Albert A. Holland
June 20, 2025
Capt. Albert A. Holland, Former Captain, & Instructor at Eastern Airlines, Singapore Air lines
November 1958 - May 1998 · Singapore
Captain Bert Holland took his last flight on the morning of Friday, June 20, 2025, in his 84th year. Bert was born in Sudbury, Ontario on July 11, 1940, to George Albert and Cecilia Elsie Holland.
Bert graduated from the Gimli Flying Club on the 26th of July, 1958. He studied Engineering at Sir George Williams University and graduated in 1967.
He worked at Trans Canada Airlines in the late 50's which later on became Air Canada in 1964. Bert joined Eastern Airline in January of 1966 as a First Officer and eventually proudly took the Captain's seat. A career Pilot and Instructor, he flew and instructed on many aircraft, for an impressive 22- year career and was one of the few pilots who retired at Eastern Airlines. He had a short stint with Nicky Lauda at Lauda Air in Austria before moving on to Singapore Airlines in 1989 again as a Captain until 1998!
Outside of work, Bert lived a life rich in love and adventure.
He is mourned by his loving wife, Charlotte M. Holland and his family, his friends, his aviation colleagues and all who crossed paths with him. Bert was the loving father of Cheryl ( Neal Avron), Heather ( Josh Levine), and Tracey. He was also a proud step-father to Charelle Lopena and Al Agawa and proud grandpa of Riley, Case, Broder and Darell and Dylan.
At Bert's request, there will be no traditional funeral service. Please join the family to remember with joy the life that he lived and for touching so many lives across the world in so many ways. He will be missed by all. In this period of mourning, we thank the staff of the Ward D2 of the Burnaby General Hospital.
Rest in peace, Capt. Bert, You are loved forever! While your generosity is greatly appreciated, the family kindly requests no flowers. Contributions to BC Diabetes Foundation in memory of Albert “Bert” A. Holland would be appreciated.
Capt. Bert A. Holland
Born with the wings of an eagle, I was destined to soar. Flying high in the sky, I can now see why. Perspective is very clear from up here, I have no fear. For now I am free! Free to fly as the eagle I was destined to be.
FINAL FLIGHT
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the end of the day.
If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things too I will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My Life’s been full, I savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.
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Messages of Condolence
The moment Gary and myself met Albert and Charlotte they felt like family instantly. Every time they visited Tillamook, we were so excited to see them, especially during the holidays. He was an exceptional man with an exceptional life, full of love, adventure stories. We will miss him a lot. ~ Scott Brown & Gary Horton
We knew each other so many years ago as we grew up, and then with happy visits.my dad, Capt Doug Holland, and your uncle was very proud of you, as were we all RIP ❤️ ~ Judy Morrill ( Holland)
Thank you for loving and caring Charlotte, my beloved extended family and childhood classmate.Rest in peace! You're now in the hands of the Lord! ~ Mercedita Soriano
We will pray for you we will miss you we will never forget you i really enjoyed your stories of your adventures thank you for your generosity ~ Michael and family
Rest In Peace Capt. Bert Holland You will be in our Hearts forever. ~ Jojie M.Louis
Dear Charlotte… It was a pleasure when we met you and Bert several years ago and we’ve been friends ever since. Knowing you, we’re sure Bert lived his life to the fullest. Now it’s your turn to carry on with your life and remember Bert in all you do. Please accept our deepest sympathies. We love you. Georgette and Fred ~ Georgette & Fred Wagner
I’m still in belief that Bert went from picking Darell and I from the airport a couple months ago to having to say goodbye. I’ve only known Bert for a few years, but he made a strong impact in my life. Every time I came over his and Mommy Lottie’s home with Darell, he always made me feel at home and like I was a part of the family. Bert was the type of person who always made sure his family was okay and always stood up for others. The year 2024 was a difficult time for me and even though, I shared very little with Bert about what I was going through, he was still able to made such a strong impact on my mental well being in ways he never knew. I’ll always be thankful that I got the chance to meet Bert, but saddened that the time was brief. I’ll forever cherish the memories I have of him and remember he’ll always be looking down at us.Love you Bert. ~ Raf
Rest in peace Capt. Albert Holland. I know you are in good hands of our Lord. Your good memories will comfort Maam Charlotte and family. ~ Antonio G. Tolentino
Gonna miss cooking sambal for you...again, I know you enjoy eating spicy singapore food.We all love you very much. See you at the other side...I bring my sambal. Luv u always. ~ Manstim
Well Burt you finally learnt how to fly without needing an aircraft ! Smooth flying Captain Burt ! Will cross paths with you somewhere sometime eh ! ~ Marcus Brace Captain Rey Ex Qatar Airways
Bert was a real traveller and adventurer, who has never given up on traveling. We will keep our memories spending good time together on the ship. Our heart goes out to you, Charlotte. Please accept our deepest sympathy. ~ Machiko & Sam,
Love, hugs and condolences from Marcelle and Ryan. 💜💙🙏 ~ Grice family
First and foremost, I want to offer my deepest condolences to the entire Holland family, especially Charlotte.I also want to take this opportunity to note that I met Bert at Yasser's Cafe, and over time, I discovered Bert's good qualities.He was a great friend who always treated everyone with a smile. He also enjoyed objectively discussing all social and political events in Canada and the world. He respected and appreciated all individuals who worked to develop themselves and contribute to society, regardless of background.Bert was a social person in every sense of the word, and he was generous, especially during the happy times we spent at various Christmas and birthday parties and events at his home.We will miss you, but rest in peace as you will always be remembered as a positive, generous and courageous person even during the last weeks before your final flight,May God inchaallah bless your soul with His great mercy 🤲 ❤️🌺🌹🥀💐« We belong to God and to Him we shall return » ~ Djamel Khelifi
My deepest sympathy to the Holland family, may his soul rest in peace. ~ Celestine M. Coching
Dear Uncle Bert,Your presence in our lives was a blessing. your kindness, wisdom, and generosity inspired us all. Though you're no longer with us, your legacy lives on through the countless lives you touched. We are grateful for the time we had with you and we'll cherish the happy moments and find strength to the memories we shared.Thank you, Uncle Bert for everything. Your kindness and love will always be remembered🩷Rest in peace, Uncle Bert🤍. ~ Dennis ,Eloi and Coching Family
Tita Lotty’s visits to Manila will not be the same without you now. But like what you said, we’ll fill the void with beautiful footprints of you—your warmth, kindness, and humor; and those amazing tales of your Eagle adventures.Thanks for the memories, Uncle Bert. Eternal rest grant unto you. ~ Jovi and Gore
You will be missed Bert! Fly high with the angels and the saunts! We love you ! ~ Marivic Gutierrez
In Loving Memory of Captain Holland: A Bond That Bridged Oceans and Time Our family mourns the passing of Captain Holland—a dear friend, a brother to our father, and a man whose kindness left an indelible mark on our lives. His story with our family began decades ago in the skies, where he and my father first forged their friendship, my dad a taxi driver and Capt Holland who was with Singapore Airlines. Though their paths diverged when Captain Holland left Singapore, and years of silence followed, **destiny had other plans**. Miraculously, because we’d kept our family home phone number all those years, Captain Holland and Charlotte one day dialed that familiar number from across the world. That call reignited a friendship that distance had paused but never erased. Whenever Captain Holland and Charlotte returned to Singapore, we gathered—laughing, reminiscing, and creating new memories. Their warmth knew no borders. When my parents traveled to Canada, Captain Holland and Charlotte opened their home and hearts, caring for them with unmatched generosity. Their hospitality turned a foreign land into a place of comfort and joy, gifting us all with **treasured moments we hold close**. To me, Captain Holland was more than a family friend. He was my father’s "brother from a different mum"—a bond defined by mutual respect, laughter, and unwavering loyalty. I’ll forever hear his earnest words, spoken every time we met: "Take care of your dad for me." In that simple phrase lived his deep love for his friend and his quiet wisdom. Captain Holland, you and Charlotte touched each of us in the Tan family uniquely. Your integrity, your joy, and your steadfast friendship shaped our lives in ways we’ll never forget. You showed us that true connection transcends time, oceans, and life’s seasons. As people of faith, we find solace knowing this farewell is not eternal. We trust we’ll reunite when the Lord calls us home—where stories will resume, laughter will echo and be whole again. Until then, rest peacefully, dear Captain. You flew your final flight with grace, leaving behind skies rich with legacy. The Tan Family ~ Elin
It was such a honor to meet him and call him a friend he will be missed big time ~ Mike brown
Dear Charlotte, sorry for your loss. My most favourite gift I ever got was the Chevron work shirt I got from you and Bert. That was so funny. I was told I was going to run the station and Bert was going to work for me.😆😆😆 ~ Lana Pineda Main
I had fond memories of Uncle Bert during his time here in Singapore. I remembered our Aunt Charlotte inviting us to their place to stay over and swim. We had fun times together with him, Aunt Charlotte and my sister Avie. Uncle Bert have a big, kind heart and enjoys our company. I'm saddened to know about him passing on. We pray for the family's strength and comfort during this difficult time and our memories with Uncle Bert will forever be in our hearts. ~ Alvin & Lennie Mercado
We are Blessed to have you in our family.Thank you for the wonderful memories!Your kindness and thoughtfulness will always be remembered.Rest in peace Uncle Bert-Darlene ~ Darlene Ocinar
Sending you hugs and condolences Charlotte. Bert was a jolly fellow and lived his life very well. It was very clear how much he loved you and appreciated your companionship. You both had a loving relationship that can be treasured forever. Take care. ~ Marla Inducil
I am so sad to hear that Bert is no longer with us. I met Bert and Charlotte on a tour of China many years ago and was lucky to visit with them in BC a few years back. Bert was such a warm and sweet man. My heart goes out to Charlotte and their family. May he rest in peace and memories of him soothe his family's grief. ~ Diana Marek
Dearest Charlotte,,,,we feel your pain as I have seen you guys love life together and love each other's company,,,It's been so wonderful to witness,,,RIP captain uncle Hamid 💙 ❤️ 💖 ♥️ 💕 ~ Yaser,,,Asmaa and the kids
~ Gastrock Family
~ Gastrock Family
I am sorry for your loss, Lotty. Thank you for letting us know of Bert's passing. He seemed so happy on your last trips. I will remember how we clicked the first time we met on the coast of Chile and also when we visited your home in Vancouver. May you rest in peace Bert. Praying for 9-days for your departed soul. ~ Sandra Rodriguez & Roger Westerberg
Uncle Bert soared through the skies as a dedicated pilot and, alongside his beloved wife Tita Charlotte, explored the world. Their travels were a testament to their shared joy for life.Though based far away, their visits to the Philippines always brought immense joy and created cherished memories with our family. Uncle Bert's presence was always a source of good times and unforgettable moments.He will be deeply missed by Tita Charlotte, and our family. His legacy of adventure and love will continue to inspire. Fly high, Uncle Bert. Say hi to my Dad and Tatay. ~ Michelle and family
You and Charlotte were such an important part of my childhood, your visits were always something I looked forward to. You both watched me grow up. I’m so grateful you were a part of my life, and that you got to see me grow and meet my children. My heart goes out to you Charlotte, my deepest condolences. You will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Albert. ~ Cyrine and kids
Have a safe and final flight to eternity my friend. Till we meet again someday ❤️❤️❤️ ~ Joven
Dear Charlotte, I was so very saddened to hear of Bert’s passing. George and I enjoyed his company on cruises. He had many interesting stories to tell. My deepest condolences and may your path forward be eased by the lovely memories you’ve had. Dorothy ~ Dorothy Perry
It was an honour to have known you, Uncle Bert. I hope you know you changed my life, and I will always be grateful for that. I never knew what it was like to have a grandfather, but Bert made sure I knew that he was there for me.Thank you for opening your home, and sharing your life with me. I’ll forever miss that smirk, and the smile you gave me whenever I was telling you a story about what I did over the weekend.Thank you for always telling me how proud you are of me, and my accomplishments. Uncle Bert was one of a kind. A real gentleman. They don’t make men like Uncle Bert anymore.Bert is the man. I hope to see the same sights you saw one day. Fly that plane past the skies.I love you, Uncle Bert. ~ Max Fabon
Rest in Peace Captain Bert 🙏 we will miss you 😔 ~ Aileen, Willie, Arielle, Allen
Rest well Tito Bert.. Thank you for always welcoming me to your beautiful home and cooking delicious food, the great life advices you gave me to carry on my life in Vancouver.. Miss you always Tito Bert.. ~ Luke Alexander
Thanks for the memories Captain from our Office in the Sky. Through times shared, memories made you shall live on within our hearts and souls. May there be peace for all as this transition is traveled. 🕊✈️🕊🦋🙏🪽💜✝️🪽🦋R.I.P🦋 ~ Constance (Lang) Binkley