1940 – 2014
It is with great sadness that the family announces the death of “Bill” William Andrew Holder.
With his signature positive attitude he fought and beat cancer in 2007 only to have it re-emerge in
2013. He passed away just after his 74th birthday on Oct. 14, 2014 at Davidson Health Centre. Bill was born in Davidson, Sask. on Sept 22, 1940 (a 40 model) the eldest of four sons to Pearl (Aikins) and Harold Holder. Bill leaves to mourn his loving wife of 52 years Jeanette (Hoffman); son Rob (Cathy), Kenaston; daughter Johanna (Jamie) Branigan, Pickering, Ont. and son Tim (Vickie), Kenaston; grandchildren Amanda, Saskatoon, Brett (Kristin), Logan and Jorden all of Lloydminster, Shayne Branigan, Ottawa, Ont., Brandon, Saskatoon and Holly Branigan, Pickering, Ont.; his mother Pearl (98); brother Ron (Diane), Wainwright, Alta.; brother Don, Saskatoon; brother-in-law Albert (Joanne) Hoffman, Kenaston; as well as many nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his father Harold (1970), brother Tom (1990) and nephew Ambrose (2007).
The love of the land and farming was Bill’s career his whole life. Like every other year since 1959 he seeded the crop and summerfallowed this spring even though he was tired. Hearing that the crop was off and in the bin in good shape made him very happy. At an early age he developed his other passion, vehicles in particular Chev’s. Mechanically Bill could make a Chevy purr like a kitten. Bill built telephone lines and was lineman for Kenaston Rural Telephone Co. and worked as a telephone operator. He was a volunteer fireman for over 30 years and served as deputy chief for some. He was a member of the Kenaston Lions Club. Bill served as a board member and president of the Kenaston Credit Union. He was on the board of directors in Craik and Nokomis for CCIL Co-op Implements. Ron Hamre sparked a fascination for radios and electronics. Bill talked to lots of truckers on the CB and became a Ham Operator VE5ACG in the 70’s communicating around the world. Bill was an active member of the Kenaston Seniors Club seeing the coffee was on and the pool equipment was ready to go. He had an incredible thirst for history and collected a library of local history books. He had an enviable memory to retain countless details. He enjoyed working on the Kenaston 2005 Kith ‘n Kin Book contributing many memories with dates and land locations. Bill and Jeanette enjoyed many trips with family and friends. Cypress Hills was a favourite place. Being a member of the Saskatoon Antique Auto Club meant touring with many wonderful car enthusiasts. In 2000 they circled the whole province. Bill was sure to see that his collectible Chev cars such as the 1937, 1940, 1951, 1964 SS convertible along with the 1946 ½ ton had equal road time. The last tour was this summer with the Scattered Spokes to Paradise Hill. Bill stated in his last days that “he had had a good run”. Bill leaves us “All the way in my Chevrolet”. The celebration of Bill’s life was held on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Kenaston Place in Kenaston. Memorial donations may be made to the Kenaston Seniors Inc. Box 361 or the Kenaston Public Cemetery Society Box 24 S0G 2N0 or a charity of the donors choice. Arrangements entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Home.
