Lowell Holland
December 27th, 1942 ~ September 28th, 2021
we do not grieve for the ones
we love returning to the wind
& earth but for never enough
time in this place together
Kai & Fia Skye, FlyingEdna.com
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Lowell Holland on September 28, 2021. Lowell was born December 27, 1942 in Raymond, Alberta. He is survived by his wife Sandy of 56 years, children Janine (Brent), Leslee, and Raymond (Melanie); beloved grandchildren Morgan, Joel and Leigh, and Abby; his brother Jay (Geri), sisters Gelane and Patricia, sister-in-law Joyce, many nieces and nephews and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents Mike and Ruby Holland, his brother Wayne, sisters Wanda and Nadine.
Lowell was born in Raymond, Alberta. He was the youngest of seven and well loved by his older siblings. He attended university at the insistence of his Mom, graduating from the University of Lethbridge with an education degree. His first job was in Foremost, Alberta where he met his wife Sandy (Walters) and they married in 1965. He taught one year in Slave Lake, Alberta where they learned a lot about surviving winter in a trailer, and played a lot of canasta. They then moved to Pincher Creek, Alberta which would become their long-term home for 36 years. Lowell was a teacher, first at St. Michael’s School and then Mathew Halton Community School, where he taught high school sciences and occasionally home economics (cooking). Two memorable highlights of his career were participating in teaching exchanges to England in 1985 and Australia in 1992. He loved teaching and developed lifelong friendships with many of his fellow colleagues.
In addition to being a husband, father of three and teaching he was also a volunteer fireman, and paramedic. He had many interests and was never hesitant to try something new. This included being a basketball referee, playing golf, fishing and camping with his family. He made lifelong friends in Pincher Creek and had many a good time during gourmet dinners and card nights. In their spare time Lowell and Sandy were also the co-owners of a pizzeria for two years. He loved music and introduced his kids and their friends to everything from classical music to 60s and 70s rock. He played the trombone in the local band and hummed a lot. He could fix anything taking the approach that if he could read about it, he could learn how to do it. This included taking on a two-story renovation to their home in Pincher Creek – doing it themselves with a lot of help from friends.
Lowell was an avid photographer who started his own home business taking photos at weddings and family gatherings. He was self-taught and used the space under the stairs as his darkroom in order to develop and make prints. Photography became a life long passion, especially macro-photography, and at the time of his passing he had amassed over 1.2 million images.
After retiring Lowell and Sandy found their “cottage” in Point Roberts, Washington spending a few winters there starting in 2000 to be closer to their grandchildren in BC. In 2003 they made a permanent move to Tsawwassen. Lowell was a much loved friend to many in both the Point Roberts and South Delta communities. He was an active member of the Delta Photo Club, Point Roberts Wacky Walkers, and a regular for coffee at Petra’s by L’Aromas. He volunteered with TOOBS and Food on the Corner in South Delta. Lowell was generous with his time and talents with family and friends.
He loved to travel – camping and driving trips all over Western Canada and the US when he had a young family. He and Sandy also explored much of England and Australia while on exchange. More recently Lowell traveled with his good friend Paul to Iceland, Ireland, on a South American cruise, and had a number of road trips with the “two Johns”.
Lowell loved his family and especially all four of his grandchildren. He spent hundreds of hours enjoying the many activities of Morgan, Joel, and Leigh. He was their biggest fan, always there to cheer them on no matter what the event, and loved being “Lowell’s taxi service”. He was thrilled when his youngest grandchild Abby arrived in 2012. He and Sandy looked forward to visits with her, delighting in her beautiful red hair and personality.
Only a short 6 weeks ago Lowell fell ill and he left us suddenly the morning of September 28th. We will continue his legacy, honouring him and living life the way he would want us to. A private celebration of life will be held. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to Covenant House in Vancouver (covenanthousebc.org) or a charity of your choosing.
He will be dearly missed by all.
Messages:
So sorry to hear of Lowell’s passing - First met Lowell on one of our Family visits to Pincher Creek back in the 70s - he was such a knowledgeable and fun loving person and had a great sense of humor he will be missed - sending our love to Sandy and the Family.
Our deepest sympathy to the Holland family in the loss of Lowell. We have so many fond memories of him while we were all at Matthew Halton School. Enjoyed lots of lunches together at the Heritage, and he always was able to inject a bit of humor into an otherwise very ordinary day. I'm sure he will be dearly missed by all who knew him, especially by his family.
Dear Sandy and the whole family. I had heard that Lowell was sick but I just realized that he has passed. I feel so much for all of you. It must be a real shock and the suddenness of it all must be hard to live. I have always kept fond memories of Lowell at family parties long ago as a real life of the party. His smile and laughter always brought life to a gathering. May that love for life be a comfort for you all. I send my sympathy and friendship to you all. Cariosa Kilcommons
Sandy, I was so sad to hear of Lowell passing away. It was so nice to have coffee and a great visit with both of you in Lethbridge two years ago. I really enjoyed hearing all your stories and it was wonderful to talk about and remember the good old times growing up in Foremost. You will always have all the wonderful memories of Lowell which will keep him forever in your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. He is remembered as kind, smart, funny and never boring! Lowell was a very special person however his unique talent was making those around him feel even more important than himself. He was a great example of a full and well lived life and memories of time spent with him will be cherished. Thoughts and prayers are with Sandy and family. May you find comfort in fond memories and shared stories.
It is so sad that Uncle Lowell is no longer with us. He is my Moms youngest brother, really not that much older than me. Uncle Lowell was always one of the cool Uncles. We would go snow skiing together at Westcastle, curled and golfed at the midsummer bonspiel in Nelson. Lots of golf events organized by Lowell in Pincher Creek and Waterton. Uncle Lowell took our wedding photos as well as our daughters wedding photos, a special generational opportunity. We enjoyed getting together to go golfing or to go for coffee on our trips out to the coast. Our condolences to Aunt sandy and the family, he will be missed by all. Clint and Lorry
So sorry to hear of Lowell's passing. He was a great friend and colleague - especially during my time teaching in Pincher Creek. I have so many great memories of rooming at Lowell and Sandy's for a couple of years. Rest in peace my friend - you will be missed, but never forgotten.
Lovely memories of being around Lowell and the family. My deepest condolences to the family.
Oh Uncle Lowell how I loved you so much ! You are my mother’s uncle but I always called you my uncle as well. Your home in Pincher Creek holds so many memories in my heart. You were always so welcoming to us. You took me me on my one and ONLY motorcycle ride. I will never forget it, I wanted to go but was so scared, you reassured me we would be fine and sure enough we were. You kindly volunteered to be the photographer at my wedding ! I still remember you saying ‘Hey Ash ! I’ll take your pictures if you will let me ?’. It was a blessing for you to do that for us. And the photos turned out amazing. Thank you again for being such a big part of my special day. I know right now, you are making yourself at home up in the Heavens, reuniting with family and friends again …. And taking some AMAZING photos . We will miss you so very much Rest In Peace my Uncle xoxox
I unfortunately only knew Lowell in the last few months of his life when he joined our walking group. However, that was enough for me to understand that he was a very special person with an incredible variety of talents. Wishing Sandy and the family all the best as they go through this difficult time.
It was special to meet Lowell in little Tsawwassen and discovering that he once lived in my home town of Foremost Alberta where I grew up and went to school. My friends and I would always enjoy his company at our Monday morning coffee sessions where we all tried to solve the world problems. He had a great sense of humour and will be missed by us all. Deepest condolences to you Sandy and all your family.
Although it’s been years since I’ve seen Mr. Holland, I have fond memories of him as my biology teacher and also of babysitting for his children back in the 1970’s. So I was very sorry to hear of his passing. My heart ❤️ goes out to his wife, Sandy, and family. Please accept my heartfelt condolences at this time of loss. My thoughts and condolences.
Thank you for sharing my love of Mother Nature and the pond creatures. RIP
My condolences, he was the best teacher ever❤️❤️
Mr. Holland was one of the most influential teachers of my life!! At Matthew Halton in biology and chemistry we often sparred. Lol I challenged him by taking his curriculum to the school board; but we ended up sharing upside down margaritas in Waterton.
Our deepest sympathy. Spent many fun times with the Holland family across the fence and in the neighborhood.
So sorry to hear of Lowell's passing. I have been thinking about him for the last month and should have reached out. He welcomed me and the new teachers at Matthew Halton by inviting us out for drinks weekly and cooking his famous spaghetti dinners. He basically took me under his wing and I knew I was loved and cared for. After reading the comments left by others I can see that Lowell continued gathering people and bringing joy to others. When I got married he brought Ken into the Pincher Creek Fire Department and may be responsible for teaching him how to drink. Lowell's sense of humour and love for people was such a gift. Sandi, Raymond and Lesley I share your sorrow and know that you will have a lifetime of memories to cherish.
We are devastated to learn about Lowell’s passing. He was our client for close to 20 years and became a dear friend sharing our love of Point Roberts. We loved meeting for coffee with Sandy even after we retired. We were planning to meet again for our annual get together this fall. It was a tradition that we will miss. I will cherish the two framed pictures we have in his memory. RIP Lowell. We loved you very much. We send the family courage in this difficult time.
RIP Lowell I will always working with you on fire calls as well as at the Airtanker Base
Mr. Holland was one of the best and most inspirational teachers I ever learned from. I will never forget how he captured an entire class's attention by igniting magnesium in science class without saying a word. He will be missed and I thank him for teaching us to dream big.
Lowell was a good friend to us both for over 45 years. We will miss his good humour, readiness to try anything and kindness.
Lowell was my basketball coach when he taught at St Michael's school. Rest in Peace Lowell
I was deeply saddened with the news of Lowell’s passing. As my teacher, chef and partner on the Fire Truck and Ambulance. Our deepest to Sandi and family.
Lowell was one of my favourite teachers in high school. We would often joke in class but that didn’t mean you couldn’t learn the stuff! RIP. Condolences to Sandy, Janine, Leslee, Raymond and families. Chris (Skelly) Dumont
As a former student, I always have very fond memories of Mr. Holland! Was always a treat to run into him post graduation in Pincher or at the golf course in Waterton. Rest in peace sir and condolences to family and friends.
Lowell such a special caring person to everyone. Especially a friend and neighbour to my family in Pincher Creek. Always willing to lent a hand and give advice. Lowell was very proud of all his family and and loved them all .Our families spent many happy times together .Even our overseas family when they visited Pincher Creek Canada .You will be sorely missed. All condolences to dear Sandy and all the family. Love you all.
We have so many fond memories of Lowell. I remember as a newlywed making him Macaroni and cheese for lunch each day for a couple of weeks when Jay and I lived with Mike and Ruby while we waited for an apartment to become available. He was still living at home and going to school. We became good friends over the years and always enjoyed our time and visits with Lowell. He was such an easy house guest when he came to California to visit. Ready to help in any way, and we loved the day trips to find places and things to photograph and had lots of good conversation. He was loving and kind and a supporting and an understanding brother and friend. We will miss him but look forward to when we will all meet again in the next room and enjoy many more good times!
I have been thinking about Lowell today, since I heard his voice on a voicemail I hadn't erased - even from his hospital bed bed he was reaching out. I have looked at photos and thought about him volunteering at TOOB events (working long hours at every event) in Tsawwassen and at Wackie Walkers and just about every other opportunity in Point Roberts. What an amazing man he was! Whenever there was something to do to give to other people to assist anyone, Lowell would put his hand up. Do you need help with your camera, or photo programs, or driving someone anywhere? Lowell would do it. And his photos and the presentations he gave were wonderful. He had several big trips in the eight years we have been here and we were lucky that he would share the photos with us and tell us his stories - and he had some great stories! We will miss you so much, my friend. Thank-you.
Lowell was such a dear bridge for me and many others, I think, thoughtful and concerned and accessible for little chats and assurances -- often checking in at Wacky Walker coffees. He tried to teach me to take better pictures. He managed very well with Sally Roberts, who he has no doubt had a few conversations with since returning to the divine but I was not such a good student. We will miss him and yet, feel certain we will feel his presence from time to time before we too say our adieus and go over for a rest. Love and comfort to you, Sandy and the family.
Lowell was a wonderful friend to so many here on the Point and will be missed. He and Sandy did much to help me as a newbie to the Point in 2006 to meet people and become part of the community. He lives on in the warm memories of his many friends.
It's hard to believe that Lowell is gone. He was interested in others. He must have been a fine teacher. He was an excellent photographer. It was saddening to see him during his final days. I wish Sandy and her family all the best in spite of losing him.
So sorry to hear that Lowell is no longer with us. I always enjoyed his sense of humour and talking about photography and the prairies with him at our various camera club meetings and outings over the years. I’m so glad that I had a phone chat with Lowell a few days prior to his passing. My sincerest condolences to Sandy and family.
We are greatly saddened to hear of Lowell's passing. We always enjoyed having the opportunity to have a visit with him. He will be missed.
We are so sorry for your loss. We were shocked and saddened to learn of Lowell’s passing. We will miss his warm personality, his big voice, his ability to grill pork loin, his beautiful photos and his wonderful welcoming smile. May he Rest In Peace.
Sandy, so sorry to hear of you great loss. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.