Holden Dillard

After bravely fighting cancer for over a year and a half while constantly placing others’ comfort and well-being ahead of his own, Holden Aaron Dillard died on May 7, 2015 in Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 17. He leaves behind his mother, Robin Breitung Dillard, his father Paul Dillard, his stepmother Katherine Masse Dillard, and his brothers, Madison (Max), Morgan and Henry Dillard. Holden was born December 30, 1997 in Jacksonville Florida. Holden treasured the time he spent with his friends and family. He found peace while tending to his many bonsai trees, and relaxed by taking care of his pet snakes, lizards, frogs and fish. He had been a talented soccer player at Westside Soccer Club and Robert E. Lee High School before he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, and remained close to the game he loved by coaching at WSC and by staying involved with the soccer program at Lee. His many teammates and coaches were a constant source of comfort and support, and he took great pride in the players that he coached. He was also a huge fan of Arsenal FC, AFC Ajax and especially his beloved Jacksonville Armada FC. His Armada friends generously brought Holden a great deal of joy during difficult days. True to Holden’s nature, he continued to have empathy for others, even in the face of the battle he was fighting. His main concern was that his loved ones would be okay. Holden is survived by his parents and brothers, his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends and loved ones. He is also mourned by countless others who never met him but have been inspired by his strength and courage in the face of such adversity.
Holden requested that he be cremated and to have his ashes placed in an urn that contains a seed for a maple tree with the simple instructions “plant me somewhere you can always visit me.” The family will host a reception to celebrate Holden’s life on May 31st from 1 pm to 6 pm at the Lee High School Cafeteria building, adjacent to the soccer field; all are welcome. We would especially like to thank the many people who helped Holden and our family by requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to any of the following organizations: Nemours Children’s Specialty Care of Jacksonville; Wolfson Children’s Hospital; Dreams Come True of Jacksonville, Inc.; the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation; and Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.