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.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Lowell Holland December 27th 1942 September 28th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Aldergrove, Province: Colombie britanique