By Lance Scott, CEO of Parker Medical, Inc.

BRIDGEWATER, Conn., USA – With deep sadness, Parker Medical, Inc. (PMI) and the Holland family announce that Founder and Chairman, William Parker Holland, Sr., peacefully passed away on April 24, 2020, at the age of 91. The entire PMI family and broader x-ray community mourn the loss of an industry icon, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the Holland family.

“Bill” met his loving wife of 68 years, Geraldine Holland, while serving his country at the U.S. Airforce air-proving ground command stationed in Alaska and Florida from 1948-1952. Upon his honorable discharge from the Airforce, Bill began his studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he graduated near the top of his class earning his B.S. in Electrical Engineering in 1957.

Bill began his career as an Electrical Design Engineer for General Electric X-ray Systems in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he developed the first rotating anode target x-ray tube for mammography, and numerous high-powered industrial and medical x-ray tubes. His extensive research in material science and processing techniques greatly advanced the field of diagnostic radiology, and led to several of his 18 patents.

In 1968, Bill moved his young family to New England to join Machlett Laboratories, as the Engineering Manager for X-ray Products in Stamford, Connecticut. While at Machlett, Bill extended his enormous contribution to the advancement of x-ray technology with 12 patents and the development of sophisticated x-ray tubes, high voltage cables, receptacles, subsystems, and measurement devices. As the company progressed, he further applied his extensive engineering knowledge to accelerate their growth through roles in Product Marketing and Product Management.

Even with this incredible resumé of industry accomplishments and design achievements, Bill challenged himself to launch his own company by the time he was 55 years old. In 1984, with a family of 7 children, Bill surprised Machlett management by resigning his position to launch his namesake business, Parker Medical, Inc.

Bill continued his extraordinary contribution to the x-ray community as the dynamic and affable Founder and CEO of PMI for the next 36 years. During this time, Bill served as Chairman of the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association (NEMA) sub-committee for 12 years, was a U.S. representative to the International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) group for x-ray tubes and housings, launched a computed tomography (CT) start-up, and published countless papers and presentations on state-of-the-art x-ray tube and component technology.

Under his leadership, PMI has been proud to serve world-leading multi-national equipment manufacturers, scientific laboratories, major universities, and multiple branches of government. The company has been named a Connecticut Family Business of the Year (2010) by the University of Connecticut Family Business Program, was honored by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA), and has collaborated with industry leaders throughout the world.

During his 36 years at the helm of PMI, Bill naturally continued to add to his prolific list of inventions, new products, and solutions to ever-changing challenges in medical diagnostic, homeland security, scientific research, non-destructive testing (NDT), and other areas of high-voltage and x-ray research. Bill also extended his broader contributions to society through the founding of the Holland Family Foundation, where he and the Holland family assist families and communities in need through a variety of philanthropic ventures.

The Holland family will continue to honor Bill’s legacy through the Holland Family Foundation, Holland Joint Venture, HJV Enterprises, Holland Property Holdings, and Parker Medical, Inc. Geraldine Holland will assume the role of Chairperson for PMI, and Lance A. Scott will remain Chief Executive Officer for the organization as it continues its transformational quest to fulfill Bill’s vision.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Geraldine Holland, 7 children, Timothy Holland, Patricia Holland, Christine Holland, Michael Holland, Matthew Holland, Lynn (Holland) Mackie, and William Holland, Jr., 14 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren, who will continue to honor Bill’s legacy for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, tax deductible donations to the Holland Family Foundation (HFF), 137 New Milford Road East, Bridgewater, CT 06752, will be greatly appreciated. HFF assists families and communities in need, and is tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

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