October 29, 1935 - July 29, 2022
In loving memory ~
Leo Sovier Holland, 86, passed away on July 29, 2022 at Polson Care Home in Vernon, with his family, after having Alzheimers for many years. Leo was born on October 29, 1935, in Kamloops as the first child of Tom and Anna Holland, while living in Turtle Valley. He and his sister Shirley did not see any other children there, leading to Leo being a somewhat independent loner. His family lived together on his grandfather's farm. He had a pet trout he kept in a section of the creek.
When they left the valley, Leo's family moved to Vernon and he began school with other kids. He used his bike to explore everywhere and spent a lot of time skating at the Civic Arena. He later joined cadets at the Vernon Army Camp where he remained in contact with several of his fellow cadets over the years.
As a young man he worked in Bulmans Cannery and also up north in Field for the Parks Department.
Leo hunted and fished with his dad and this became a lifelong love.
Leo married Carol in 1960, in Vernon, when he was 25 years old. They moved to Kamloops and had one daughter, Tammy. Leo worked as a cement truck driver for 35 years and was a Shop Steward for the Teamsters until he retired and moved back to Vernon. He continued to fish for trout in the spring and summer at Todd, Pratt, Jimmy and Blackwell Lakes. In the fall and winter he hunted for deer and moose and grouse. He loved the outdoors and nature and spent years camping and snowmobiling with his family and friends. Our best memories are of winching through mud puddles to get to a quiet fishing lake, cooking over the open fire, sleeping in the camper and observing nature with Frank & Marie Novakowski and family.
Leo was a real thinker and could find solutions to most things. He could fix anything. He enjoyed working on his vehicles and built a large garage and workshop in Kamloops by himself.
Leo loved country music and listened to Hank Snow, Jim Reeves and Wilf Carter, to name a few. He also loved to dance and was a member of the Legion for many years.
Leo amassed a large collection of stamps and coins which were his hobbies for years. He had a terrific sense of humor and often had people in stitches.
He walked the Grey Canal trail with his son in law Ed for years.
Leo leaves behind his wife Carol of 61 years, his daughter Tammy and son in law Ed and 3 sisters, Shirley Douglas, Lois Kuyper and Dianne Holland, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. His life was simple, yet rich and full. He will be deeply missed.