Mr. Thomas J. M. Holland

HOLLAND, Thomas James Michael - 76, Huxley Close, Halifax, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 18, 2008, surrounded by his family in Glades Lodge Halifax. He was born on January 15, 1932, in Halifax, and was a son of Thomas James and Barbara E (Johnson) Holland of Halifax. Thomas was a Sergeant Major in the Armed Forces Reserves in charge of the Supply Stores at the Halifax Armories. He worked at Harris and Roome on Dutch Village Road and also at the Halifax Infirmary as the Inventory Control and Central Stores Manager, from where he retired. He was involved with minor sports in the Rockingham area and an avid attendee of Special Olympics events. Tom loved to remind his family that as a boy he had the largest newspaper route in the Halifax area. In his younger years he lived on Connaught Avenue and enjoyed his summers fishing off of Ketch Harbour with his cousin Gordie. It was there at a dance in Ketch Harbour that he met his wife Joan. Tom was always willing to lend a hand, especially when it came to carpentry as Tom spent many years honing these skills at his farm in Simpsons Corner. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and belonged to the Irish Society. Tom was an avid golfer and in his later years enjoyed playing cards with the boys. Tom also had a great passion for collecting stamps and coins and could often be found organizing his large collection. A loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who will truly be missed. Tom is survived by his wife, Joan Elizabeth (Knock) Holland; sons, David, Halifax; Chris (Marlene), Lucasville, and daughter, Tracy (Shaun Grant), Halifax; sisters, Madeline (Norman) Wright, St. Lazare, Que.; Virginia Holland, Halifax; Kathy (Gerald) Pillon, Tecumseh, Ont.; sister-in-law, Mary Holland, Halifax; brothers, Terry (Vivian), Summerside, P.E.I.; Clyde (Barbara), Halifax; four grandchildren. He was predeceased by brothers, David and Charles (Bun); sisters, Brenda Dronyk, Sheila Carriere, and Barbara Walker. Visitation will be held in Cruikshank's Halifax Funeral Home on Robie Street from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 22. Funeral will be held in St. Agnes Church, Mumford Road, at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 23, Father John Williams officiating. Graveside service to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the QEII Foundation - Alzheimer's Research, Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or a charity of one's choice. E-mail condolences to: [email protected]