Hollis B. Cole, 74, died at his home in Gulf Shore, NS, surrounded by his beloved wife and children on October 27th. He was born on August 23, 1950, to Graham and Marjory (Baughan) Cole and raised on the family farm in Jolicure, NB, with his siblings; Marshall, Ross and Marcia.
Hollis embraced many activities during his younger years including tug-of-war, hockey, trapping, hunting, fishing and fast cars. It was in the back woods and salt marshes around the farm that shaped his lifelong appreciation for nature and all out adventuring.
While he played hard, he also worked diligently to put himself through the engineering program at the University of New Brunswick which would kick off a storied career in the field of Civil Engineering. In 1974 he became a professional engineer with APEGNB and started working for ADI Group, where he would eventually rise to CEO. ADI grew to be Atlantic Canada’s largest architecture and engineering firm and in acknowledgement of his business leadership, he was presented with the Atlantic Canada’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Top 50 CEO (five times) and inducted into the Top 50 CEO Hall of Fame.
Throughout his distinguished career, Hollis dedicated a tremendous amount of time and energy to the advancement of the engineering profession and is regarded as one of the foremost civil engineers in Atlantic Canada. He served as President for both CCPE and APEGNB as well as various strategic committees. His endless efforts were recognized with numerous awards of merit including the C.C Kirby Award (2009) and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012); to name just two.
Hollis will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Dianne (Brine) of 43 years and his four children; Paul (Deanna) Cole, Michelle (Mike) Gallagher, Barry (Aven) Cole, and Ashley (Nathan Levesque) Cole, along with his 8 grandchildren; Spencer, Samuel, Emma, Jackson, Olivia, Isabel, Joshua, and Jacob; of whom he passed on his love of the outdoors and steadfast work ethic.
Beyond his career, Hollis was dedicated to being a husband, father, grandfather and friend. Always there to lend a hand - most often without being asked; he led by example and with few words. He took immense joy in taking his family on adventures, near and far, which created lasting memories and fostered a strong, fun-loving family bond.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Jones Family Funeral Centre, 70 Church Street, Amherst, NS (902-667-8777) where visitation will take place Thursday, October 31st, 2024 from 1 PM to 3 PM followed immediately by a Celebration of Life Service, Life Celebrant Pastor Scott Balser officiating.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Hollis may do so to a charity of choice.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting the online memorial at www.jonesfamilyfuneralcentre.ca or through the Jones Family Funeral Centre Facebook Page.