Georgian remembers John Holland
Sept. 16, 2025
With heavy hearts and deep gratitude, we share that John Holland — a visionary leader, mentor and champion of automotive education — passed away on Sept. 12.
John was not only a founding member of Georgian’s Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC) — formerly the Canadian Automotive Institute — but also its most enduring champion.
Recognizing the need for an academic institution created by the industry for the industry, John and his colleagues from the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association laid the foundation in 1985 for what would become a national centre of excellence in automotive business education.
John’s passing is a profound loss for our entire community. His vision, leadership and unwavering commitment to automotive education have left an indelible legacy that continues to inspire all of us at Georgian each day. Through the achievements of our students and graduates, his influence and impact will continue to grow for generations to come. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
– Kevin Weaver, President and CEO, Georgian
His contributions weren’t limited to governance. John was a hands-on mentor, regularly visiting ABSC to ensure students received the best possible education.
He was described as “never more than a phone call away,” always ready to support faculty and students alike.
John’s philanthropic leadership was equally impactful. He was a long-time sponsor of two of Georgian’s signature fundraisers, supporting student awards and scholarships.
Through these efforts, he helped make postsecondary education more accessible and fostered student engagement and success.
In recognition of his leadership and generosity, Georgian named a central space at the Barrie Campus the John and Eileen Holland Study Lounge, which continues to serve as a hub for faculty training, student events, and community engagement.
John with family in 2016 at the unveiling of the lounge.
Awarded an Honorary Diploma in 1995 by Georgian for his contributions to automotive education and philanthropy, John’s legacy is one of vision, generosity, and deep commitment to student success.
His leadership helped shape the future of automotive education in Ontario, and his spirit continues to inspire the Georgian community.
As a lasting tribute to John’s impact and enduring commitment to learning, donations to the John and Eileen Holland Award fund benefiting the ABSC are appreciated.
The Georgian flags at the Barrie Campus have been lowered in his memory.