HOLLIS Alton “Al” Wardrope
Age 96 – Central Onslow, passed away peacefully at his Onslow, N. S. home Friday, April 26, 2019. Born in Springhill, N. S. on January 25, 1923, he was the son of the late John Campbell and Anna Pearl (Letcher) Hollis. Al served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII. After the war, he attended Business College in Moncton. His outgoing personality and drive served him well as he began 72 years in the automotive industry. His venture in the car business began with a small used car operation and a British Hillman car dealership in Springhill, later taking on a subfranchise for Ford. During the late 50’s he relocated to Moncton, N.B. and opened a small Plymouth franchise. With the opportunity to acquire the local Ford franchise, he co-founded Fundy Ford with business partner, Doug Casey. The enterprise grew into a string of dealerships across New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. During a vacation to Fort Lauderdale in 1964, he
decided to sell his interests in the automotive business to his partner and “retire” to sunny Florida with his young family. After a year of beach and golf, Al got itchy to get back into the car business and created a fleet division for one of the largest Chrysler Plymouth dealerships in the U. S. Following a successful decade in business in the US, the family moved to Truro, N. S. where he opened Truro Chrysler Plymouth, followed by a partnership in a Lincoln Mercury franchise, and finally opening Hollis Ford in 1990. An avid singer, Al was a member of various barbershop quartets and choirs for over 75 years. During the 50’s, he and his quartet, “The Major Chords,” won numerous championships in competition. He was also a member of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA) for 61 years, serving as the Fort Lauderdale branch president for several years, and remained active both singing and participating well into his eighties. Al was also one of the three founding members of PAPPYS (Presidents and Past Presidents of Your Society). He travelled to Australia, New Zealand and twice to Russia promoting Barbershop music through their Ministry of
Culture. It was not unusual for Al to “break out into song” just about anywhere. During his first “retirement,” Al worked with mentally challenged youth as a volunteer. As a business leader, Al was a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Truro and active in their community projects. He had the unique distinction of sponsoring the first female member of the Rotary Club of Truro and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Award; one of the highest honors Rotary can bestow in recognition of outstanding contributions, exemplifying the highest ideal in Rotary. Placing service above self. He practiced the Rotary 4-way test in his daily life. Truth, Fairness, Goodwill & Friendship. Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendship? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? In 1996, Al received the Hometown
Achievement Award from his hometown of Springhill. In his acceptance speech, he urged all new and budding entrepreneurs to be persistent, willing to work hard and “don’t always take no for an answer.” Other community involvement included volunteering for the local diabetes organization, personally transporting those without means to and from clinics for treatment and was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He was recognized by the VON for his
fundraising efforts. While living in Moncton, he was a chartered member of Mount Royal United Church and was instrumental in helping to provide a permanent building for the Church. Al traveled extensively including a four-month trip around the world in 1977. He remained active traveling into his 93rd year when a stroke slowed him down slightly. A man in perpetual motion, he continued to enjoy day trips in the car and attended music sessions several times a week.
The family wishes to acknowledge the various care givers that allowed Alton to enjoy his last years in the comfort of his own home including Donna Ross, Marion Stoddart and Terri Lynn Mcnutt and family friend Annette Henderson, who have been steadfast and stayed the course along with the Victorian Order of Nurses, Continuing Care, Dr. Michael Murray and Dr. Amanda Webster. He was predeceased by his wife, Norma (Hall); son, Gary; sisters, Lucy and Dorothy and brothers, Almer and Cyril. He is survived by his sons, Rick Hollis (Tammi), John Hollis (Margaret), his daughter, Margo Mills (Dave), Susan Hollis (daughter-in-law), Joyce Hoeg (sister-in-law); grandchildren, Ben Hollis, Lauren Hollis, Sara (Mills) Macisaac and several nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held as per his wishes. Arrangements have been entrusted to Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro. A Celebration of Life will be posted at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to VON, Colchester Community Workshop, Onslow Belmont Fire Brigade or Rotary International. Online messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.colchestercommunity. com.