Lieutenant-Colonel Brendan O’Donnell Hollis
Lieutenant-Colonel Brendan O’Donnell Hollis, O.B.E., E.D.
We regret to announce the passing of Lieutenant-Colonel Brendan O’Donnell Hollis, O.B.E., E.D., beloved husband of the late Barbara Hollis, on April 10, 2022 at the age of 91, at Okotoks, Alberta, Canada. Colonel Hollis is survived by his daughter Nancy [Andrew]; sons Steve [Suzanne], Roger [Cindy], Peter [Becky] and Kevin [Gillian]; grandchildren Austin, Ashly, Robin, Thomas, Benjamin, Daniel, Matthew, Leigh, Cara and Victoria; and great grandchildren Alba, Asher and Lillianna.
A sixth generation Bermudian, Colonel Hollis had a deep love for Bermuda and its history. Regarded as one of Bermuda’s leading historians, he is perhaps best known for the television documentary series About Bermuda in which he delved into the island’s history, culture and environment. The series was acquired by the Bermuda Government and is now housed in the Bermuda National Archives and televised locally.
Colonel Hollis served as the Commanding Officer of the Bermuda Regiment from 1977 to 1980 and was instrumental in establishing a role for women in the Regiment. In 1965, he was awarded the British Military Efficiency Decoration for Meritorious Service and in 1980 was honoured by Her Majesty the Queen with the award of one of Britain’s highest honours, the OBE [Officer of the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of The British Empire].
Active in public and community affairs, Colonel Hollis was a Justice of the Peace and served as a member of the Public Service Commission, the Bermuda Government Archives Advisory Council and as Chairman of the Bermuda Government Broadcasting Commission. He served as Chairman of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute and President of the Bermuda Historical Society and the St. George’s Rotary Club. Colonel Hollis served on numerous other government boards and committees, including the Board of Works, Agriculture and Fisheries; Lands and Buildings Advisory Committee; Marine and Ports Authority; Agriculture Advisory Committee; and the Defence Board. He chaired committees of the Bermuda National Trust, the Bermuda Maritime Museum, and the Chamber of Commerce. In addition to numerous public speaking and lecture engagements, Colonel Hollis completed over forty international tours on cruise ships as a guest speaker.
Upon retiring, Colonel Hollis and his wife, Barbara, moved to Florida for a number of years and then to Alberta where they lived with their daughter Nancy and her family. Bermuda was always “home” for him he never stopped learning about its interesting history.
Plans for a memorial service in Bermuda will be announced at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family at bodhollis@gmail.com.
