It is with heavy hearts that the family of Mr. Lawrence ”Peter” Holder announces his peaceful passing at his home on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the age of 79, surrounded by his family. Born in Saint John, NB on February 11,1947, son of the late Lawrence Edward Holder and Eleanor Jean Holder (Henderson). 

Peter will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 54 years, Coleen; his children Dennis (Kari) of Calgary, AB; Danny (Amy) of Sussex, NB; and Jenny (Michael) of Washago, ON. He was a proud grandfather to Rylan (Jada), Braxton, Isabela, Camden, Gavin, Grace, Madalynn & Abagail and great grandfather to Daxon. He is also survived by brothers Neil (Joan), Stratford, PEI, Garth (Maureen), Moncton, NB, Sylvia, Fredericton, NB, brother-in law John Perry, Cody’s, NB, sister-in-law Janet (Harry) McAlary, Berwick, NB, special sister Peggy Gaunce, Lower Millstream,NB; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, sister Lesley Perry, nephew Craig Barnett, and parents-in-law Frank And Evelyn Northrup, Berwick, NB.  

Those who knew Peter will remember him for his kindness, humour and his unique ability to make lifelong friends from strangers. His greatest joy was his children, grandchildren and great grandson. Nothing made him prouder than watching them grow and celebrating their accomplishments. He took immense pride in each of them and found his greatest happiness with them. He played hockey from his childhood to well into his 60’s and his love of hockey carried through to his kids and grandkids. He was a devoted Boston Bruins fan throughout his life. During baseball season, he could often be found cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays, rarely missing a game. He could share stats and stories about any hockey or baseball team with ease. He loved having a beer, and in true Peter fashion, he usually chose whatever brand happened to have a prize in the box — a small joy that never failed to make him smile.  

Peter joined the armed forces in 1965 to serve his country. After completing basic training in Gagetown, NB he was deployed to Cyprus in 1966 as part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission.  In 1967, he was part of the Canadian Armed Forces Tattoo and travelled across Canada for performances. The following year, he was posted to the Canadian Airborne Regiment proudly serving as a paratrooper, performing numerous  jumps  during his military career. In December 1970, Peter received an honourable discharge following the sudden passing of his father to take over the family dairy farm. It was a responsibility he embraced wholeheartedly, dedicating the next  39 years to the farm with devotion and hard work. Together, Peter and Coleen built not only a successful farm but a loving home, raising three kids through commitment, resilience and shared purpose - and his heart remained at the centre of everything he did.   

Peter retired from dairy farming in 2009 and took advantage of the time to do things he was unable to do all those years farming. You could often find him in the basement tinkering with inventions or improvements - usually involving a glue gun. He continued to play hockey, hunted and fished, played crokinole weekly, drove grandchildren to the rink or ball fields with Coleen and made several trips driving across Canada to visit family.  He enjoyed many adventures with his female cousins - affectionately known as “Pete’s Tours” -  loading the van and exploring the backroads of southern New Brunswick, where laughter, childhood memories and good stories filled every trip.  In the fall, Peter could be found with an apple peeler in hand, volunteering wherever help was needed to prepare apples for their pie fundraisers.  Whether in uniform, on the farm, at the hockey rink, or around the crokinole board, Peter was happiest when surrounded by family, friends, and neighbours. 

The family sends their heartfelt gratitude to the many healthcare professionals who cared for Peter in recent months. Special thanks to Dows Homecare workers, and  Extramural nurses for their dedication, and especially to Sylvie Dean, whose compassion, professionalism, and kindness brought comfort to Peter, Coleen, and their children during his final weeks. Their support will never be forgotten. 

The family also wishes to thank all those who visited Peter and Coleen, made phone calls, and brought food. Your kindness, presence, and support during this difficult time meant more than words can express.

A special thank you to Jane Folkins, who generously picked up groceries and medications, helped with cleaning, and made sure the bird feeders were always filled. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB, (506) 433-1176. Visitation will take place on Saturday, Aug 8 from 2-4 and 5-7 pm. A funeral service will take place on Sunday, Aug 9 at 11 a.m. from the Wallace Community Chapel. Reception to follow at the family home in Lower Millstream

In Peter’s memory, donations may be made to Extramural Sussex, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Donations and personal condolences may be made through www.wallacefuneralhome.com