It is with profound sorrow that the family of John Holland announce his passing on September 12, 2025 at the age of 97. John passed peacefully at Credit Valley Hospital with his family and caregivers by his side.

John was born on January 24, 1928, in Lorne Park, Mississauga. One of eight children born to James and Katherine Holland. John is predeceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Eileen Jean (Caskenette) (d: 2011). He is survived by his second wife Rosemary Castellarin and also missed by the Castellarin family. John will be sadly missed by his children David (Gwen) Holland, John (Carol Ann) Holland, Theresa (Steve d: 2017) Hudson, Mary Anne (Dan) West, Margaret (Randy) Balaberda and Eileen (Jerry) Abballe, his grandchildren Gregory, Theresa Lee, James, Michael, Matthew, Katie, Alex, Amelia, Eric, Grant, Lynne, Neal, Glen, Emilee, Abbey, Laura, Victoria and his great grandchildren Rhys, Davnait, Katelyn, Sloane, Eloise, Sedona, Elliot, Rayne, Ioni, Clementine and Vincenzo. Uncle John will also be greatly missed by his many nieces and nephews.

John lived his entire life in Mississauga, where he became a beloved figure in the community, known for his lifelong commitment to service and his deep faith.

An accomplished entrepreneur, John began his career as an accountant at a car dealership before opening his own dealership Mississauga Motors in Port Credit in 1958. This marked the start of a successful journey in the automotive industry. In 1961 he was awarded the Chevrolet Oldsmobile dealership in Burlington, the first of three General Motors franchises he held. He continued to expand with these and other automotive brands in Burlington, Mississauga and Orangeville. His dealership on Eglinton Avenue in Mississauga, Royal Pontiac Buick GMC, was acquired by the Addison Group in 2006, marking 45 years as a GM dealer. John held several prestigious positions, including President of the Hamilton Burlington Dealers Association and the Ontario Automobile Dealers Association, and was a founding member of the Government Relations committee for T.A.D.A/O.A.D.A. His dedication to the industry also led him to serve on the General Motors President’s Dealer Advisory Council and as a founding chairman of the Canadian Automotive Institute.

In 2007 John divested himself of his last auto dealership. Not ready for retirement he opened a new venture, Southport Centre Inc. in Port Credit, Mississauga where he entered the business of investments and real estate. At Southport he worked alongside his son and daughter until 2023 when he finally stepped back from the daily grind, while always keeping one eye on the business.

John’s contributions to his community were numerous and impactful. In the 1950s, John proudly served the town of Port Credit as a councillor, deputy reeve and chairman of the planning board for the Port Credit Library. In 1958 he played a vital role in raising $360,000 for the construction of the Port Credit Arena, which he helped designate as a heritage site in 2008. The arena honoured him in 2011 by naming the John Holland Room in his recognition. In 1985 John was a founding member and Chairman of fundraising for the Automotive Business School of Canada at Georgian Collage. John realized there was a need for an academic institution created by the industry for the industry. This partnership and program with Georgian College is unique and the only one in Canada. In 2016 John was honoured by Georgian College with the opening of the John and Eileen Holland Study Lounge for the use of the ABS students. In 2013 he generously donated 37 acres of land to the City of Burlington, establishing The Eileen and John Holland Nature Sanctuary, which is a part of the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System.

John has been the recipient of countless awards, honours and certifications. The few that he was particularly proud of was the 2002 Queen’s Gold Jubilee Medal and 2012 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal honouring his contribution to the community. In 2017 he was inducted into the Mississauga Sports Hall of Fame in the category – Builder – exceptional work in the ongoing development of Port Credit Arena.

An avid golfer, John spent many enjoyable hours at the Credit Valley Golf Club for over 50 years and was also a member of the Atlantis Golf Club in Florida. His love for golf was matched only by his commitment to community sports, for which he received the Outstanding Contribution to Community Sports Award in 2012 by the Mississauga Sports Council.

John was known for his strong faith, attending St. Mary Star of the Sea Church in Port Credit for most of his life and serving as an altar boy, Eucharistic Minister, and Chairman of the Finance Committee. He was also active at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Washago, Ontario, where he served during the summer months. John was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and the Serra Club of Toronto West. John and Eileen enjoyed hosting a yearly corn roast at his cottage on Portage Bay for the Serra Club members.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Angelee and Donna, John's devoted caregivers, whose compassion, kindness, and unwavering support brought comfort and dignity to his final days. Your gentle care and presence meant more than words can express. Our family is forever grateful. We would also like to thank the staff and community at Amica Erin Mills, his retirement residence, for providing a warm, supportive, and caring environment that truly felt like home.

Through his dedication and hard work, John made a significant difference in the lives of countless automotive workers, college students, and residents of Mississauga and Burlington. His legacy of service, entrepreneurship, and community engagement will be remembered fondly.

Donations in honour of John can be made to the John and Eileen Holland Award at Georgian College or an organization of your choice.