Obituary: Trustee Holman

Nov. 9, 2005 -- C. Ray Holman, University trustee and retired chair and chief executive officer of Mallinckrodt Inc., died Friday, Nov. 4, 2005, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

"Ray Holman was a model trustee: wise, dedicated and generous," Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton said. "He served on the Executive Committee and as chair of the University Finance Committee. In addition, he has served as a member of the national council for the John M. Olin School of Business.

"Ray was a great friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew him."

He and his wife, Cheryl, have been enthusiastic, wise and generous contributors to the University. They have also been active in other St. Louis organizations such as the Center of Creative Arts, where Cheryl is chair of the board, and the St. Louis Science Center.

Ray had been serving as chair of the board of Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and was a key contributor to the University's strong partnership with BJC HealthCare.

"Ray Holman was a dedicated civic leader and a perceptive and tireless trustee for the University," said David W. Kemper, chairman of the University's Board of Trustees. "He will be greatly missed by the entire Washington University community."

Holman joined Mallinckrodt in 1976 as assistant controller, and worked his way through the ranks before being named chair in 1994. He became president and CEO in 1992 and also served as director of Laclede Gas Co. and BankAmerica Corp.

He is the past chair of the Greater St. Louis Economic Development Council and the United Way's 2000 campaign.

In addition to his wife, Holman is survived by his sons, Benjamin, Gregory and Thomas; and his sister, Marge.

Visitation was Nov. 8; a memorial service was Nov. 9; and private interment was at Bellerive Heritage Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Holman's family has requested memorials be made to the St. Louis Science Center; 5050 Oakland Ave.; St. Louis, MO 63110; to the Greater St. Louis Area Boy Scouts of America; 4568 W. Pine Blvd.; St. Louis, MO 63108; to the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation; 600 S. Taylor, Suite 120; St. Louis, MO 63110; or to the charity of the donor's choice.