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.
17 Responses
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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!