Richard Hague Holden

With heavy hearts, our family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Richard Holden, on July 30, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Susan, his son, Caleb (Kayla), his daughter, Rowenna (Andres), his grandchildren, Duncan (Maddie), William, and Ashley, his brother, Chris (Mary), his sister, Penny, his brother-in-law Patrick (Susan) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Fred (1997) and Gwyneth (2003).

Born in Aldershot, England, Richard immigrated to Canada with his family at the age of 11, eventually settling in Saskatchewan. There, he earned a degree in Art History and English at the University of Saskatchewan and developed a lifelong love for the Canadian Prairies.

Richard’s professional life was marked by his dedication to the visual arts. He pursued a career as a landscape photographer and spent over 25 years supporting Canadian visual and performing artists through his roles with the Canada Council for the Arts in Ottawa, and later, the Manitoba Arts Council in Winnipeg after his return to the Prairies in 1999.

His photographic work, which explored the connections between people and their environments, homes, and homelands, took him on numerous journeys across Canada, back to his native England, and frequently to the west coast of Ireland. The latter region became a cherished second home for Richard and Susan, filled with treasured memories and friendships.

Richard’s photographs were featured at prominent venues such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Museum of Modern Art in Stockholm, Sweden, with his work held in the permanent collections of Library and Archives Canada. Highlights from his catalogue can be viewed at richardholden.ca.

In addition to his artistic achievements, Richard was a devoted community builder. He served on the board and in various roles with the Fort Gary Lions Football Club for more than a decade. His deep affection for Winnipeg’s Wildwood Park neighborhood was evident to all who knew him, whether he was planting trees, walking with his beloved dog Nellie, or quietly enjoying the waterfall he built in his family’s garden.

Richard will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

In my craft or sullen art

Exercised in the still night

When only the moon rages

And the lovers lie abed

With all their griefs in their arms

I labour by singing light

Not for ambition or bread

Or the strut and trade of charms

On the ivory stages

But for the common wages

Of their most secret heart.

- Dylan Thomas

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Siloam Mission, Palliative Manitoba, or KidSport Winnipeg.

An intimate Celebration of Life will be held later in August.