2020 Red Deer honourary senior selected
July 23, 2020
Each year Red Deer’s Mayor chooses an honourary senior who is recognized at the Mayor’s Garden Party for their contributions to our community, province and country.
Each year Red Deer’s Mayor chooses an honourary senior who is recognized at the Mayor’s Garden Party for their contributions to our community, province and country. Like many things in 2020, adjustments had to be made to the annual event. Mayor Tara Veer selected Don Holloway as this years’ recipient and in lieu of publically thanking him, Mayor Veer visited Don and his wife Sylvia outside their home and enjoyed hearing his story.
Don was born on June 11, 1932 in Port Blandford, Newfoundland and enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1951. Don spent a year serving in the Korean War as a Combat Engineer, and by 1977, he and his family had settled in Penhold, Alberta. As he was nearing retirement, Don built a house and made his final move to Red Deer in 1981.
Don and Sylvia now enjoy spending time with their kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. As a Veteran, Don also attended the opening of the Red Deer War Memorial downtown and went to Korea with his son for the 60 anniversary of the Korean War ceasefire. Don is one of the last known Korean War veterans in the city. Often referred to as ‘the forgotten war’, Mayor Veer made a promise to the late Colonel Moffat, who was also a friend of Don’s, that she would use her sphere of influence to honour veterans.
A humble and soft-spoken gentleman, Don was very surprised to be chosen as the honourary senior.
“I couldn’t believe it,” said Don, “I answered the phone and they told me and I just couldn’t believe it.”
When asked what his proudest Red Deer moment has been he replied, “Right now.”
