Mr Bruce William Lionel Hollingshead

By Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak

at the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

from the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth

and spoke of the following date with tears,

but he said what mattered most of all

was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time

that she spent alive on earth...

and now only those who loved her

know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;

the cars....the house...the cash.

What matters is how we live and love

and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...

are there things you'd like to change?

For you never know how much time is left.

(You could be at "dash midrange.")

If we could just slow down enough

to consider what's true and real,

and always try to understand

the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,

and show appreciation more

and love the people in our lives

like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,

and more often wear a smile...

remembering that this special dash

might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read

with your life's actions to rehash...

would you be proud of the things they

say about how you spend your dash?

Bruce Hollingshead was blessed with an abundance of leadership qualities. It would be accurate to say that this man was an outstanding luminary and that his natural abilities served him well. He knew with certainty how he wanted to set priorities in all aspects of his life. He struck those who knew him as the kind of person who awoke in the morning with a clear sense of exactly what he expected from his day and how to set about accomplishing those goals. Bruce was a man who definitely liked order and was most comfortable with an organized and structured lifestyle. When this climate was absent, Bruce would set about immediately to create it.

His parents were Rupert and Doris Hollingshead. Bruce was raised in Hamilton, Ontario. Bruce was brought up to be reasonable in his actions and was taught to use his intellect wisely. He was an honest and straightforward child, traits that reinforced his self-confidence. Even at a young age, Bruce was credited with having a positive influence on those around him.

The positive atmosphere that Bruce generated spread to his family. Bruce was raised with five sisters. He had on older sister and 4 younger sisters. Bruce served as a catalyst within the family. He often found himself in the role of providing fair solutions to those sibling disputes. In every family activity, Bruce was able to demonstrate his uncommon logic and skill at building compromise.

Bruce's enthusiasm for learning how things worked and the personal energy and enthusiasm he generated led to his exhibiting leadership qualities early on in his childhood. He liked to see things executed properly and showed a skill for taking control of situations that were drifting out of control. At the same time, he was willing to experiment with different approaches as he worked a plan towards a solution. As a young boy, he took part in gymnastics. He was a part of Cadets and Cubs. In his spare time he liked comic books and trains. Bruce's memorable achievements included becoming a skilled gymnast.

When it came to academics and school, Bruce was able to create a system for getting his class work done even though his learning style required more of a tactile approach. With a strong ability to analyze problems, he could apply a practical, common sense approach completing tasks. He showed a natural curiosity in the manner in which he tackled new types of problems and would regularly challenge his own reasoning ability in finding solutions. Though he attended Hill Park Secondary School, (where he played gymnastics and track) he received his G. E. D while serving in the US Navy. He enjoyed some courses more than others and developed favorite classes and teachers. His favorite classes in high school were gym and history. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Steves.

In a group of friends and acquaintances, Bruce was typically the first person to take the initiative to go up and greet someone new. That quality made him very approachable by others throughout his life. This same quality brought Bruce the reward of many friends. Maintaining loyalty to those friends was a trait that came naturally to Bruce. He believed that he should treat others in a fair manner, in the same way he wanted to be treated. Bruce also showed a great deal of appreciation for the accomplishments of his friends. While growing up, some of his best friends were Keith Forest and Leo Pattison. Later in life, he became friends with Bob Watts, Frank Bowley and Dave Oakie.

As Bruce knew in other aspects of his life, he had a clear vision of what he sought in a relationship and worked hard to achieve it. On February 26, 1968 Bruce exchanged wedding vows with Ellen May Haldstead at Japanese Ward Office of Tokyo, Japan. Ellen was a significant part of his life, and it wasn’t necessary for Bruce to be overly sentimental or expressive about it for others to be aware of their mutual devotion. Bruce's secret to success was that he always kept the lines of communication open in his marriage and applied his skill of being a good listener.

Family and children were important to Bruce, even if he didn’t always show it. Bruce was blessed with 2 children, 2 daughters Paula and Katie. Bruce was able to keep order in the family by using the same efficient and straightforward methods with the family as he did at work. Bruce rarely made a scene when it came to discipline. Instead, he was subtle and patient in his dealings when teaching the children right from wrong.

When he served in the U.S. Navy, Bruce was a Machinist Mate. He served on the USS Constellation and the USS Pullox. Bruce saw action for in Vietnam. Through his dedication and hard work, he achieved the rank of 1st Class. Bruce's fellow soldiers knew that he worked well within the system, understanding the importance of rules and striving to follow them. Bruce's life approach was all about order.

At work Bruce was viewed as a natural leader. He could marshal all of the available resources, including personnel and materials, in order to meet virtually any objective. He was great at developing strategies and made maximum progress with little wasted effort. Bruce was also adept at uncovering new and more efficient ways of getting things done. He was able to establish and meet objectives and schedules through long range planning and was always able to keep the big picture clearly in sight. Although Bruce might have been described by some as an overachiever, he was without question a dedicated and diligent employee. His primary occupation was service rep. for Union Gas. He was employed for 27 years.

Not only did Bruce find pleasure in pursuing his various hobbies, he also enjoyed the discovery and research involved in learning about them. His skill at problem solving had a positive influence on these activities as well. His favorite pursuits were problem solving with computers and cars.

Bruce's ability to motivate, direct and organize others made him a valuable asset to the organizations to which he contributed during his lifetime. Bruce was one who could be counted on to work hard to implement goals and required little to begin work on a specific task. Once a project was begun, Bruce had a definite way for seeing it through to completion. In high school, Bruce was a member of the Gymnastics Team. Throughout his later years, Bruce was an active member of the Church Choir. Bruce was a man who took pride in upholding his beliefs.

Bruce spent his final years together with his family. In retirement, he found new pleasure in his grandchildren. Always a well-informed person, Bruce enjoyed adding to his wealth of knowledge. Retirement afforded him the time to enjoy that experience and provided one more opportunity to look ahead at what life might offer him.

Bruce passed away on March 8, 2012 at Hamilton, Ontario. He fought a brave battle against interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and asbestosis. He is survived by his wife, 2 daughters, and their children, 4 of his sisters and many nieces and nephews. Services were held at Bethel Gospel Tabernacle. Bruce was laid to rest in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Stoney Creek, Ontario.

Bruce Hollingshead knew what he wanted from life and never hesitated in going after it. He could be characterized as a driven individual, someone who understood the importance of achievement. Bruce was decisive and outspoken at times but was also positive and upbeat about most things. He was a leader, both intentionally and sometimes by default. If he saw that something needed to be done, he was always ready to step up and actualize, organize and implement a plan.

Eulogy (by Paula)

My Hero

My hero was born in Shelburne, Nova Scotia in 1944 to Doris and Rupert Hollingshead. His father was is the Royal Canadian Navy. When dad was about 2, my grandfather left the Navy and took his family to Hamilton.

In his younger years, my dad belonged to the cubs, the Navy League and the Sea Cadets. He always wanted to be in the Navy – so at 16 he joined the Royal Canadian Reserve and spent his summer on a destroyer in Thunder Bay. Feeling that the Canadian Navy did not travel enough, he joined the United Sates Navy. A few months after being stationed in the San Diego Services dad began to show his rebellious side. Once he was told that it was impossible to destroy a live switchboard, dad had to prove that the impossible was possible, so he blew up the switchboard, the main power center for the ship - he was promptly kicked out.

Putting his technical skills to good use, he left San Diego to serve as Machinist Mate on the USS Constellation in California. But as many heroes do, he found his position was not without its dangers. Even on the most peaceful day, the boiler room could be a deadly place. Once, dad spoke of a shipmate losing a hand to a blown steam valve. On many more occasions, it simply took stark bravery to withstand the ravages of war. Whether dad was below ship or on land, he was a determined man.

In 1963 dad went to Vietnam. Once stationed in Japan, he flew my mother over the ocean to be with him. It was there that they were married and began a new chapter together. To this day, we cannot read their marriage license.

During this time – dad saw almost every combat area in Vietnam. Like many Veterans, the war changed his perspective on life and death.

After being stationed in California, dad wanted to return to his family in Hamilton. Here is where mom and dad started their own small family.

Growing up with dad was an adventure. He often shared his knowledge and stories with us. Once when I was about 11 he taught me how to make napalm in our garage. Mom was not too thrilled when I told her. But it was a great way to impress my friends. We spent many nights, lying on the picnic table and staring at the stars dreaming of faraway places – everything was possible with dad. When I wasn’t helping him fix his Duster, we were visiting Cayuga Drag strip. With dad – everything moved fast. We drove in his car (without back seats) swinging around corners, yelling “Faster! Faster Dad!” As we grew up the man I knew became more than a hero, he became a mentor and a friend.

When mom got cancer, dad took on a more motherly role, cooking roasts and cleaning up after the kids. But he didn’t stop fighting for others. When Leslie was in a car accident in the US, dad provided the blood necessary to save her life. When someone’s heat went out in the middle of the night, he fixed it. When a friend’s car needed repair, he got messy. Whenever anyone needed his help – he was there.

He always had a supportive comment and encouraging advice – especially later when I was trying to find my own way. One night, dad took me for drive. He shared stories of his own youth. He tried to warn me about the dangers of regret. I will never forget how he patiently waited for me to learn what he already knew.

As I got married and became a parent, I began to reflect more on the choices dad made throughout his life and the values that he held close. There were reasons for each choice he made feelings behind each action he took. Knowing this, he is more a hero to me today than he ever was.

Now, it is left to us that loved him to hold tightly to the things he cherished; honour, integrity and love; to have his courage, his solid strength and his unwavering determination. It is up to us to be heroes for his grandchildren – it is up to us to be his legacy.

My Dad's Testimony Through My Eyes (By Katie)

It was snowing on that Sunday morning of March 12, 2000, twelve years ago today. The morning started out just like any other given Sunday that we would get up and go to church. However, because it had snowed, my mom decided to stay home. My parents unwillingly sent me to church, because after a long wait, Jessica Atkinson would finally be arriving back home.

Dad went outside to shovel the snow that he knew would melt tomorrow. He came into the house with lower back pain but quickly dismissed it and returned outside. A few minutes later he came back in and told my mother to call 911. My Mom handed my Dad two aspirin told him to chew it. Dad was having the worst chest pains imaginable.

I had just left service to go and see Jessica, and so very happy to finally see her again. After leaving the room that we had been in, I was met by Pastor Chris Weirsma and Carol Brown, who asked me to come in to his office. As I walked into Pastor Chris’ office, I had no idea my entire world was about to change and be turned upside down.

Pastor Chris told me that my father was having a heart attack and we needed to leave. When we arrived at the hospital we were whisked off to a room with my mother, who quickly filled me in. She said that they didn’t expect my dad to make it. My mom took my hand, and with the guys in tow we went to see my dad, for what moments I thought would be our last.

I wasn’t prepared for what I was going to see going into that room. The strongest man in my world was sitting on a bed, rocking back and forth, and screaming out in pain. In true Hollingshead style my Dad abruptly stopped, looked at me, and said “How are you kiddo?” He then started rocking again, before I could even answer. Uncharacteristic of me, I turned around, buried my head in my Pastor’s chest, as he wrapped his arms around me so tight, and I felt all the love in the world.

By this time, Pastor and Mrs. Mills had arrived. The Pastor had gone to be with Mom and Dad. I walked out into the hall and leaned up against the wall and with Mrs. Mills standing next to me, I said, “My father can’t die, he doesn’t have Jesus in his heart”. Little did I know what was taking place.

Time seemed (to pass very slowly and seemed to stand still) knowing my father could die at any moment. The doctors took us to a waiting room while my father went in to have surgery to try to save his life. For many years his best friend and wife had spent countless hours praying for my Dad and his salvation. What my Dad described to us the next day when he woke was very emotional. He described demons chasing after him, and the stinging that they produced. He then described a faceless woman that began to chase him and he knew that death was near. My Dad then called out to Jesus for his armour. Instantly, the demons were gone, and Dad could no longer feel the sting, but felt complete peace. From that moment on, my Dad’s life changed so drastically, that we all had to get to know him all over again. He was a new man.

My Mom phoned Pastor Mills and had him come in to speak with Dad. The Pastor didn’t just pray a salvation prayer with my father; my father prayed an amazing prayer with Pastor Mills. A moment that they shared was the beginning of a friendship and a bond that lasted until my Dad’s final breath.

The Lord blessed my sister, me and my mother, with 12 more wonderful years with my Dad. He left us with the knowledge that he was with his Saviour. Not everyone gets that second chance!

When we woke on the morning of March 8th, 2012, we were unprepared for what we were going to see and what we found. We said our goodbyes, and there were many tears for us, but also so much joy in knowing my Dad no longer suffers, his lungs are full of air, his heart is whole, and although the sight before us was hard to see, the joy that filled my heart knowing that my prayer had been answered gave me so much peace.

Later that night, after a long day, my sister awoke and heard the same Saviour give her peace and tell her that He sent an angel to take her father home. What we found was my dad on was on his knees, and his arms reaching out, to receive the gift that awaited him. He had dropped his armour; it was no longer needed.

* * * * * * * * * *

Went home to be with his LORD and Saviour on March 8, 2012 at the age of 67. Beloved husband of Ellen (nee Halstead). Loving father of Paula Wardle (Nathan) and Catherine Griffiths (Bradley). Cherished grandpa of Nolan, Aidyn and Levi. Dear brother of Nanette, Josie, Suzanne, Dianne and Beth (deceased). Sadly missed by Robert and many nieces and nephews. Bruce was a veteran of the United States Navy. He retired from Union Gas after 27 years of employment. Heartfelt thanks to the VON and Keith (PSW) for their compassion and care. Visitation will be held at Cresmount Funeral Home, 322 Fennell Ave. E., on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service to be held at Bethel Gospel Tabernacle (1355 Upper Wellington) on Monday at 10 a.m. Interment at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. If desired, donations to the Lung Association would be appreciated by the family. On line condolences can be made at www.cresmountfennellchapel.com