Carl Daniel Holly was born in Montreal on July 30th, 1950, and grew up in a little town called Candiac and later Delson, just outside the city, to parents Victor and Suzanne Holly.
One of his earlier childhood stories he shared with us was how one day his father had brought home a new TV and how he set upon taking it apart with his dad’s tools as soon as he was left alone with it. By the time his father arrived home that day, the entire set was in pieces on the floor. One can only imagine the conversation that followed. That moment set the stage for his fascination with all things mechanical and a lifelong passion for the automotive industry.
Carl moved to the city of Montreal in the early 1970s upon getting a job delivering fine clothing and furs all over the city. He was married briefly and this union produced his loving daughter, Lorna in 1973.
Leaving Holt Renfrew he went to work for CP Rail and remained in service to them for the better part of thirty-five years. During this time he met and married his lifelong wife and partner Heather (nee’ Bernier). This marriage produced two sons, Darryl and Corey. His career with CP Rail took him and his family to Winnipeg in 1992 after the St Luc shops in Montreal closed.
Dad was a talented mechanic and car body man, a skill that he was able to deploy with graciousness and appreciation to those who needed his help. He built up several cars over the years including a ten-second quarter mile race car for a friend as well as his beloved 1958 Ford Fairlane Custom 300; the latter winning accolades and admiration when entered into shows. Dad’s Ford also caught the attention of a movie scout who asked if he would allow it to be included in a little film that was being produced in Winnipeg. He accepted and was at the set almost every night to assist with the vehicle. The director even offered him a part in the film. Dad told us that it would have required him to shave off his lifelong mustache to which he obviously declined! Not one to be star struck, he didn’t think much of it. That somewhat changed when awards season was upon us and he had learned that the film was nominated for multiple Oscars. That little film was “Capote” starring the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Dad’s Ford was the vehicle that Mr. Hoffman rode in for pretty much the entire shoot; it being made into the lead police car. Dad let us know that Mr. Hoffman would sit in his car in the passenger seat and shoot the breeze with him as they smoked cigarette after cigarette between takes trying to stay warm in the frigid January nights. At the wrap party at 529 Wellington, the film crew made sure that Dad got a seat at their table. He was honored to accept.
Carl D Holly was best known to his family and friends as a kind, honest, and moral man. He was eager to lend a hand or simply a kind word when needed. He will be dearly missed and remembered. He leaves behind many loved ones including his loving wife Heather of almost four decades; his brother Jimmy; three children, Lorna, Darryl, Corey; and grandchildren, Cameron, Bryanna, Mackenzie, Jackson, Bianca, Owen, Eric, and Devon
A remembrance of life will take place on Saturday the 22nd of December at 1:30-4:30 pm at 290 Overdale.
