Charles Albert Holst

Al loved his family and, although he was a quiet man, he had a way with words and a great sense of humour that stayed with him until the end. He was committed to his faith and still said prayers, on his knees, through his 90s. His greatest passion in life was flying a glider plane, which he did with the Winnipeg Gliding Club and the Gatineau Gliding Club. He had served in the Air Force for more than five years during the Second World War.

He enjoyed reading, classical music and British humour, as well as jogging, playing squash, and attempting to beat his grandson at chess (a formidable challenge). He marched to the beat of his own drum, with a beautiful respect for women and an appreciation of even the smallest kindness.

He would never say no to wine and cheese and had a fondness for dessert, especially ice cream, and always remembered his French Canadian mother's excellent cooking and summers spent with his paternal Swedish grandfather, on a small farm near Winnipeg.

Al was born in Winnipeg and was forever loyal to his hometown, often sporting a Winnipeg button. Al lived with his family initially in Winnipeg and then the family moved to Ottawa.

He is soaring high now in the next life.

Al leaves behind 3 daughters and a son: Patricia; Linda Holst-Burnett (David Burnett); Kathryn (Brian Gottheil) and Stephen. He was pre-deceased by the children's mother, Bernice Holst (2003) and his sister, Edith Simmonds (2012) and his parents Clementine Holst (1956) and Carl Holst (1963).

He is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Christiane Holst (Marshall Merkley); Dominique Holst (Chris Jokel) (along with their mother Lise Belanger); Richard Burnett (Paige Buckley); Sara Migahed; Elizabeth Dubois; Michael Holst (Joann Doronila Luna); Jeremy Gottheil.

He is survived also by his great grandchildren: Cadence Merkley; Jackson Marshall Merkley; Jackson James Burnett; Youssef Migahed and Yasmina Migahed.

Al's younger sister, Edith Simmonds (husband Jim) lived in California for many years and had four beautiful daughters: Suzie, Nancy, Shirley and Sharon who reside in the U.S.

Special thanks go out to the wonderful staff at The Perley and Rideau Veterans Centre for their professionalism, expertise and unfailingly loving care (and humour), in particular, PSW's: Daniel, Suzette, Jasna; also Dr. Hamilton and recreation therapists, Kelsea and Nyajal, and every single one of the staff and nurses in Gatineau 2 North. Gratitude also goes to Nathalie Tardif for her respectul and joyous care of Al.

A private family mass will be held, followed by inurement at Notre-Dame cemetery, however, both services will be live-streamed for all to view at www.funeraweb.tv.

In memoriam donations would be appreciated for The Canadian Cancer Society, The Perley and Rideau Foundation or The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association.