Holman, James Edward

May 14, 1924 - July 1, 2016
Boyhood dreams of adventure and Alaska and aviation were interrupted by a world war from which he returned never again quite the same man he had been, yet still managed an iconoclastic and celebrated life through his wood working and other skills but especially through the ‘Red House Brigade’ and the 33 foot Bear Dancer ‘North canoe’ which brought him into contact with people from all walks of life, all of them bound together by a love of far places and life lead long ago, something reflected also in his years of traditional artisan pursuits. Overheard in a Fenwick restaurant, someone called him the man with the ‘golden hands.’
He passed away peacefully on Canada Day, Friday, July 1, 2016 in his 93rd year at the Welland Hospital. Beloved Husband of Marion Bessie Holman (Nee Detlor), predeceased. Dear father of Dan Holman, Pat Holman-Moreau, Stephen Holman (Pauline) and Jean Henney. Cherished grandfather of Manny Kudlak (Kim), Shelley Brook, Mike Scarlett (Christa) and Veronica Henney (John). Great grandfather of 4 and great, great grandfather of 1. Predeceased by his brother Fred and sister in law Joan and brother in laws Hugh and Harold (survived by their wives Alice and Mary Helen)
Repatriated to Canada from Italy where he fought with the 48th Highlander during WW II following an encounter with an incoming mortar, he was a man of great patience and tolerance. A gifted fine antiques restorer and woodworker, canoe builder, luthier and artisan in many mediums he was well regarded among his peers and acolytes and had the distinction of building a pair of his folding canoe chairs for Prince Andrew and new bride Sarah Ferguson for their Canadian Arctic honeymoon trip. Along the way he also penned a book, “D-Day Dodger: The story of a Canadian Foot Soldier in Italy”
Jim (Jas, Jasbo) was a son, brother, husband, father, friend, mentor, business person and much, much more. There will be a family only interment but all his friends will be received at a celebration of his life on Monday, July 25, 2016, from 2 - 4 pm, at the Old Town Hall in Pelham.
The family also very much wishes to express their thanks to all the care givers and staff who comforted him.
As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Salvation Army through the JAMES L. PEDLAR FUNERAL HOME, Fonthill.

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