Janet Holder

07/15/1958 - 08/31/2015

A life beautifully lived. With broken hearts we announce that Janet Arlene Holder passed away on August 31, 2015, following a brave and courageous battle with leukemia. She was 58. Janet was a magnetic, compelling and inspirational friend and leader. She leaves an extraordinary legacy of family and friends who were as devoted to her as she was to them. From her birth on July 15,1957 to her death on August 31, 2015. She nourished and counseled those around her with humour, a keen interest in their lives, and unfailing optimism. Janet was born in Prince George, British Columbia to Mervin Kenneth Holder and Mabel Eliza Nielsen, two solid and supportive members of the community. Although Janet was quiet and shy when she young, she still developed lifelong friends. Her shyness probably contributed to her deep appreciation of nature, camping, dogs and the quiet, introspective times she freely shared. Janet attended the University of New Brunswick where she received a degree in Chemical Engineering, then later expanded her management skills by completing an MBA at McMaster University. She returned to McMaster a second time to become a graduate of the first class to receive a Board of Directors certification. Janet's love for sports led her to become an international power lifter while still early in her career. Her determination and willpower spilled into all aspects of her life and each career step. She focused on doing each job with honesty, fairness and force of will to succeed. These attributes helped Janet become the first woman President of Enbridge Gas Distribution in its over 125 year existence. She was most proud of her recent Northern Gateway team. The team embodied her deep principles and values. They worked with enormous integrity and purpose even in the face of adversity and at personal expense. Janet strove to make a difference in the lives of those she met. She was a remarkable mentor, an exceptional listener, and an extremely giving person. She led by example and was a passionate supporter of the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer, numerous United Way campaigns and the St. Elizabeth's Health Care Foundation, where she was a dedicated board member for over a decade. Janet strongly believed in St Elizabeth's vision to "honour the human face of health care" across Canada. Janet found inspiration in adversity and spoke publicly about her battle with breast cancer and, more recently, her brave fight with leukemia. She leaves an indelible mark on the world and will be profoundly missed. She can be summed in the simple phrase: Janet was an extraordinary person. Janet is survived by her partner, best friend and husband Neal Cockshutt; brothers Stanley Wayne Holder and Thomas John White. Family and friends are welcome to join an open celebration of Janet's life on Friday September 11,2015 at St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, 1505 5 Ave., Prince George, BC, (250) 564-4511. Visitation and viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m followed by a service at 1:00 p.m. A reception and private interment will follow. Neal and Janet would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Vancouver General Hospital for their attentive and loving care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Janet's name to the Saint Elizabeth Foundation at www.saintelizabeth.com/foundation, (905) 968-6516 or email foundation@saintelizabeth.com