HOLTZHAUER, Jarrott W, CD, COL (Ret’d), RCASC
“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Struck off Strength: Colonel (Ret’d) Jarrott (Jerry) W. Holtzhauer, CD died on September 12, 2020 under the loving care of Chapel Hill Retirement Residence after many medical complications borne as usual with a sense of humour and without complaint.
Jarrott’s life was one of service to his country and commitment to his family. He was the deeply loved and always loving husband for 60 years of Judith Ann Neale. He was the very proud father of his wonderful children, Katie (Larry) and Christopher (Suanne), the joyful Poppa of his amazing grandchildren Laurel and Thomas (Kajtya), Liam and Jake and his treasured great- grandsons Tobias and Trevor.
Born in Galt, Ontario, August 31, 1935, into a military family to MW01 Wilbert Holtzhauer and Gertrude Holtzhauer, he was the eldest of four boys, always devoted to his late parents and his brothers, Rayburn (Trudy), the late Harvey and the late Dwight.
After growing up in Camp Borden, he went on to graduate from Royal Roads Military College (Victoria) and Royal Military College (Kingston) where he made connections and friendships that sustained him his whole life.
His 35-year career as a Service Corps and Logistics Officer offered opportunities to explore and serve Canada, especially in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, to participate in a UN tour in India/Pakistan and with NATO in Germany as the Commanding Officer of 4 Service Battalion (Lahr).
After his retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces, Jarrott continued to serve within the Public Service. His second retirement left him free to continue volunteering for many military organizations he loved; CAVUNP, NATO Vets, and the RMC Club. His proudest accomplishment was his involvement in the development of the new Canadian War Museum, the “Passing of the Torch” campaign and his opportunity to serve as the President of the Friends of the War Museum for 12 years.
Always an athlete, he loved biking in summer and skiing in winter but golf was his passion and curling his joy. He loved his companions on the course and the rink and having the winning hand with his Tuesday night poker group. His commitment to service extended to the community. He was a dedicated volunteer for many years for the Orleans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre. He was honoured to receive the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. Always kind and thoughtful and a true gentleman, Jarrott felt blessed to have wonderful friends, to be able to travel widely and to live each moment well. A good party, a fine meal and a great scotch made any day perfect.
A heartfelt thank you from his family to each of you who enriched his life in so many ways. He valued you all.
A Graveside Service of Thanksgiving with Military Honours will be held in the National Military Cemetery located at Beechwood Cemetery in October. When Covid-19 restrictions have lifted we will celebrate with a grand happy hour, the party he always wanted.
Donations in Jarrott’s memory may be made to the “Friends of the Canadian War Museum” or the Orleans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre, both organizations dear to his heart.
“The life that I have
Is all that I have
And all that I have Is yours”
Leo Marks