Jerry Holland
Born In: Armed Forces Americas, United States
Passed in: Georges River, Armed Forces Americas, Canada
Passed on: July 16th, 2009
It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of well known Cape Breton fiddler and composer Jerry Holland, 54, on Thursday, July 16, 2009, at the Northside General Hospital, North Sydney.
From a very young age Jerry established his name as a world class Celtic musician and eventually his compositions found their way into the repertoire of players of all traditions. Jerry was also widely thought of as a generous and continuous inspiration to his vast network of students and friends, at home and all around the world.
Jerry was born in Brockton, Mass., in 1955, the son of the late Jeremiah James Holland II, also a fiddler and Jeanette (Jean) Holland, both Canadian emigrants. In Boston, Jerry was introduced to Cape Breton traditional music through his father’s friendships with Winston Fitzgerald, Angus Chisholm and numerous other old-time Cape Breton fiddlers. Jerry quickly established his distinguished sound and went on to win numerous contests throughout his childhood. By his teens, Jerry immigrated to Cape Breton, where his musicianship and inspiration helped usher in an entire generation of young players. Jerry’s recording career began with his Rounder Records release in 1976 and continued right up until the time of his passing. Jerry also published two volumes of original and traditional fiddle tunes.
Jerry is survived by his son, Jerry Holland Jr., Georges River; his sisters, Ann (Frank Hall) Holland, Brockton, Mass., and Pierrette Godbout Corbiel, Montreal, Que.
Special thanks to Dr. Ron MacCormick, Theresa McCarthy, the doctors and staff of An Cala, the Palliative Care Unit, the VON, as well as the staff of the Inverness Consolidated Hospital, Northside General Hospital, and the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Thanks to EHS (NE Margaree and Inverness) for their special care in transporting Jerry to the hospital. Thanks to Jerry Jr., Megan Kennedy, Paul MacDonald and Roberta Head for their special care in the past few months.
There will be no visitation by request. A Funeral Mass for Jerry will be celebrated 2 p.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph Church, Bras d’Or, with Rev. Peter MacLeod officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Palliative Care of Cape Breton.
Arrangements have been entrusted to W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney.
Online condolences may be sent to info@wjdooley.com.
