THOMAS FREDERICK HOLENS

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THOMAS FREDERICK HOLENS

It is with profound sadness that the family of Thomas Frederick Holens announces his passing on June 19, 2025, at the age of 86 years.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Audrey; his daughter, Pamela (Andrew); his son, Gordon (Pamela); and his stepson, Brad (Jacquie). He will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren: Samuel, Heather, Alanna, Andrew, and Miranda. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Anthony Holens; his first wife, Violet; his daughter, Susan; and his sister, Carol.

Tom grew up in a modest home in Winnipeg's North End. He was academically gifted, winning the Governor General's Medal in 1956, as well as the Isbister Scholarship. The latter allowed him to pursue studies in mathematics at the University of Manitoba. Shortly after graduating with his master's degree in 1963, he was hired by the University of Manitoba as an Assistant Professor. Based out of St. John's College, Tom was an active member of the Mathematics Department at the University of Manitoba until his retirement in 2005. He was widely regarded as an excellent instructor. His proficiency in teaching mathematics undoubtedly influenced his oldest daughter, who taught high school mathematics for a decade before pursuing a career in psychology, and his son, who taught mathematics at the University of Manitoba for many years and now works as a statistician.

Tom met his first wife, Violet (née Greengrass), through mutual friends at the University of Manitoba, and they were married in 1963. Together, Tom and Vi raised three children - Pamela, Gordon, and Susan - in a loving household, until Vi's passing in 1982. Shortly thereafter, Tom met the second love of his life, Audrey (née Falk). They were married in 1984, and he gained a stepson, Brad. Audrey and Tom were happily married for 41 years and were rarely seen apart. Audrey helped Tom raise his children and was a particular source of support upon the passing of his youngest child, Susan.

Tom enjoyed a wide variety of sports throughout his life. He played hockey and football in his youth, and later took up curling and golf as an adult. He coached his son's soccer team and was the number one fan at his grandson's soccer games. He also enjoyed fishing and sailing during the many summers he spent at Florence Lake.

Tom was known as a kind and generous man. Although often not a man of many words, he showed his love through his actions. He enjoyed helping his children with household projects and loved entertaining his grandchildren with math puzzles and magic tricks. He will forever be remembered by those who loved him for his gentle nature and endearing sense of humour.

A funeral service will be held at Glen Lawn Funeral Chapel, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd., on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Interment to follow at St. Vital Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom's honour to Siloam Mission.

THOMAS FREDERICK HOLENS

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Thomas Frederick Holens on June 19, 2025, at the age of 86 years.

Full obituary to follow.

Funeral arrangements with Glen Lawn Funeral Home.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 21, 2025, Jun 24, 2025