Gordon William Holland

We sadly announce our dad, grandpa and great-grandpa, Gordon William Holland, of 885 Wilkes Avenue, Winnipeg, died peacefully on July 29, 2024, at the Grace Hospital, with his loving family at his side.

He was born, July 28, 1929, in Harvey Station, New Brunswick to Virginia and William Holland. The family moved between New Brunswick and Manitoba, settling in Winnipeg when Gordon was in grade 10.

Gordon graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate and the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce, Actuarial Science (Honours)

Gordon began his career in 1951 at Great West Life, where he met his future wife, Sandra. He later moved to Manitoba Blue Cross and from 1958-1968 he was with the Manitoba Hospital Commission as Executive Director and ultimately Chairman. This was the beginning of a lifelong interest in hospital services. In 1968, Gordon joined the Province of Manitoba, serving as Secretary of the Management Committee of Cabinet. From 1974 to 1986, Gordon served as President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board at the Manitoba Telephone System, while also serving on the boards of the Trans Canada Telephone System and Telesat.

In 1988, a change in career path, Gordon, his wife and son, purchased and operated a franchise business at the Grant Park Shopping Center until 2009.

Gordon's commitment to his community extended beyond his professional life. He was a member of Harrow United Church since 1954 and served as past chair of the Church Council. Gordon was also a member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of South Winnipeg, Chairman of the Building Committee for Fred Douglas Lodge (Burrows Ave), Board Member and Campaign Chairman for the United Way of Winnipeg (1983), and a Board Member of St. Boniface Hospital, where he served as Chairman of Finance and Quality Controls (1979-1986). Additionally, he was a member and Chairman of the Board of Manitoba Health Organizations Inc. (1980-1990), and a Board Member of the Manitoba Medical Services Foundation (1981-2015).

In his later years, Gordon enjoyed the monthly meetings of his men's group, the University of Manitoba Alumnae lecture series, Sunday morning Zoom chats with his Harrow friends and reading the paper copy of the Winnipeg Free Press.

Gordon’s family brought him great joy and he was always happy to have a visit, a phone call, Zoom, view a new video/photo or partake in lively discussions at the Sunday dinner table.

Gordon was the beloved husband of the late Sandra Diane, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage. They raised three children: Janis Williams (Gary), Nancy Zubriski (Gordon), and Richard Holland. He was the proud grandfather of Scott (Jen) and Andrew Williams, Nicholas, and James (Stephanie) Zubriski, and the adoring great-grandfather of Leah, Jack, and Shae Williams.

Gordon W. Holland's life was a testament to dedication, leadership, and community interest. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Thank you to staff of Grace Hospital for their care of dad during his final days. Special thanks to Dr’s Michaud, McKinnon and Dubey.

A memorial service will be held August 29, 2024, at Harrow United Church, 955 Mulvey Avenue, at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice.