Dr. Anthony J. C. HOLLAND

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Dr. Anthony John Corin Holland, a beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather.  He was born March 1, 1939 in Adelaide, South Australia and died June 6, 2019 in Port Alberni, British Columbia.

He is survived by his wife of thirty-nine years, Leslie Holland, of Port Alberni, British Columbia; their beloved cat, Lucy; children, John (Patricia), Siobhan (Brock) and two grand-children in Victoria, British Columbia.  Surviving family in Australia include twin sister, Elizabeth (David); brothers, Peter (Ros), Michael, and Christopher (Nalda); children Damian (Narelle), Megan (Nigel); and five grand-children.

Born and raised in Australia, he completed medical school in Adelaide in 1962 followed by a residency in Perth.  His sense of adventure and self-proclaimed “itchy feet” led him to travel and work across the world, and he completed a Diploma of Child Health in London, England (1966) followed by specialty training in Anaesthesia obtaining certifications in England (1968), Sweden (1970) and Canada (1971).  In Canada, he worked as an anaesthetist at Montreal General Hospital (Montreal, Quebec), St. Boniface General Hospital (Winnipeg, Manitoba), Thompson General Hospital (Thompson, Manitoba), Curtis Memorial Hospital (St. Anthony, Newfoundland), and finally West Coast General Hospital (Port Alberni, British Columbia).  He truly valued his job and his colleagues, continuing to look after patients well into his ‘retirement’.

In addition to his clinical work, he was a dedicated teacher and mentor for innumerable medical students, residents, fellows, and colleagues and a strong advocate for continuing medical education.  He was never too busy to offer some advice or a helping hand.

He spent much of his leisure time enjoying high-level tennis, cricket, and in his later years Scottish country dancing.  During summers spent in Victoria Beach, Manitoba he was a well-known fixture on the tennis court, always ready to have a hit with anyone who asked.  He had a quirky sense of humour, which coupled with his love of books and languages ensured he was always able to put together a witty poem or speech for special occasions. 

He was a truly brilliant, kind, and gentle man; he will be deeply missed. 

We thank the wonderful staff at West Coast General Hospital as well as at Westhaven for their dedication and kindness, allowing him to pass with dignity and comfort. Celebration of Life will be held at 2:30 pm on Sunday, June 23 at Trinity Church, 4766 Angus Street in Port Alberni.  In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to the West Coast General Hospital Foundation Westhaven Fund or to the Port Alberni SPCA.