Stanley Roy Holding
August 16, 1923 – April 19, 2016
As published in the May 2, 2016 World-Spectator
Roy Holding of Calgary passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at the age of 92 years.
Roy was born to Ethel and George Holding in Torquay, England, the youngest of three sons. The family operated a blacksmith and Coachworks business before immigrating back to Canada when Roy was six years old. The family lived in Welwyn, SK, both in the village and on a farm during the depression. In 1941 Roy joined the RCAF and trained as a navigator. He was transferred to England where he ended up flying in the Lancaster Bombers with 12 Squadron out of Wickenby, Lincoln. Upon arrival, Roy and his crew were immediately sent into action over Berlin. He completed 30 missions over enemy territory and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
On his return to Canada after the war, Roy obtained his BSc. in Pharmacy at the University of Saskatchewan. Roy rejoined the Air Force after graduation and began a career as an officer in the Medical Corp., serving on Air Force bases in Western Canada. He spent the last years of his career working as the Commanding Officer of the Medical Supply Depot in Calgary with the rank of Squadron Leader.
Roy continued to work as a pharmacist in Calgary, until he could no longer perform his job due to hearing loss. He spent his retirement travelling with his wife Mary to various countries in Europe, attending air crew reunions and researching the family tree. He was an active Shriner and volunteered with several charity organizations in Calgary. Roy was an avid gardener and loved to socialize. He enjoyed nothing more than telling jokes over a pint of beer.
Roy is survived by his second wife of forty years, Mary Holding (nee Davidson); his children Patricia Robson, Ruth and Tom Louie, Donald and Karen Holding; his eight grandchildren, Jeffrey and Stephanie Robson, Leah and Mike Holub, Eric Louie, Stephen and Ellie Robson, Aimee Louie and Jamie Hastings, Robyn Louie, Taylor Holding, and Paige Holding. He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren, Grace Robson, Brooke Robson, Finn Robson, Dax Robson, Anna Holub, Michaela Holub, Adam Holub, Abby Hastings, and Alan Hastings. He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Bert and Keith; his first wife Joyce Holding (nee Lonsdale); and his son-in-law Arthur Robson.
A Family Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W., Calgary, AB). Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Roy was a founding member of the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum in Brandon, MB which serves as a memorial to the men who fought in the air war of 1939-1945. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Roy’s memory directly to the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum, 300 Commonwealth Way, Brandon, MB R7A 5Y5. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at the Colonel Belcher Care Centre for their loving care of Roy over the past five years with special thanks to Dr. Vivian Ewa.
In loving memory of Roy Holding, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W., CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3 Telephone: 1-800-661-1599.
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