Born on July 6, 1933, in Cedar City, Utah, Dr. Holyoak’s life was marked by dedication to education, athletics and service.

Dr. Holyoak began his career at UF in 1966 as an assistant professor and held several roles, including Chairman of the Department of Physical Education. He retired after 30 years of distinguished service, leaving a legacy of mentorship and leadership. Dr. Holyoak played a significant role in recruiting and mentoring UF athletes and collaborated closely with notable coaches including Pell, Spurrier and Zook. His passion for Gator athletics was legendary. He attended every home football game from the time he joined the UF faculty until he moved to Utah.

Beyond his contributions to UF, Dr. Holyoak served as President of the Board of Directors for Florida Special Olympics and received numerous awards from professional organizations, including the AAHPERD Presidential Honor Award in 1998. His enthusiasm for mentoring students and his enduring connections with alumni were a testament to his impactful career.

"Dr. Holyoak's enthusiasm, passion for education, and unwavering support for Gator athletics have left an indelible mark on our college,” said Dean Mike Reid. “We will deeply miss Dr. Holyoak and his remarkable presence in our community."

A celebration of Dr. Holyoak’s life will be held in the Florida Gym on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to Noon.

In lieu of flowers, the Holyoak family requests that contributions be made to the Dr. Owen J. Holyoak Endowed Scholarship at the University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance.

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