WILLIAM B. (BILL) HOLLAND

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WILLIAM B. (BILL) HOLLAND Bill Holland was born March 10, 1920 in the Brooklands district of Winnipeg and passed into Jesus' presence on May 27, 2012 in Brandon at the age of 92. Bill worked in the CPR shops for 10 years in the 1940s, then for the T. Eaton Company for 34 years. Bill and Nora were married in May, 1950. The devastating floods in Winnipeg at the time required a last minute change of venue from Winnipeg to Swan River, which meant that most of the invited guests were unable to attend. From the time he was a young child, faith was very important to Bill. As a young man he attended Winnipeg Bible College (now Providence), graduating in 1951. He served as a lay pastor for many years - as a guest preacher in several Manitoba churches and then as the pastor of East Braintree Community Church for 25 years, travelling out there every weekend from Winnipeg. Bill retired from both Eaton's and East Braintree in 1985 and during the next few years, he and Nora enjoyed travelling, mostly in the U.S.A. and the United Kingdom. A highlight of their travels was three month trip to Belgium where they served as volunteers with Canadian Baptist Missions. Bill and Nora moved to Brandon in 1995 and soon became involved in Seniors for Seniors. Bill was a member of their Writer's Club and also of the Songbirds choir. In recent years, failing health curtailed his participation in these activities, but he kept busy hooking rugs. Most were given as gifts to family members for whom they will be treasured keepsakes. Bill was predeceased by all 11 of his siblings and two sons, David in 1966 and Donald in 1995. He is survived by Nora, his wife of 62 years; his children, Doris Beitz, Beth (Phil) Stade, Rob (Connie) Holland, and Corie (Glenn) Seburn; 15 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. His loss will also be mourned by his nieces and nephews and many friends. Funeral service took place on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at First Baptist Church in Brandon. Rev. Orton Anderson officiated. Interment will follow at a later date at Brookside Cemetery, Winnipeg. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Bill may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 3881 Park Avenue, Brandon, MB R7B 0J7; The Canadian Bible Society, 952 St. Mary's Road, Winnipeg, MB R2M 3R8 or a charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel Pre-Planning Centre, Brandon 1-888-694-8153.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 02, 2012