Holland, Colonel (Retd) Harold Edward, “Dutch” DFC, CD, P.Eng.
August 31, 1922- Sept 28, 2019
Passed away peacefully at the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre. Predeceased by his beloved wife Phyllis and son Michael, his parents Fred and Elsie Holland as well as twelve brothers and sisters.
He leaves behind three beloved daughters, Leslie, Andrea (Enzo Francazio) and Stephanie, his brother Lorne, his sister-in-law, Sandy Small and many nieces and nephews.
Dutch was born in Winnipeg where he enlisted in the RCAF at age 18. He defended Canada’s west coast as a fighter pilot until the threat from the Japanese subsided and then flew 187 missions with the RAF 11 Squadron as a fighter-bomber pilot in the WW II battles against the Japanese in Burma, now Myanmar. After the war, he earned a degree in engineering at UBC and then re-enlisted in the RCAF for a full career. Once retired, he continued to work for several years on projects in Asia and Africa for the Canadian International Development Agency.
In 2012, Dutch was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his service to the Burma Star Association and the veteran’s community as a whole.
Family and friends are invited to visit at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, on Tuesday, October 8 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. A graveside service will follow in the National Military Cemetery, at Beechwood Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the Rideau 1 South staff of the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre for the excellent care they gave to him during his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dutch’s memory to the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre Foundation would be appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Vicky Johnston
Robert Lorne Holland Lieutenant Colonel (Rey)
In my 33 years service in the RCAF I met many people who had been associated with my brother Harold [Dutch] Holland. Without exception, subordinates, equals and superiors held him in high regard. ‘Finest officer I ever knew’, ‘Best boss I ever had’, were typical comments. He was my hero and my inspiration and the primary reason I joined the RCAF. We have lost another of the finest.
Desmond Gurnett
Rest In Peace Dutch. My lunches with you and your daughter Andriea I will never forget. I am residing now at Waterside Retirement and lost contact. Always remember you at our Burma Star meetings. Fly straight and keep your eyes on your Artificial Horizon. I am honoured to have know you Dutch.
Regards Des Gurnett
Linda Brand
Farewell Dutch, it was an honour and a privilege to have known you and to have had the opportunity to have been able to share your stories. This was one of the biggest highlights of my 25 + years career at the Canada aviation and Space Museum. Your sense of humour, and kind heart shall be missed. I have lost another hero. My sincere condolences to Leslie and Andrea, whom have met, and the rest of family and friends. May his passing bring out love to support for all. From your friends at CASM, Rest In Peace Dutch!
Katheryne Stewart & Geoff Small
Dear Leslie, Stephanie and Andrea...
We were so very sad to hear about your Dad's passing. He was such a lovely man and I always will remember how encouraging he was when Emma was a wee one; he seemed to get such a kick out of her. You have all had a wonderful long life together with your Dad, and I sincerely hope that those memories will carry you through the difficult days now that he is physically no longer in your life. We wish we could attend the service next week, but it it just not possible. You will be in our thoughts in the days ahead. Take good care of yourselves and each other....
Katheryne & Geoff
Tony Caddick
Respect from an old but fairly recent member of 11 Sqn, I never knew you but have read on the experiences and hardships boys like you took in your stride.
I think definitely your generation were made of sterner stuff than my generation.
May you dreams be full filled Per Ardua Ad Astra
Lauren Small
My condolences to all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I will remember Uncle Harold fondly.
Peter Davies
My sincere condolences on the passing of Dutch. An honourable man and a true friend of my parents.
Lieutenant Colonel [Ret] R. Lorne and Jean P. Holland
We greatly regret the loss of Harold. His passing is one more of a great generation, dwindling in number that unfailingly carried out a duty to their country and to the free world. We will remember them.
Martha Townsend
My condolences to his daughters and his entire family. Dutch Holland was a good friend to my parents, Gordon and Ida Townsend, and their visits back and forth between Ottawa and Kingston meant a lot to them. I trust your lovely memories of him will bring you solace.
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved father. He was an absolute treasure. I have such good memories of Dutch and Phyllis. Rest In Peace.