Walter William Robert Holland OBE, one of the former founders of Robert Stanley Opticians, died on June 28 2011, aged 93.
Holland began his optical career by setting up Varsity Optics and then founded Robert Stanley Opticians with Donald Frank Stanley Salmon in 1953. The business was successful and new branches were opened across Oxfordshire. They retired, selling the business in 2005.
Holland was not only well known in optics but also in the weightlifting community where he was president of the European Federation from 1987 to 1999.
Holland was described by the directors of the company as an inspirational character whose wit, humour and vitality made him a popular figure worldwide. In 1977 he was awarded with an OBE title for his services to his country.
Donald Salmon wished to pass on his kind regards to the Holland family and thank well-wishers within optics for their kind messages.