CWO (Rtd.) Thomas John Holland, CD2, was predeceased by his parents Thomas William Holland (Madoc, ON) and Williamina (Mac) (nee Maclean) (Queens Ferry, Scotland) and 1 brother Richard James Holland (London, ON). Survived by spouse Thelma Agnes Holland (nee Hogan) and 1 brother Gerald Holland; 2 children Debbie M. Holland (Victoria, BC) and Thomas Christopher Holland and spouse Peggy Ann Holland (nee Fowler) (Nasonworth, NB); 4 grandchildren Alma Terry, Thomas James, Richard Neil and Hayley Jeanette, sisters-in-law Donnie Butler, Linda Holland, and brother-in-law Roy Hogan (Barb), many nieces and nephews and cousins across the country. He will be dearly missed by All his extended family and friends.
Tom was a career soldier who served loyally for 42 years. He was an Army Cadet, Air Cadet and Sherman tank driver in the Algonquin Regiment all at the same time. He served in all Battalions of the PPCLI, as well as the Airborne Regiment. He spent 8 years falling out of airplanes as a member of the CFPDT Skyhawks. He served as the RSM of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada and the District RSM of BC. He was very involved with the Free Masons and Shriners and was a PDDGM, Scottish 33° Rite and Director of Uniformed Units of the Gizeh Temple.
There will be a Celebration of Tom’s Life at the Seaforth Armoury, 1650 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, on Saturday, October 28, 2017, at 2:00 pm. This will be a joint Military and Masonic Ceremony. The family would like to invite guests to join them afterward for snacks and beverages in the Anderson Room of the Armoury. Please RSVP to taholland@shaw.ca
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospital Montreal, PQ https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Locations/canada/About/Ways-to-give or to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
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36 Responses
Thelma and Family,
My condolences, he will be missed. Some of my best memories in lodge are of him. I feel privileged to have known him in my brief time in the craft. He was such an inspiration to me as someone to try and emulate. Remembrance Day this year will not be the same without his presence. But I feel assured we will remember and feel him on that day.
Sincerely,
Erik Futrell-Frühling
My deepest condolences to Tom’s Family and Friends. Tom was the Team Leader of the 1979 Canadian Forces Parachute Team The Skyhawks when I was fortunate enough to be a team member under his command. It was an honour and a privilege to serve with him, a fine gentleman and an honourable soldier he was…
Remember you well Sir, RIP.
Mr Holland was an excellent role-model to all ranks. I never, ever saw him make any display of temper (even within the stereotypical role of the Serjeant-Major!) and the only time I heard him raise his voice was on the drill square.
Even so, discipline above and below his appointment was firmly maintained – very often by ourselves as we couldn’t bear to disappoint him.
An excellent leader who will be missed by all who knew him.
-Robert MacDonald, Captain, late of the Seaforth Highlanders.
Dearest Thelma,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I have many lovely memories of you and Tom and all those dinners in the Seaforth Sgt’s Mess.
Tom was a fine mentor and a very experienced parachutist. A number of us had the privilege of serving with him on the Canadian Forces Parachute Team, the Sky Hawks. It was an honour to have served with him.
Dear Thelma,
Thelma, truly saddened in hearing the passing of Tom. It was a pleasure to have known him. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Sad to hear of Tom’s passing. My wife and I have fond memories of him at the Skyhawks in the early eighties. He will be sorely missed.
Dear Thelma, please accept our most sincere condolences. Fran and I both have fond memories of Tom and I in particular will miss him as a cherished friend.
RSM Holland was a great man, a great Seaforth and a friend. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. I have fond memories of Tom and, in particular, our Adventure Training canoe trip on the Yukon River. As we were driving to and from the Yukon Tom kept telling us which towns he had jumped into from perfectly serviceable military aircraft. Thank you for your service and your friendship. You will be greatly missed.