HOLZER, Don

December 2, 1936 — November 1, 2021

Don Holzer made his final grand gesture on November 1, 2021, at the age of 84, signing off on a life well-lived and full of love for his family and friends. Don lost his battle with cancer much sooner than expected.

Don was born on December 2, 1936 in Regina, SK. to the late John and Paulina (née Folk) Holzer. He grew up the oldest of twelve children and had a passion for sports all his life and most specifically, Basketball and Racquetball. He played on many basketball championship teams at Campion College, again on the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, and played many, many years in the Regina Senior men’s league. He also refereed high school and university basketball in Regina, much to his children’s dismay, as he somehow managed to referee their games. He would always boast about having three provincial champions in the family as he, Brian, and Dawn all won a title in high school. Such a coveted accomplishment to him.

Don always had an entrepreneurial spirit and would talk to anyone about whatever new venture he was involved with. He was the eternal optimist and could sell anything to anyone. Don had a huge heart and loved to have deep, meaningful conversations with those he loved. Whenever Don met someone new, he would make a point of really getting to know them. He made sure to find one-on-one time with that person and ask about their life and how they fit into “the picture”, meaning, how did you fit into his family.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Carol Taylor; his three children Brian (Chrissy) of Regina, SK, Ron (Kelli) of Winnipeg, MB, and Dawn (Scott) Burt of Boston, MA, United States; grandsons Mack, Zack, Jake, Declan, Daniel and Marc; stepchildren Leslie of Calgary, AB and Ken (Jennifer) of Brisbane, QLD, Australia; and 3 step-granddaughters Kristin, Laura (Brett), and Cassie of Calgary, AB; first great-grandson Grady; sister-in-law Joy Henderson and family; and his former wife Pat Holzer. Left with decades of fond memories and colorful stories are Don’s siblings John (Terry), Ed (Theresa), Gerry (Fay), Leona (Harold) Peterson, Carol (Larrie) Strecker, Wayne (Brenda), Linda (Harvey), Al (Gwen), and Merv (Linda). He also has many nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly. Don was predeceased by his loving brothers Gregory and Ken, sister-in-law Mary, and niece Charlene.

He was most proud of his role of grandpa. He loved having heart-to-heart conversations with each grandchild and always asked about what was going on in their lives. He even had a hand in getting his grandson, Jake, drafted number one in the 2021 CFL draft.

Don and Carol have lived in Kelowna, BC for 27 very happy years. Don’s second love was Racquetball including the great camaraderie he had with all the other players; it was like a special “brotherhood”. Another happy time for Don and Carol, was their home away from home (the beach lot and trailer) where they had 18 years with great friends and family. Memories forever. After retiring, Don and Carol spent many winters in Mexico with friends Don and Wen, and also Mesa, AZ, United States.

If you knew Don at all, you knew he loved a good party. What would have made him happiest, would be to have his family and friends gather to say cheers! So come share a toast and something to eat, and tell your best Don story to us all. A Celebration of Life will be held on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021, at 1:00 PM (PST) at, Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC (following Covid-19 restrictions, this service will require attendees to show proof of vaccination and a gov. issued photo ID, wear a mask, and the number of attendees will be limited). If you wish to attend, Please Click Here to Register.  

If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

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