Michael Shero Holland, 50, passed away on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, Phoenix, Arizona.
Shero was born in Selma, Alabama and grew up in Plano, Texas…where he still has cherished friends and family. As a child, he enjoyed learning and caring for insects and animals, and he was a wonderful son and big brother. He graduated from Rice University with a BA in geology, then started a career in environmental studies. Next he moved to Tempe, Arizona, where he graduated from Arizona State University with a Masters degree in biology. There he fell in love with all things Tempe…from ASU sports, theatre shows at Gammage, bird watching, hiking, composting, gardening, owning pets (including chickens), yoga, and many meals out with friends. Shero worked at Logan Simpson Design, Del Sol Group, and then at ASU as a biologist (a sensitive-species surveyor) with the Central Arizona -Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research (CAP LTER) program, where he was paid to do what he loved most – identifying species of birds. He also longed to start his own business as a bird watching & hiking guide, knowing the joy he brought to so many as he shared his knowledge and love for both. During this time his mom also relocated to Tempe, which provided many years of fun and love with Mama Jo. Shero enjoyed family visits from his sister and her family, including his niece and nephew who gave him the best title of Uncle Ho. He also developed so many wonderful friendships during his 28 years in Tempe; he touched so many lives with his companionship, humor, knowledge, and sense of adventure.
Shero is preceded in death by his mom, Beth (Mama Jo) Holland.
He is survived by his father, Michael (wife Carol) of Plano, TX; his sister, Melissa (husband Sean, nephew Ethan & niece Brenna) of Oak Point, TX; extended family in Alabama; former spouse, Tyna Chu; and all of his friends who will miss him dearly.
Shero will be cremated and eventually his ashes will be spread in Belize, his heaven on earth.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of these organizations that stand for what he cherished. Rio Salado Audubon Center at https://act.audubon.org/a/donate-arizona or Liberty Wildlife at https://libertywildlife.salsalabs.org/membershipscopy2/index.html
7 Comments To "Michael Shero Holland"
#1 Comment By Paige Warren On April 4, 2022 @ 3:52 am
I was so very sorry to hear of Shero’s loss. He was such a big part of the bird research in the CAP LTER. His contributions were more than just counting and identifying birds. He helped ensure the project ran smoothly, and he contributed a great deal of energy to the project, simply through his love of birds. I didn’t interact with him directly as much as I would have liked. My sincere condolences go out to his friends and family. I am holding all those who knew him well in my thoughts.
#2 Comment By Steve Graham On April 10, 2022 @ 2:43 pm
I was so sorry to hear about Shero. My deep condolences to his family. Shero was such a great guy. The world is a bit darker without him.