Victor Monty Holding

Obituary: Victor Monty Holding

Sept 26, 1944 – Jan 23, 2026

Monty was a 2nd generation Victorian who grew up with younger sister Vickie (Randy) Hendricks and a large clan of cousins. Parents Vic & Agnes (Stringer) built a home in the Jubilee area and Monty attended Oaklands, Lansdowne & Oak Bay High Schools. He was a superb athlete and excelled at swimming, attending U of Oregon on a swimming scholarship graduating in 1967. Monty had an early career working in aquatics both in public recreation and as a swim coach. He moved to administration following completion of a Master’s Program at UVic in 1981. Monty was a great role model and mentor to many in the recreation field and held leadership positions at Panorama and Juan de Fuca Rec Centres. After retiring from public recreation Monty worked as a consultant and volunteered on boards at the Municipal and Provincial level. Monty was well known as a triathlete in the 1980’s and he competed and held age group records in 7 Ironman distance races. He was a humble champion who set high standards for himself and quietly encouraged the best in the younger athletes who looked up to him. After his triathlon career he continued to make fitness a priority and was a regular at the Oak Bay Early Bird swim. Monty took up golf on his 50th birthday and enjoyed 27 years golfing at Uplands and many golf vacations in warmer spots.

In 1978 Monty joined the large Forsyth clan when he and Lollie eloped to Hawaii. Along with his 3 Hendricks nephews he became a favorite uncle to 12 additional nieces and nephews. Family events and celebrations were always the centre of our social life, and he joined in enthusiastically (except for charades & cards).

Monty and Lollie had an early retirement and enjoyed extensive travel adventures around the world. Monty was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2020 and tackled it with the same determination and resilience he had displayed in all aspects of his life. He was able to stay at home with the support of a team of helpers until he lost his mobility in 2025. He accepted his new home at The Summit and was a calm compliant guy who had a big smile for his kind care givers. The family is very grateful for the excellent care Monty received during the year Tulip House was his home.

A celebration of Monty’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on February 15th at Uplands Golf Club on 3300 Cadboro Bay Rd. In lieu of flowers consider a donation the Elder Care Foundation or The Alzheimer's Society