Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1954
DIED
2024
THOMAS HOLOWKA Obituary
Thomas Holowka (Burt) passed away February 20, 2024 at TBRHSC at the age of 69 after a hard fought and courageous battle with cancer.
Burt was born at the Red Cross Hospital in Emo, Ontario to Alice (Wilson) and Ivan (Jack) Holowka. He grew up in the north end of Fort Frances. He had very fond memories of his childhood there. His teen years his family settled in Sioux Lookout.
He eventually moved back to Fort Frances and then to Brantford to take a welding course which eventually led him to Thunder Bay in 1979. He loved living here and enjoyed what Thunder Bay had to offer him.
In 1987 he was introduced to his future wife Ellen and were together everyday after that first meeting. They married April 28, 1995. He inherited three busy young boys with this union and he became instantly DAD. He was proud to carry this new title as husband and DAD and kept very busy with all their endeavours.
He received his Stationary Engineering Certification which led him to a 25 year career at Resolute. After retiring he still kept busy with his music. A talented guitar player he co-founded TBUG (Thunder Bay Ukulele Group) entertaining around the city. He was also a member of the bands Road Worn Chaps, and Burt's Garage Band making many friends along the way.
He is survived by his wife Ellen (O'Leary), his three sons: Joe (Sheila) Veltri, James Veltri (Claire Tymura) and Jesse Veltri. His grandsons Tarik, Broden, Cason, Aksel and Saku and many nieces and nephews and cousins. His three nephews in Fort Frances: Ted (Cheryl) Barker, Keith Barker, and Joe and Lisa Barker. Inlaws Mike O'Leary (Margaret) Dennis and Wendy O'Leary (Strathroy, ON), James and Lucy O'Leary, Gary and Lorie O'Leary and Doneta and Larry Wywrot (Springfield, GA).
Predeceased by his parents Alice and Ivan Holowka, stepmom Emily, sister and brother-in-law Nonie and Delbert Barker, sister Victoria in infancy, in-laws Mike and Donetta O'Leary and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Patricia and Garry Randall.
Celebration of Life will be held Monday, March 18, 2024 at the Unifor (UAW) Hall on Gore Street from 1-4 pm.
The family would like to thank family doctors Dr. A.J. Habjan, Dr. R. Balec. The Doctors at Toronto General Dr. Irish and Dr. Yao, Cancer Clinic Thunder Bay, the nursing staff of 2A that looked after him and Jenn from Bayshore who was his angel for the last two years.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.
Keep Strumming Good Night Sweetie Pie Love Ya
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS HOLOWKA
3 Entries
ron gilbert
March 25, 2024
I will truly miss my music buddy, Burt. I will truly miss our Monday coffee breaks. We shared our many chats regarding the good ol' days, our love for music and jokes that made us laugh. my heart also goes out to his wife, Elene and 3 boys who i know really loved Burt
Heather Randle
February 29, 2024
Ellen and family
So sorry for your loss of your husband and father. Deepest sympathies at this time
Heather Randle
Jim Campbell
February 28, 2024
Ellen and Family:
So sorry to hear of Burt's passing.
We all knew it was coming and now Burt is at rest.
Just know that my prayers and thoughts will be with you and all of your families at this most difficult time.
Take good care of yourselves and each other.
Ellen, I will wait for you to call me.
God bless you all,
Jim Campbell,
Sudbury, Ontario.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results