Reginald Hollis served faithfully as husband and father, priest, bishop, and archbishop of Montreal. Born in Bedworth, England, he served in the Royal Air Force before studying theology at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He attended Montreal Diocesan Theological College at McGill as an exchange student, was ordained to the priesthood in Montreal in 1956, and married Marcia Crombie the following year. He was appointed Anglican chaplain to McGill, where he also lectured in the Faculty of Divinity; assistant rector at St Matthias, Westmount; rector of St Barnabas, Pierrefonds; rector of Christ Church, Beaurepaire; and director of Parish and Diocesan Services for the Diocese of Montreal. He was elected Bishop of Montreal in 1975 and then Archbishop of the ecclesiastical province of Canada in 1989. In 1990, he resigned to serve as International Director of the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer, based in Orlando, and as Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Central Florida. Following removal of a benign brain tumour, he served for several years as Rector of St Paul’s, New Smyrna Beach. In 1997 he retired to Victoria, where he served part-time at St John’s, Duncan and St Philip’s, Oak Bay. Until recently he assisted at St Matthias, Victoria. He is survived by Marcia, his wife of 53 years, a daughter, two sons, and six grandchildren, and two sisters in England, Jean Hollis and Margaret Bennett.
Reg loved to preach, and his sermons focused on the love of God. While never loud, he was outspoken – and persistent – about being faithful to the Word. At home, he was gentle, patient, loving, humorous, and always kind. As priest and bishop, he showed the same qualities.
Funeral service to be held Monday, November 15, at 10:30am in Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial donations may be made to the Primate’s World Relief & Development Fund. Condolences may be offered at www.mccallbros.com.
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Genevieve Berthault
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Tyler Cobbett I thought others might enjoy the story of a memorable children’s story given in the summer community of Metis Beach, Quebec. Bishop Hollis was invited to preach at St. George’s Anglican Church in the early to mid-1970s and he walked into the church holding two pieces of wood the size of book shelves, maybe an inch thick, 4 feet long by 12 inches deep. He held the children spellbound as he told the story of Billy Board and Peter Plank, how either couldn’t stand on end alone (which he demonstrated), but leaning one against the other he described how we need each other for support. It was and still is a simple yet powerful message, delivered with love and a sense of humour. I’m glad to have known him.
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Harry Harrison I was so sorry to read about the death of Reg, and I send the family my sincere condolences. I sat in the desk next to Reg, if I may be allowed to call him Reg, as I used to 65 years ago, in Form IVa at King Edward VI School, Nuneaton. I have very strong memories of sharing discussions with him, notably before and after our school church services. I am so pleased that he more than realised his ambition to join the Ministry.
I also remember that we both participated in the Harvest Camp near Stratford on Avon, which was organised by the War Agricultural Commission in 1944. I do not think we picked much fruit, but at least we enjoyed ourselves. Sincerely, Harry.
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Celinda Scott Dear Marcia,
I met Bishop Hollis in 1985 in Baltimore, when he was beginning to plan for the AFP conference in Montreal in 1988. I very much enjoyed that conference, and am grateful to him for seeing that it took place. I was chairman of the committee which did the planning for the Pittsburgh Conference in 1989, but was not active in AFP during the period that Bishop Hollis was International Director. AFP has been and all-volunteer organization since 2006, and I am corresponding secretary and web coordinator. I was very sad to find out just today of Bishop Hollis’ death. I learned about it because I’m translating the DOK Study Guide for newly forming chapters in Haiti, and there’s a wonderful poem by Bishop Hollis about “Praying the Baptismal Covenant” which he wrote in 1993. My condolences to you and all your family, and also thanksgiving for the work Bishop Hollis did with the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer.
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Jean Hanna Dear Marcia and Family,
I have only just learned of the passing of Bishop Reginald, and send you my belated condolences and sympathy. He was a good, kindly man, and may he rest in peace. God bless you all.
Jean Hanna
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John Beach I was saddened to hear of Bishop Hollis’s death. I will be forever grateful for the encouragement he had given me from the moment I spoke with him about my call to be a priest. He saw qualities in me that I had not seen in myself.
I owe much of my love of scripture and good preaching to his example and direction.
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Roger M Robillard Dear Marcia and family
I will always remember the many kindnesses that Reginald showed me and Lydia. From the time he agreed to sponsor me for ordination to my priesting and beyond. He was truly a saint in my eyes and a great mentor.
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Norm and Laurie Bennie We send our thoughts and prayers to you all at the loss of such a beloved man and servant of Christ. May you always feel upheld in the difficult times.
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Gill Edwards Dear Marcia and family
We are all thinking of you and your family at this time and extend our heart felt sympathies and our prayers to you and your family Love from your familes here in England Jean, Margaret & Roy, Rosnie & Michael, Beryl & Eric, Gill & Mick and all children & grandchildren
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Erna Hamm Dear Marcia,
You have been much in my prayers. The Lord comfort you in your grief and give you peace. How comforting to know your husband is with the Lord whom he loved and served. Reg was such a gentle and humble man and your many memories will be a comfort. May the verse in John 14:27 be your sronghold for you and the family.
Prayers, love and sympathy,
Erna Hamm
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Nathan and Jeannette Hamm and Family We extend our heart felt sympathies and our prayers to you and your family. May the Lord of all comfort strengthen you and give you peace as you grieve the passing of your Dad.
Much love, Nathan and Jeannette and family
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Erna Hamm Dear Marcia,
You have been much in my prayers. The Lord comfort you in your grief and give you peace. How comforting to know your husband is with the Lord whom he loved and served. Reg was such a gentle and humble man, and your many memories will be a comfort. May the verse in John 14:27 be your stronghold for you and the family.
Prayers, love and sympathy,
Erna Hamm
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Bob Wismer I was so very saddened to hear of Reg’s death. A great loss to the Church militant, and a blessing to the Church triumphant. I clearly remember the first time I met Reg, having travelled to talk to him about ordination. He welcomed me into his study, and made to feel at home, despite his circumspect conversation! He was to me the model of humility, gentleness, grace and thoughtfulness. He was clear in his thinking and resolute in his beliefs. How desperately the Church needs people like him! May God watch over Marcia and the family.
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Digby Clarke Well Reg, my thoughts of you and Marcia have come and gone over the past few years. I did want to meet up with you two and exchange the memories from over fifty years ago. However you were not up to it. From University Street at Diocesan College, to sitting in my living room after Jean died, and so many other times. Even attempting to stand on my head in your living room. Man that was pathetic. To your meaningful and useful-for-life sermons. Yes Reg, I remember with warmth and fondness many more. To Marcia and the family I extend my condolences and warm thoughts. Through old guys like me, Reg’s goodness and deep commitment, continues through the years, and extends to unknown others, the quality of his deep, useful, and profound thoughts. Thanks Reg, Digby
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Iris Thornton Dear Marcia and family:
It was with great sadness that I read this morning of Reg’s death and offer you my sincere condolences. Among his activities, his involvement with the Guild of Health here was much appreciated by me, personally, as well as the membership in general. His gentle manner belied an inner strength that served him well. He was truly a man of God.
With blessings. – Iris Thornton
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Gillian Fosdick Reginald Hollis was a holy man and a luminous spirit. It was truly a privilege and a delight to work with him (11 yrs ago?).
And he is now fully in the Light!
God rest and Bless his soul!
I am very sorry to hear that Bishop Hollis has passed away. What a kind and wonderful man. I have just been telling someone that I still remember the prayer he asked us to say for ourselves “Lord, please be part of my life, I want you to be part of my life, and please make me an instrument of your peace…. We were getting confirmed at St George’s Church in St. Anne de Bellevue in the mid seventies. A wonderful prayer to have taught us. My condolences to his wonderful family.