Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord.

THE REV. JOHN ALBERT HOLMEN Surrounded by the love of his family and the prayers of the Church, John died on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at the age of 77. John’s death is grieved by his wife Mary, daughter Catherine, and daughter Martha and son-in-law Andrew. He will also be missed by his sister-in-law Louise (Ken), their children Karin (Mike) and daughter Elizabeth, Lindsay (Dave), and Laura (Bryce) and daughters Claire and Emily; sister-in-law Jennifer (Doug) and their children Russell and Julia (Jake); sister-in-law Cathy (Dave); his brother Tim of White Bear Lake, Minn.; and his cousins and extended family in Minnesota. John was predeceased by his parents John and Alice (née Burrows) of White Bear Lake, and his infant son David, born prematurely in 1994.

John was born on April 28, 1937 in St. Paul, Minn. and grew up in White Bear Lake. He developed a love of water and boats at an early age, and enjoyed many years of sailing on White Bear Lake. He was ordained Deacon for the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota on June 24, 1965, and Priest the following year. He served the first part of his ministry in Minnesota. He met Mary in 1979 and they were married in 1980. He was appointed as Rector of Christ Church, Selkirk in 1982 and served the remainder of his ministry in the Anglican Diocese of Rupert’s Land in Selkirk and at parishes in Winnipeg, Stonewall, and Stony Mountain. John was a kind, gentle, wise and funny man who would talk to just about anyone just about anywhere. He was a loving and supportive husband and father, unfailingly proud of his daughters. He had many hobbies and interests, including gardening, sailing, pipe organs, attending Goldeyes baseball games, and spending time at the cottage at Victoria Beach.

We would like to thank Dr. J. Mayba, Dr. Glezerson, Dr. Ong, Dr. Harris, Dr. Joshua, and Dr. George for their skill and dedication. Heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Grace Hospital fifth floor for their exemplary care for John and our family, and to everyone who fed, emailed, texted, phoned, visited, and prayed for us during this journey. John’s funeral service will be held on Monday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s Anglican Cathedral, 135 Anderson Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Agape Table, 175 Colony St., Winnipeg, MB, R3C 1W2, or to St. Peter’s Anglican Church Music Enrichment Fund, 755 Elm St., Winnipeg, MB, R3M 3N8, toward the purchase of a new organ. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on March 21, 2015