brother, grandfather, uncle, nephew and in my case, cousin, touched our lives! May fond memories sustain all of us !
Trina Dobberstein
May 07, 2020
My very earliest memories include Allan Holm. Back in the 60s, he worked with my Father at The Fort Monmouth (NJ) signal corps photography school. This was before Allan married Shirley, and he even lived in a room in our house with his cat, Sammy. As far as I my 4 year old mind was concerned, he was related to me.
In August of 1969, we trekked off as a family to upstate NY, to witness the marriage of Allan, and his delightful Shirley. There was such a crowd of well-wishers, they had to shut down the NY thruway!!! (for the original woodstock festival) Allan and Shirley were made for each other, we love her, as much as we loved him.
I remember when Allan and Shirley were visiting, at a time we had a house full of friends and family. Allan was in the shower, which happens to be in a bathroom in our living room. (I know… strange.) Somebody dared my sister to sneak in and take all of the towels, and his clothes… so she did! Allan kept up his serenade long after the water turned off. There was no change in his tune, he just kept on singing at the top of his big booming voice. Then he made his grand entrance wrapped up in the shower curtain as if it was something he did everyday.
Allan regaled my Mother and I with the story of the time he had to shoot a large, long and narrow photo that was to appear at the top of a restaurant menu. The shoot took weeks of planning to prepare, with several “food stylists”. (who knew there was such a thing?) Everything had to be perfect, a hundred hamburger buns were provided so the perfect sesame seed pattern could be found. There were chefs with carefully timed meals they had to cook on schedule, everything was on a very strict timetable so that it would all turn out perfect, at exactly the right time. There were many expensive professionals, as well as the food involved. Anybody that knew Allan, knew his sense of humor was legendary.
Everything was ready, it was time for him to climb the ladder, the staff was ready to breathe a sigh of relief, for having finished a job well done… Allan got to the top of the ladder…. and loudly announced to everyone involved, that the shoot was going to have to wait, he had to leave… to evacuate his bowels, and started back down the ladder. (I think he used different terminology.)
Naturally, he was only kidding, but he got the reaction he was looking for. Allan was a total professional. I’ve seen him working at a number of weddings, including my own. He was a very talented artist, a good person, and always great fun to be around.
I visited Allan a few times in the past few years, and spoke with him often on FaceTime. I miss him already, I always will.
My entire family is grieving over the loss of this wonderful man and our condolences go out to Shirley and the rest of his family. Allan Holm was a true mensch.
Victoria Dam Rose
May 07, 2020
Allan -our next door neighbor for over 40 years-we will forever remember our Sunday evening phone call, “Let’s go to Ruby Tuesday!”
With many fond memories of your dad. Love, Bonnie and John Eshbach
May 06, 2020
Dear Anita & Nate & families.
I was so sorry to read of your father’s passing – a wonderful man. I truly didn’t realize what an honored photographer he was. Remember all the good times and he will always be in your heart and a part of your lives. Blessings to you all.
Bev Moran
May 06, 2020
On behalf of Allan’s DASPO brothers (Department of the Army Special Photo Office, Pacific Detachment, Ft. Shafter, Hawaii 1964-1967), I wish to express our sincere condolences to Shirley, Anita and Nathan on their loss. Allan was a great photographer and a professional asset to DASPO and the US Army. As a token of our respect and admiration, and in Allan’s memory, the DASPO Combat Photographers Association will be making a donation in his name to the Rick Rein and Kermit Yoho Scholarship Fund at Texas Tech University, named after two of our combat photographers who were killed in action. May everyone’s prayers guide Allan’s soul to our Heavenly Father. May he Rest In Peace.
William D. San Hamel, President
DASPO Combat Photographers Association
May 06, 2020
You did your duty mate. Family must be very proud. RIP.
Henry Hannigan
May 06, 2020
I had the distinct honor of serving in DASPO with Allan in Vietnam. Good man. RIP with a slow hand salute.
Michael Baker
May 05, 2020
We were so very sorry to learn of your father’s death. We have so many good memories of him and your mother as our neighbors. He took the photos for most of our children’s wedding’s and always did a fabulous job.
we are so sorry we cannot attend the service, due to this virus, but you will be in our prayers.
much love,
John and Joan Troutman
May 05, 2020
We have many fond memories of our times together especially those early Saturday morning breakfasts. Allan always had a positive outlook. He will be missed.
Jerry & Barb Sager
May 05, 2020
We will all miss your Dad dearly. We have so many memories of him growing up. We are so sad for you loss.
Molly Leedy
May 05, 2020
I am so sorry to hear about Allan’s passing. My dad had known him through Armstrong and then I hired him as my wedding photographer years ago. He had a great personality and always had us laughing. I have fond memories of him. May he Rest In Peace.
Amy Mendenhall Nidds
May 05, 2020
Dear Anita and Nate, I have a warm place in my heart for your parents and for you. I enjoyed looking at your Dad’s photos of the family in your Mom’s room, so lovingly taken and appreciated. Please accept my sincere condolences on your father’s death. I will attend his service online, although wishing I could pay my respects to you and your mother in person. May you, your mother and families be comforted and may your father rest in peace. Sincerely, Marianne Kelly
May 05, 2020
I send my sincere sympathy to the family of Alan Holm. I worked for many years with Alan at Armstrong, and have many fond memories of Alan and the many projects we collaborated on.
Thomas Cook
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