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NAMPA, Idaho — In 2019, we featured the story of a local Army veteran who made a huge donation to homeless veterans at the Boise Rescue Mission, of $100,000.
His name was Archie Hollenbeck. He was battling ALS, but that didn’t stop him from spreading love and joy.
His dear friend Patti Syme said she misses him so much. They became like father and daughter in his final years. She started out as his realtor, but they grew to be family.
“He didn’t have children of his own and he wanted to give back, and he just became a part of the community through that,” Syme said. “He was a proud Army veteran.”
Sadly, Hollenbeck passed away from COVID-19 in 2022. His estate was recently settled, and he made another huge donation to help our veterans.
“He always had a smile and a sparkle in his eye,” Syme said. “I was so blessed by him, and having him in my life.”
She said that before he passed, he had a large chunk of money he wanted to give away.
“Obviously, he was really appreciative of the care that he received through the VA,” Syme said. “He knew that the people in the healthcare field give back.”
Hollenbeck decided he wanted to give $300,000 in scholarship money to the College of Western Idaho (CWI) for veterans pursuing a career in healthcare. There was a special ceremony honoring Hollenbeck at CWI this month. CWI President Gordon Jones was so honored to accept the check. Some of Archie’s family was also there to celebrate his generosity.
“Although I did not have the opportunity to meet Archie in person, I took the time to read his obituary. I took the time to see that story on KTVB when that personality came through even sitting in the confines of a wheelchair,” Jones said. “He had a huge smile, and clearly there was a gentleman there who just loved people.”
Syme said that his donation is coming at a critical time in Idaho.
“There is a dramatic need in our area for nurses, for CNAs. There are a lot of nurses that are retiring, and doctors that are leaving the field, and we need them in our area,” Syme said. “I cannot think of a better time to give money to those people who will go into that field.”
She said Archie would be so honored. His name and memory will live on at CWI.
“He really wanted to impact people,” Syme said. “I just think he is looking down and happy that he could do something of this magnitude, and it is huge.”
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