OBITUARY
Tamas Holtz
November 24, 1946 – October 11, 2020
Tamás JWR Holtz 24 novembre 1946-11 octobre 2020
C’est avec grande tristesse que nous vous annonçons le décès de Tom. Il nous a quitté subitement le 11 octobre 2020. Il laisse dans le deuil son épouse Normande Adam, son fils Franz et sa fille Anicée (Jordan Pavezka), son frère Andy ainsi que beaux-frères et belles-soeurs, neveux et nièces, plusieurs ami(e)s et collègues.
Il a passé la majeure partie de sa carrière d’enseignant au sein du département des sciences à l’école secondaire Gloucester d’Ottawa. Il était aimé et respecté autant de ses collègues que ses élèves. Tom était grandement impliqué auprès de ses étudiants et actif dans les activités parascolaires, en tant qu’entraineur de ski de fond, d’athlétisme et de football. Il se réjouissait de voir ses élèves excéller au niveau académique et sportif.
Depuis sa retraite, il vivait dans les Laurentides avec son épouse et s’adonnait à ses passe-temps préférés: promenades en nature, raquette, ski, cinema, lecture et restaurants. Il était également passionné de voyage et aimait aller à la découverte du monde.
Sa bonne humeur, sa joie de vivre et son dévouement nous manqueront à jamais.
Une cérémonie aura lieu ultérieurement lorsque les restrictions liées à la pandémie seront levées.
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It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Tom on October 11th 2020. He is survived by his wife Normande Adam, son Franz, daughter Anicée (Jordan Pavezka), brother Andy, brothers-and-sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews as well as many friends and colleagues.
Tom spent most of his teaching career at Ottawa’s Gloucester High School Science Department. He was affectionately known by students, colleagues and faculty as Coach Holcz, Holczy and especially Grandpa Gator. He was both loved and respected by colleagues and students alike. Beyond teaching, he was involved with his students and extracurricular activities as a coach of cross country skiing, track and field and football. He loved to see his students excel both academically and athletically.
Since retirement, Tom was living in the Laurentians with his wife, doing the things he enjoyed most: strolls in nature, snowshoeing, skiing, going to the movies, reading and enjoying good restaurants. He was also an avid globetrotter who loved to explore the world.
His cheerfulness, joy of life and dedication will be greatly missed.
A ceremony will be held at a later date when the restrictions related to the pandemic are lifted.
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
Tamas Holtz
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYRussell Smith
October 21, 2020
I have to take credit for introducing Tom to many of you. I think it was in 1973 that I interviewed him in my garden and then recommended to my principal that he be hired to the GHS Science Department. I never regretted that decision. This was Tom's first teaching job in Ottawa.
We didn't always agree. He was more right-brained than I, which may account for the fact that he went on to be so loved by his fellow teachers and his students alike.
I confess that I used to tease him. One winter we both joined the students in a cross-country skiing race, organized by Bob Edwards. Our times were clocked and posted. Tom started and finished before me. When I came in I checked his time as well as my own. He found me later and asked how I had done. I lied — and still remember his obvious distress to learn that he had apparently been beaten by a man thirteen years older than himself.
I think he forgave me. I let him know my respect for his skills both in and out of the classroom, a respect shared by hundreds of colleagues and students.
He went on to other schools. I remember when he was married, but I did not meet Normande or his children, and I'm sorry for that. Nevertheless I extend to them my profound sympathies, and I share my own sorrow with them.
Sincerely, Russell Smith.
Peter Hojczyk
October 21, 2020
My deepest condolences to Normandie, Franz and Anicée on your loss. Tom was a dear colleague and one of the first I would meet early each morning at the photocopier. It was there that we shared family stories, teaching triumphs and challenges and our love for our vocation. He taught me that it was *almost* possible to give 100% to both family and students.
I know his spirit will live on in the many many young lives he inspired in class, and on the field and trails. Adieu, mon ami!
John Botman
October 21, 2020
Tom and I met many years ago at GHS.
Students were lucky being taught by an understanding person.
He was blessed with many talents, being it good in how to teach his
subject and he loved sports and coaching.
He and I paid our ten dollars to become canadian.
Good choice.
Coffee was one of his favourite drinks, spilling it while explaining
something or telling a joke.
He was a great Human Being and will be missed by many.
Geof Hamlin
October 21, 2020
Tom was a unique personality at Gloucester. One of the many characters that made our GHS experience amazing. An enthusiastic man with a big heart and a kind soul. He was a valued Gator who championed the successes of the students he taught and coached. My memories of Holczy will be of him in his white lab coat and out on the track coaching.
Sheila Carriere
October 21, 2020
I remember Tamás and skiing with the school many long years ago. He will be missed.
Larry Kry
October 20, 2020
Lucky us, that Tom was a part of our lives. Tom was a good person. When I think of Tom, I think of him as typically smiling and being happy. I find those to be desirable qualities in person that you are spending time with.
I also admired Tom’s dedication to his students. Tom did not do the bare minimum required of a teacher. Tom did help to make the world a better place.
Moments before the attached photo was taken, Tom was being silly… he was pretending that he was a PHYSICS teacher. Tom had just finished writing on the blackboard, “There is no such thing as gravity. The earth is flat”!
Terence Hill
October 20, 2020
I first met Tom at Gloucester High in my first years of teaching. We got along fabulously as Tom enjoyed speaking French. He was very proud to introduce me to his lovely French Canadian fiancée Normande. Over many years we would visit and dine with Tom and Normande and their children and they would come over since they were our neighbours in Beacon Hill. Tom even came over in the middle of the night to babysit for us when I had to rush Lise to the hospital for the birth of another of our children.
Missed him and the chats when they moved to Montreal area.
Sincere condolences to Normande, Franz and Anicée.
Terry and Lise
Terry Hill
Ruggles Pritchard
October 20, 2020
I worked with Tom at Gloucester for almost fourteen years and like so many, I was inspired by his love of kids coaching and his beloved Science Department. The English and Science Departments shared prep rooms and a lunch table and I well recall the all too few occasions when we could share a sandwich and a story, memories of a great colleague, coach and teacher.
My sincere condolences to Tom' s family on your untimely loss.
Barry Nicoll
October 20, 2020
OMG Tom...I cannot believe you have left us. I saw you last a few months ago, in great form , at a Cairine Wilson lunch. You will be remembered as kind, compassionate man, with so much love for your students and your absolute dedication to excellence.. I am deeply saddened with your passing mon ami.
To your family... I have known Tom for many years spanning GHS and CW; there was not a more dedicated and passionate teacher than Tamas...he was an outstanding example of true professionalism.
My profound sympathies to all.
Barry Nicoll
VP CW & GHS
André Bernier
October 20, 2020
J'ai connu Tamas au Ciné-club d'Ottawa oú nous avons oeuvré pendant de nombreuses années. Comme mes anciens collègues, j'ai toujours apprécié ses contributions aux discussions et particulièrement à la programmation des séries. Son sens de l'humour et sa bonhommie étaient toujours présents.
Nous partagions un intérêt pour le ski de fond et avons discuté technique à maintes reprises. Même séparés géographiquement depuis quelques années, notre amitié ne s'est jamais démentie. Tamas va me manquer.
Sincères condoléances à Normande et la famille.
André Bernier
October 20, 2020
J'ai connu Tamas au Ciné-club d'Ottawa, oú nous avons oeuvré tous les deux pendant de nombreuses années. Comme mes anciens collègues, j'ai toujours apprécié ses contributions à nos discussions et particulièrement à la programmation de nos séries. De plus, il a toujours démontré un grand sens de l'humour allié à une constante bonhommie.
Bien que nous ayions été séparés géographiquement depuis quelques années, notre amitié demeurait entière.
Mes sincères condoléances à Normande et toute la famille.
GrahaM Jones
October 20, 2020
I was privileged to work with Tom when we both taught at Gloucester HS in the science department
He was a true character and an extremely kind and caring human being
He had a big heart and will be sorely missed
Deepest sympathy to Normande and family at this very sad time
Graham and Antoinette Jones
Jill Doherty
October 19, 2020
I was surprised and saddened to hear of Tom's death on Thanksgiving weekend. He was a dear colleague and friend of my husband Pat Doherty during their long careers at Gloucester High School. My husband would often regale me with stories of their cross-country ski meets and canoe trips which they both loved. We especially appreciated the home visit Tom made to see Pat two years ago when Pat was quite ill. Tom was a wonderfully warm and caring person whom I will remember with fondness. My condolences to Normande and her family.
Freddie Thompson
October 19, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss........may all your positive memories make the days ahead pass with a smile and a warm heart. Tom was an integral part of GHS as a friend, colleague and coach.
Freddie Thompson
Behiye Cinkilic
October 18, 2020
Dear Normande and the family,
Words cannot describe how shocked and saddened I am by the news of Tamás’ sudden passing. I wish to offer you and the entire family my deepest and most sincere condolences.
As some other executives and volunteers of the Ottawa Film Society (OFS), Tamás and I shared years of memories volunteering on the executive of the OFS, programming for the film series, frequenting film festivals , discussing film choices; and, after his departure from Ottawa and still significantly contributing to our programming, catching up on the news about his travel around the world, his family, some world politics and the recent films he recommended.
I have many treasured memories of our discussions during our door-duty for the screening of the French Film series. He and I shared similar approaches to film choices.
Over the years, we observed his passion for his family, life, films, and sports, especially his dedication to coaching for the young skiing teams. His sense of humour, knowledge of wine and gourmet food were some of his other contributions to us. He established great networks with the film distributors and assumed the responsibility of booking the films for the French film series, which he took great pride in.
I will remember him as a kind, considerate and cheerful person and a great communicator with listening skills. As a teacher and a perfect professional, he demonstrated his respect for the rules, which caused him to bring in sometimes his gavel to the board meetings and use it when the rules were not adhered to.
We will cherish lots of memories with our dear friend Tamás and will miss him immensely.
May fond memories of him bring you comfort during this difficult time in your life.
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family and friends.
Bob Rodney
October 18, 2020
Lynda and I were so surprised and sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I taught with Tom for many years at Gloucester High School. Tom was a true Gator and so involved with sports ,especially on the ski trails. He was one of Gloucester's true characters and passionate about life. . Normande and family , we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.
With sympathy
Lynda and Bob Rodney
Nick Ouzas
October 18, 2020
Tamas was indeed an avid film buff who transformed his passion into action in 1994 when he joined the board of directors of the Ottawa Film Society/Ciné-club d’Ottawa. Since then, Tamas helped organize and program the screenings of hundreds of films that were enjoyed by tens of thousands of members in both English and French. He remained active even after his move to Val David, reporting on films he viewed there or in Montreal, and attending meetings when he was in town. He also served as Secretary for a number of years.
One of his favourite, and possibly most important, contributions may have been selecting the wines for our annual general meeting and for our Christmas dinner, good wine being another of his passions. I know I will also miss his sense of humour, especially his inexhaustible supply of occasionally questionable jokes.
To his family, please accept the sincere condolences of his friends at the Ottawa Film Society/Ciné-club d’Ottawa, as well as those of the members who enjoyed his efforts so much over the years. We share your sorrow at his loss, and we will miss him dearly.
Margaret Terrett
October 18, 2020
I never taught with Tom at the same school but we shared many hours on the ski trials coaching our teams, and convening meets. Tom was very proud to convene OFSSA 1992 Nordic Skiing. We also shared hours at Terry Fox stadium with our track and field teams.
At times, I must admit, Tom drove me crazy. But through it all I respected and admired his dedication, tenacity, compassion, loyalty, and spirit. He never did things part way. He was full of knowledge about whatever he was doing. While the rest of us were content to be level 2 T&F officials; Tom was level 5. The top!
Tom was proud of his family. His children were his real joy and his friends in the coaching fraternity were kept abreast of their accomplishments. His love for his wife was never ending. He even left a track meet because there was a crisis at home and he was needed.
Tom’s contribution to the youth of the Ottawa and especially the students of Gloucester HS is immeasurable. His love for excellence will continue in his students and their children forever
.
Holtzy, we will miss you. Did you let St. Peter know you were coming? I am sure there will be athletes to coach and track meets to run. Rest is not your long suit Tom so when it thunders I will know it’s the crowd cheering for one of your teams.
Rochelle Handelman
October 17, 2020
With my deepest sympathy on your loss. I knew Tamas from his involvement with the Ottawa Film Society. The distance between Ottawa and Val David did not prevent him from continuing to be an important part of our organization. He was a passionate cinephile. I will miss him.
Michel Rossignol
October 17, 2020
Mes sincères condoléances aux membres de sa famille. Tamas était un de mes collègues au conseil d'administration du Ciné-club d'Ottawa. Tamas est décédé pendant le Festival du Nouveau Cinéma et juste avant le Festival Cinémania, deux festivals de films qu'il aimait tellement. Je vais manquer nos discussions amicales sur les films. Il y a quelques mois, il me montrait avec beaucoup de fierté ses photos de son voyage au Royaume-Uni. Ses voyages et surtout sa famille lui donnaient tellement de joie. Salut cher ami.
*****
My sinceres condolences to the members of his family. Tamas was one of my colleagues on the Board of Directors of the Ottawa Film Society. Tamas passed away during the New Cinema Festival and just before the Cinemania Festival, two film festivals he enjoyed so much. I will miss our friendly discussions about films. A few months ago, he showed me with great pride his photos taken during his trip to the United Kingdom. His trips and especially his family gave him so much joy. Good bye old friend.
Dorothy Bell
October 16, 2020
I was shocked and saddened to hear the very sad news of the passing of Tamas. He was a long time member of the Ottawa Film Society and an invaluable member of the executive. His passion for and knowledge of film was immense. He will be sorely missed. Condolences to his family and friends.
Andrea McNeil
October 15, 2020
Mr. Holtz was an incredibly passionate and dedicated teacher who made a lifelong, positive impact on me and many members of the Gloucester High School x-country ski team. He was unfailingly supportive, and never wavered in his belief in me as an athlete, a student and as an individual, at a time in my life when I was filled with self-doubt. Having bumped into him on the ski trails later in life, I know that his passion for coaching and skiing stayed continued to be a guiding force for him long after he retired as a teacher, and I am certain that there are many, many other life-long skiers out there whose passion for this sport was ignited by Mr. Holtz! One other thing I recall from my last encounter with him was how incredibly committed he was to his family and how proud he was of his son and daughter. I send you all my deepest respect and condolences. Your father was a lovely man.
Anne-Marie Robinson-Sisk
October 15, 2020
Sincères condoléances. Deepest sympathies on your loss.
I did some coaching with Tamas at CW for Track and Field and remember how much he enjoyed it.
Claire McNeil
October 14, 2020
I was a member of the Gloucester ski team in the late 80’s and early 90’s and have vivid memories of Mr Holtz throughout those years. Two occasions are very clear in my mind: Mr Holtz clapping and cheering me to the top of a hill in a race, as well as him trying to help me warm up my hands, which very regularly froze at ski meets, even lending me his own warm mittens so my ice block fingers could thaw. He was always an enthusiastic cheering voice from the sidelines and I think took great pride in our very successful team. Although I haven’t seen him since I graduated I did know that he had continued, even in retirement, to support kids skiing by helping convene races. Looking back now as an adult I see him as an amazingly dedicated teacher who gave above and beyond and cared very much for us all. The ski team was an amazing thing to be part of, and I was blessed to have him help make my time as a Gator so great. Thank you, Mr. Holtz!
Michael O'Keefe
October 13, 2020
As a member of the Science Department at Gloucester High School, I had the pleasure to know and work with Tom for several years. His true professionalism for his subjects as well as a commitment to his students were his trademarks. His contributions to Gator Life both in the classroom and extracurriculars were many and appreciated by all. Rest in Peace Tom.