Alan H. Holman, a prominent Island businessman who played a leading role in the establishment of the Confederation Centre of the Arts, has died. He was 95.
He was the last Holman to work in the family firm, R.T. Holman Ltd. His grandfather created the company in 1857.
Holman served as the company’s president from 1950 until his retirement in 1980.
As a member of the militia, he was called to active service with the outbreak of the Second World War in 1938, and served overseas in Newfoundland, North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Holland and Germany.
He and his young family moved from Summerside in 1953 to expand the Charlottetown operations of the business.
Holman was the driving force behind the creation of the Confederation Court Mall in downtown Charlottetown. He also played a leading role in the establishment of the Confederation Centre of the Arts, and twice served as the chairman of its board.
Summerside mayor Basil Stewart says Holman also made his mark on that city.
“The Holmans’ business was very prominent here for many, many years in the city and he created a lot of employment,’’ said Stewart.
While not a retail outlet any longer, the Holman Building remains a focal point of downtown Summerside. It houses several IT operations along with the provincial Department of Education and the local farmer’s market. Despite the variety of uses contained within the structure, it is still referred to as the Holman Building.
“He was a longtime business person and family man in Summerside,’’ said Stewart.
“The building still carries his name and will continue to do so.’’
Holman was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1980 for his contributions to the business and arts communities.
He was predeceased by his first wife Jean Crichton in 1960 and by his wife Helen Judson earlier this year.
Holman is survived by his sons Alan, Harry, James, John, David and Philip and by his stepdaughters Carol Ann, Jane, Bea and Kathleen, 26 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours are Thursday 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel in Charlottetown. Funeral is Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Charlottetown.
