Our family says “Goodbye” to our beautiful husband and father Dennis Joseph Hollohan of Cottagedale Crescent, the son of Selina (Haddad) and Paul Frances Hollohan. He was born in Sydney on April 9, 1948 and passed away peacefully with family at his side on April 6, 2023.
Dennis was deeply loved and cherished. He was never shy in expressing how much his family meant to him. He fought his illness with courage and integrity. His calming presence put everyone at ease and brought joy and peace to those around him. His goal was always to make sure his family experienced and appreciated the simple, yet magical things in life – camping trips, traveling through parts of the United States and Canada, hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, long walks, skiing, a love of nature and the outdoors, and of course his famous fish tank.
Dennis was a prime enthusiast for sports. During his five years at University of New Brunswick (1968-1973), he played football for the Red Bombers in the position of defensive lineman, where he was tagged with the nickname “Truck” for his determination and physical strength to win the game. His extreme love of running led him to participate in many marathons across Nova Scotia – the family called it his “lifeline.”
Dennis wanted to be involved in the community – he coached his boys in hockey for years and attended all of Lisa’s dance recitals. He was their biggest cheerleader. Spending time at his “paradise”–the bungalow in Big Pond, called A Touch of Class– epitomized Dennis the most; this is where he listened to John Prine and Donnie Campbell with a cold drink in hand. “Denny” was often referred to as the “stabilizer” and the “go-to” for family and close friends when having to deal with difficult situations. He leaves a legacy of strong love for his family, a deep commitment to friends, empathy for others in need, and the joy of living a purposeful life. His calm, easy-going, gentle demeanour led him to many lifelong friends.
While teaching at Breton Education Centre in New Waterford for 34 years, Dennis advocated himself to his students and always spoke very highly of them. He always provided a calm, positive environment for learning. He was proud to acknowledge that during his hospital stays, he had taught science and physical education to many of the medical staff who took such tremendous care of him. They showed him the same kindness, grace, and respect that he provided to them during his teaching career. Many of his students still remember all of Dennis’ adventures as he ran home from New Waterford to Sydney every day after school.
Dennis enjoyed life to the fullest with his wife Bernadette of 50 years by his side. Memories of him will be kept forever by his children – Lisa (Chris Matthews) and their children Mikayla, Katelyn, Blake, and Mya; Ryan (Brigitte) and their children – Charlie and Madison; Stephen (Shaeleen) and their children – Layne and Ellis; and Robbie (Alyce) and child Addison. Also left to mourn are his siblings – Terry (Monica), Francine Hollohan, Michael (Ernestine) and Betty Lou (Glenn Hooper); several nieces and nephews, God children – Lindsay Hollohan, Rochelle Walsh and Breton Campbell; sisters-in-law Judy Walsh, Janice (Gary) Ward, Michelle (Bob) Moore; brothers-in law Michael (Debbie) Walsh and Joey (Colette) Walsh.
Aside from his parents, Dennis was predeceased by his sister Paula Campbell, brother Bruce Hollohan and nephew Tyler Hooper, as well as his maternal in-laws Bernard (Tarp) and Millie Walsh.
It is with deep gratitude and appreciation that the family would like to thank friends and neighbors, and all of the medical staff at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, especially Dr. Ryan Kelly and CCU doctors, Dr. Paul MacDonald and Dr. Paul Morrison for their compassionate care. Dennis died with grace, honour, and dignity.
Visitation will be held at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel on Tuesday, April 11th from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church on Wednesday, April 12 at 11 am, officiated by Fr. Bill Burke and will be followed by a celebration of life at St. Theresa’s Parish Hall from 12-2 pm. The service will be livestreamed on TW Curry's Facebook page.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.twcurry.com
Memorial donations can be made to:
Scleroderma Atlantic
PO BOX 31102 RPO Gladstone,
6155 North Street
Halifax, NS
B3K 4P0
Online donations can be made at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/scleroderma-atlantic-society/?mprompt=1
