Martin James HOLLENBERG

1934 - 2021

MARTIN JAMES HOLLENBERG June 30, 1934 - December 17, 2021 On December 17, 2021, Martin (Marty) James (Choo Choo) Hollenberg died peacefully at Vancouver General Hospital. Marty lived a very full life and enjoyed a romance for the ages with his wife of 63 years, Button (Vivian) Hollenberg. In addition to his wife, Marty is survived by his son, Andy; daughter-in-law, Kristine; daughter, Lesley; grandsons, Myles and Drew; his sister, Barbara (Babs); and sister-in-law, Mimi. He was predeceased by his brother, Charles. Marty was tremendously proud of his nephews, Bruce, Tony and Bram, and delighted in their company and that of his cousins, great-nephews, and many, many other wonderful relatives and friends. Marty was born into a family of physicians who established a first of its kind 'one-stop-care' Hollenberg Clinic in the early 1950s. Continuing the tradition, Marty was passionate about medicine and graduated from the University of Manitoba medical school (1958) following in the footsteps of his siblings, Barbara and Charles. This led him on a scholarly and scientific journey, that led to progressive research partnerships around the world in such exotic locations as Japan and Oman. He spearheaded the creation of world class research centres in London, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia. These centres have led to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for a number of debilitating diseases: including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and MS. His professional career culminated with deanships at both Western University and The University of British Columbia. Marty was appreciated as a renaissance man with a wide array of interests. He became an expert silversmith, an ardent fan of jazz, loved photography, saved a few antique automobiles, was master of the BBQ and the art of smoking fish, enjoyed good scotch, walks to Granville Market, ice skating, history and antiques - especially pocket watches. In his 60s, Marty picked up the trumpet again and although talent may have failed him, his enthusiasm carried the tune. He was a lifelong avid sports fan and fair-weather supporter of the CFL (Bombers), hockey (Canucks), and baseball (Blue Jays). Brilliant and relentlessly curious, Marty's knowledge of medicine and marine history led him to research and then write a book, The Marco Polo, chronicling the legendary history of the Canadian clipper ship. Subsequently he was commissioned to write, For The Love of Nature, which chronicles the lives of naturalists Gerald Barrett-Hamilton and Edward Wilson which is included in the collection of The Museum of Natural History in London, England. Marty was loved and respected by many. He was a mentor to dozens of medical professionals and had a unique leadership style. To paraphrase John Quincy Adams' definition of leadership, Marty's, "actions have inspired others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more". In an environment of consistent challenges in research and university funding he created an environment that confronted the status quo and encouraged others to realize their academic dreams. As one of Marty's former graduate students said, "He appraised the situation realistically and set out to find ways to overcome the serious problems created by successive [medical funding] crises: how, in his words, 'to make hay when the sun is not shining.'" He had a unique perspective on life and left a lasting legacy. A man of few words, he had a talent for subtly getting his point across. He loved technology and was forever curious and innovative. Before the invention of massive home entertainment systems, he had his TV hooked up to his stereo system and would watch it using binoculars from the couch. Despite his professional and individual success, he was happiest spending time with those closest to him. Marty loved throwing the football with his grandsons, talking Vikings' football with his son, trading humorous emails with his daughter, sharing photographic tips with his daughter-in-law or doing anything with Button. We want to thank Dr. Dhingra, his residents and the nursing team in the Emergency Ward at Vancouver General for their outstanding and empathetic support. Marty supported a number of causes, but his favorite was Doctors Without Borders. If you feel so moved, the family would be grateful for any donations made in Marty's honor to that organization. https://www.doctorswithoutborders.ca/donate