Obituary
It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William Frederick Bruce Holder on September 2, 2022, at the Saint John Regional Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was born in Saint John, NB, on September 28, 1932, to the late Bruce Edwards and Dorothy (McDonald) Holder and was the loving partner to Lorna Jean Parkes.
Bruce worked for 42 years at Ocean Steel Construction Group in the Accounts Payable Department and his deepest passion was for anything musical. Throughout the years, Bruce has been a member of dozens of bands, and part of a 5-piece orchestra, where he shone onstage playing the trumpet and occasionally wooing the crowd with his melodic voice that could carry around any room. His musical talent stems back to when his grandfather, Frederick played instruments with his children and that tradition has carried through, even to Bruce’s son and grandson. He was a member of the Jervis Bay Legion Branch #53 and served in the 3rd field Artillery Band in the Army Reserves. Bruce was a gregarious man who was loyal, almost to a fault. He was almost always in a good mood. Bruce was a very classy and handsome man, who was always put together. His charm and charisma could put anyone at ease, and while he chose to use few words oftentimes, those words were always spot on. He was an avid fan of the Saint John Sea Dogs and was so proud that he was still around to see them win the 2022 Memorial Cup. Bruce loved his life and it showed to everyone who had the privilege to meet him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
The death of Bruce Holder Jr. marks a sad break in New Brunswick’s and Saint John’s musical heritage. At his father’s urging, Bruce joined the fledgling Saint John Symphony Orchestra in 1952 as a trumpeter and remained with both the SJSO and the New Brunswick Symphony Orchestra until the latter was disbanded in 1968. But Bruce rejoined Symphony New Brunswick in 1983 and remained with the orchestra until his retirement in 2012. His long service to New Brunswick’s symphonies was recognized nationally by Orchestras Canada. Bruce’s father, Bruce Sr., was concertmaster of the Imperial Theatre pit orchestra during the final years of the silent movies. When talkies made the theatre orchestras redundant, Bruce Sr, formed his own orchestra which accompanied the many musical theatre productions of Fred Hazel in the 30s and 40s. Both father and son became respected and much-loved members of the SJSO when it was formed. And both were active in the local and provincial band scene. Bruce made an impact for many years as the music director and conductor of the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment Band, Saint Mary’s Band, and several local dance bands including his own. Most recently, he enjoyed playing trumpet and conducting occasional show tunes in the Port City Second Chance Band.
More importantly, both Holders were a key part of the tradition which made it possible to establish Symphony New Brunswick in the early 1980s and Bruce Jr. remained supportive to the end, participating in the Symphony Foundation’s major fund-raising campaign two years ago. The Symphony and its fans will miss this friendly, talented and committed man who was a fixture for so many years on the stages where SNB performs. A trumpet has been silenced; but its echoes will resound for many years to come.
In addition to his loving partner, Lorna Jean, he is survived by his son, James (Josiane Benoit); daughter, Paula (David Gallant); 5 grandchildren, Samuel, Jonah, Melody, Lucas and Mika; his sister, Denise (Terry) Frogley; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Anne Marie (McBride) Holder and his sister, Elizabeth Holder.
Arrangements are entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424) where visitation will take place on Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held from Holy Redeemer Church (316 Somerset Street) on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at 10:30am with interment to follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. For those who wish, memorial donations in Bruce’s memory to Sistema NB or to the charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by his family.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Captain William Frederick Bruce Holder September 28 1932 September 2 2022 (age 89)..
Death notice for the town of: Saint-John, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick