Modiste Holod

Obituary

Passed on October 25, 2023

September 4, 1932 – October 25, 2023      It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our Dad, Husband, Papa & Great Papa on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.Mod, or “Colonel” as his family fondly called him, passed away peacefully with family by his side. Dad is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Shirley (nee: Gillespie), his children, Scott (Tracy), Rick (Darci), Ryan (Jacqui), Geoff (Kathy) and Lyle (Jo-Anne). He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren: Kyle (Rachel), Ryley (Justine), Rachael (Garrett), Brayden, Jessica, Kaitlyn, Jefferson, Austin, Miranda, Dylan, and Gavin as well as the newest addition to the Holod family, his great-granddaughter Sophie. Dad will also be greatly missed by his large extended family and friends.

Mod is predeceased by his parents Ted and Sophie Holod, and his siblings Bill, Maurice, Olga, and Nestor.

Dad was born in Vita, MB and later moved to the Holod Family Farm outside Stonewall with his parents and siblings. Eventually, he and his brother Bill, widened the scope of the grain farm, by buying dairy cows and getting into the milking business in addition to grain. He would joke that he hated those animals but loved the milk cheque. Over time, he decided he disliked them so much he would get out of the dairy business and back to just farming grain which the farm still does today.

He met the love of his life at the Gunton Hall where she took his breath away on the dance floor. After they married, Shirley joined Dad on the farm where they raised their family of five boys all while tending to the cattle or working in the fields.

When he and Shirley did have spare time, they enjoyed travelling but would most often head to the family cabin that they built at The Narrows. They spent time on the lake boating, fishing, and swimming. They met lifelong friends who were challenged to many games of cards before enjoying time around the campfire.

Dad was given the nickname “Colonel” as he liked everyone to think that he was strict and in charge, but we all know that he was a big softy at heart. Pops spent many hours waiting up for all his boys to be home safe and sound before he could go to sleep. Even as adults, our phones would ring in a snowstorm, with Colonel checking in to make sure our families were all safe.

Papa, as his many grandchildren called him, loved spending time with his family and would brighten when we would visit. He was quick to jump up and ensure everyone had a drink or snacks. Everyone knew wine-time was after chores were done and Mod looked forward to sitting on the deck and telling stories with the group.

When Pops retired, as much as a farmer ever really does, he could be found helping Shirley in their garden, or most often tinkering in the shop. He loved woodworking and fixing things. The family was always bringing “mister fixit” small projects to work on. He also never gave up the supervision of the farm, making sure those boys were “doing things right”. The farm will never truly be the same without its foreman.

Pops, right until your final days, you were the hardest working man we knew, and you taught us so many lifelong lessons. You will be in our hearts forever; we will miss you, love you and always cherish the memories we have.

The family would like to thank all the Stonewall Hospital staff for the care that they provided.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Interlake Community Foundation.

A private family service will be held with a “come & go” celebration taking place at the Holod Family shop on Sunday, November 5th from 2:30-4:30 pm.

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