Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Holly McFate announces his passing, which occurred on Friday, October 29, 2021, at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Saint John, NB on December 15, 1936, he was the son of the late Murray and Florence (Paisley) McFate.
With Holly’s passing, we’re filled with sadness, but also memories of a man of many accomplishments. Holly was also a loving son to his mother Florence, who was widowed in 1944, leaving her to bring up her three boys in Golden Grove near Saint John.
Having grown up in a home where music was a big part of family life Holly learned to play many instruments. He developed a great love for music and entertaining the public. Holly was an accomplished keyboard player and singer who could keep a crowd entertained at any gathering.
Holly married Loraine McRae and they had seven children together. He began his career working at CHSJ Television in Saint John. His natural talent for music led to a career in entertaining, playing venues in Eastern Canada, including the Top of the Town at Keddy’s, where he was a favourite for many years, and the Prince Edward Room in Charlottetown. He appeared on television in Canada and the US and worked with well-known artists including Anne Murray, Gordon Lightfoot, and Gene McLellan. He studied music at the University of Prince Edward Island.
A “jack of all trades”, Holly was willing to take on any job or challenge, including building a sawmill in Golden Grove and operating it for many years.
Holly was well respected in the community and made friends easily. He loved visiting, telling jokes, and swapping stories.
He spent the last 15 years of his life happily married to Georgena Bennett. In those years he developed a strong faith in God and a love for gospel music. After he retired, he sang and played at the Lightspot Café and senior’s homes.
Your family and friends miss you, Holly, and wish you “Happy Trails” forevermore.
Holly is survived by his loving wife, Georgena; children Paul (Linda), Malcolm, Lori, Bradley (Suzanne), Lyndon (Aimee), and Rosalyn (Blair); step-children Stephen (Zunnie), Michael, Beth, and Mary (Denny); brother Cyril (Jackie); sister-in-law Elaine; and twelve grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Holly is predeceased by his parents, son Andrew, and brother Roland.
Arrangements are under the care of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John, NB (646-2424). A memorial service will be held at a later date. For those who wish, donations in Holly’s memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To send flowers to Holly’s family, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Holly McFate December 15 1936 October 29 2021 (age 84)..
Death notice for the town of: Saint-John, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick