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
www.mccallgardens.com
36 Responses
Dear Thelma & Family
Again I found myself daydreaming, reminiscing of old friends and Tom came into mind.
So by chance I punched it into the computer and thus came to realize the passing of an old friend. Tom and I were best buddies and room mates in the early days of 1 PPCLI. I did have occasion to visit at your home in Coquitlam in ’06. I left the service and lost touch.
I extend to you my heartfelt condolence but I keep the memories of a dear friend.
Thelma
Tom was a great man. So many tributes to him speak for themselves. He will be sorely missed in Lodge, and I personally will miss his joy in life. My sympathies to you and the rest of Tom’s family.
I first met RSM Holland when he was Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. We later worked together when he was the BC District RSM and then as the Deputy Parade Marshal for Vancouver’s Rememberance Day ceremonies. When I was the RSM of 744 Com Regiment I would consider what would Tom do in such situations. He was a leader in the many paths he took. His presence at Victory Square in Vancouver for the largest Rememberance Day ceremony outside of Ottawa was always appreciated by all in attendance. Our Parade Marshal debriefs at the BCR Mess were always a great time. We will stand and raise a glass in your honour as you shall be remembered. Stand Easy Chief.
Stephen Kern CD
Parade Marshal
Dear Thelma and Family:
I am saddened to hear of Tom’s passing and wish to pass on my condolences to you and the family. I served with Tom at Parachute Training Wing and have many pleasant memories of the times spent with him. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. When he was RSM of the Seaforth I was RSM of the British Columbia Regiment. In later years we served together as Assistant Parade Marshall’s at the Cenotaph in Vancouver. We shall toast his memory after Parade on the 11 Nov. He was one of the goods guys and will be missed. My condolences to the family.
I served with Tom in 1BN PPCLI IN THE’60’S-He was a fine infanteer with a great sense of humor and a outstanding “Patricia’.It was a honor to have served with him. He will be missed!!! M.C.Ritchie-RSM(Ret’d)-1PPCLI–Summerland BC