Charlie Holleman, you couldn’t get more Canadian and still not be born there;
Charlie was a quintessential Canadian guy, he played hockey (was a goalie right up until his knees wouldn’t work anymore), he played guitar and sang folk songs, he wore plaid often, he sang the “Arrogant Worms”, he loved horses and dogs and wearing big furry hats and poutine and snow and beer! He had a self-deprecating sense of humor and was always quick with a smile. But most of all, Charlie was one of the kindest, most caring people I’ve ever met. If he said “sorry” it was never in jest, he always wanted you to know he empathized with you. And he embodied what Canadiana Fest hopes to offer to the world- fun, joy and kindness. The only thing not Canadian about him was that he wasn’t born there, or lived there, but somehow he became what we call “Canadian Forward” and so we adopted him as one of our own.
Charlie and his band, The Hen-Pecked Dawgs, played the inaugural Canadiana Fest in 2023 with style. He was immensely proud of that. It was glorious to hear the sea shanties and Celtic Canadiana they played and sang. Not only did he sing and play at the fest, but he worked harder than most people half his age, toting and lifting equipment and tables late into the night to get us ready.
Like many a good thing, we lost Charlie way too soon, in a tragic car accident this past February. Although we are incredibly sad and already miss him immensely, we’d like to honor his Canadian Spirit by dedicating the festival in his name.
Here’s to you Charlie! You’ll always be in our hearts, we’ll never forget your Canuck attitude or your silky voice.
A Canadian Blessing;
May the spirit of the land grant you peace,
The warmth of the community hold you close,
And the enduring hope of the heart guide you,
Through the seasons of life.
