Irvine (Irv) Allen Hollis

May 6, 1938 - March 11, 2023

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The family of Irvine Allen Hollis of Williamsford sadly announce his peaceful passing at Chapman House in Owen Sound, on Saturday March 11, 2023, in his 85th year. Beloved husband of 60 years to Joan Agnes Hollis (nee Irvine). Cherished father of Kevin Irvine Hollis (Janet) of Oro-Medonte, Kenneth Arnold Hollis (Melissa) of Caledon, Warren Scott Hollis (Elaine) of Perth, and Shauna Juanita Joan Hollis (Benjamin) of Oakville. Loving grandpa of Vivienne (Simon), Alexandra, Ian, Isabelle, Brianna, Sean, Julianne, Owen, and Tori. Brother of Donald, Ralph (Ann), and Lorraine, and brother-in-law of Betty, Marilyn, and twins Ronald (Jeanette) and Donald. Fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, Herbert Nelson and Pearl Ione Hollis (nee Arnold), brothers Arnold and Edmond, and in-laws Hazel, Glen, John, and Leona.

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'Irv' grew up on a farm in the Municipality of Chatsworth, and attended high school in Markdale. He joined the Army to attend university and after completing his pilot training the services were cut back and he was granted honorary discharge. But not before he slipped out below radar coverage and buzzed over his future wife’s house. Irv completed his Mechanical Engineering degree at McMaster and became Professional Engineer, a vocation that he was proud to be a part of, and it fostered many of his future achievements and hobbies, both professionally and at home. He was blessed to have met Joan, the love of his life, at a dance in Holland Centre, and they married shortly afterwards, in 1962. A skilled and gifted problem solver, he also developed a talent for management and eventually served as President of Duracell Battery, and Director at Royal Plastics, before starting his own consulting firm, where he specialized in business development. He and Joan retired back to the Chatsworth area, and he enjoyed the rural life; getting out on a tractor to perfect his lawns and gardens, wine-making, feeding the wildlife, snowmobiling, and BBQ'ing. During quieter times he could have been found tinkering with small engines, wood-working in the shop, puzzle solving, or getting friends together to play some guitar while Joan played the piano.  Irv and Joan often hosted musical afternoons where several other musical friends would gather to play and sing...while he had the words projected on the wall with his own overhead projector...years before karaoke was 'a thing'.

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Irv's gifts of his talents, generosity with his time, and great sense of humour, made him a 'community' dad and his children were always welcome to invite friends over whether it would be to have anything created or repaired, from wooden trains, to bunk-beds, doll houses, and small motors or just for social times together. Even after they left their longtime residence on Highway 6 just south of Chatsworth, Irv spent time with the new owners, making sure they were confident with all the “IRV over engineered” systems”. Irv was also an animal lover. It wasn’t unusual for Irv to bring in strays: animal or human, allergic to him or not, and offer up his home.

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Not only does Irv leave us his legacy as a loving father, husband, and teacher, he reminds us that sharing one's time and talents for guidance and empowerment raises all of us up. Truly, a life well lived.

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Arrangements have been entrusted to the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth. A funeral service will be held on Saturday March 18, 2023, in the funeral home chapel at 11:00am. Reverend Sandra Abuja officiating. Private spring interment at Shiloh Cemetery, Chatsworth. If desired, donations to Chapman House would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com

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