Richard Constantine Holder

Richard Constantine Holder passed away peacefully at Maple Park Lodge in Fort Erie on Thursday, February 8, 2024 in his 82nd year. He has been the loving partner of Anne Elliott for 16 years. He leaves behind three sons, Alan Holder, Todd Holder and Derek Holder. He also leaves behind two grandchildren, Zoe and Joshua, who were the apple of his eye. He is survived by several siblings, Marjorie Clarke, Norma Goodman, Harry Holder, Rhona Marshall and Robert Holder.

Richard was born in Barbados on September 7 in 1941. He won a scholarship that enabled him to go to high school on the island. After graduation, he worked in a Law office (Carrington and Sealey Attorneys) until he decided to immigrate to Canada in order to obtain a university education. He was sponsored by his sister Marjorie and came to Montreal to join Marjorie and her husband Reynold. He arrived in Canada in the middle of August and by September he had a job with an engineering firm and was enrolled in engineering courses at Sir George Williams University (later renamed Concordia). He subsequently transferred to accounting and finished his education by becoming a Chartered Accountant and taking additional courses at McGill University.

He lived with Marjorie and Reynold long enough that Reynold taught him to appreciate both Canadian and American football which became a life-long source of entertainment. Additionally, Reynold’s large collection of Jazz music became another passion and he loved attending yearly Jazz festivals.

He married his former wife while still a student and they had two sons, Alan and Todd. Upon graduation, Richard was recruited to work for Touche Ross in Toronto. He was eventually sent to Trinidad as a partner, and his son Derek Holder was born in Trinidad.

Upon returning to Canada, he was recruited to work at the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Services (O.F.S.I.) - first in Ottawa, and then in Toronto when OFSI relocated. His job focus was securitization and he reported to Canada’s Minister of Finance.

He met Anne in 2008 and being near retirement, they decided to enjoy the rest of their lives travelling, learning and generally enjoying life. Travels included cruises, Paris, Italy, Russia, Greece including time spent on Santorini, Istanbul and Ephesus, Cuba, Mexico, Barbados, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, through the Panama Canal and other places. He also took up golf.

One of his serious passions was the works of Shakespeare and he always went to watch plays in Stratford. He was working on a book about the true authorship of Shakespeare’s works, which remains unfinished. However, it is safe to say that he did greatly enjoy his retirement.

Many thanks to the staff at Maple Park Lodge in Fort Erie for their diligent, caring, and kind attention during his last years. He will be sadly missed.

In keeping with Richard’s wishes cremation has taken place. Family and Friends will be received on Monday Feb. 26, 2024 from 10-11:00 am at HULSE & ENGLISH FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 75 Church Street, St. Catharines. A celebration of Richard’s life will be held in the chapel at 11:00am. You can view the ceremony live or on replay at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/86265.

In memorial donations to Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated.