Donald Robert Holloway

Don was born in Castor, Alberta, on July 27th, 1948, to Dave and Nancy Holloway. He grew up working on the farm from a very young age with brothers, Lyn, Ray, Phil, Les, and Nelson; and sisters, Sheila and Beth. Don developed his work ethic here on the farm, starting with chores. Milking cows, working in fields, picking rocks, cooking at home, harvesting the garden, and that was usually all before breakfast… at least if he's telling it. Truthfully, the Holloway family worked very hard, all day, every day, to get things done. Except on Sundays, when milking in the dairy was the only work that had to be done.

He did all of his years of grade school in Castor and after graduating, went to Berean Bible College in Calgary. It was there that he was encouraged to become a pastor, even though speaking in front of people made him extremely nervous at the beginning.

After finishing his theological education, he worked many different jobs before becoming a pastor at an actual church. He drove taxi in Calgary, did seismic work in Rainbow Lakes, house framing in the Yukon, worked at camp Homewood, and was back at the family farm to help out when necessary.

Don was called to become the pastor of Arrowood Gospel Church in 1970, his first official role as a pastor, which lasted for 10 years. During which he also drove a school bus and a grain truck. It was here that he met Cheryl, and they were married in 1972. Cameron and David were born while they lived in Arrowwood before moving to Claresholm in 1980. Barry and Michelle were added to the family during this time, and Dad pastored another 10 years at Faith Community Baptist Church. In 1990, the family moved to Fort St. John, BC, and Dad became the pastor at Calvary Baptist Church. Moving so far away from family was a difficult challenge, but as in all of the communities, our family quickly built many strong relationships that have lasted all these years.

Don received the diagnosis of a cancer tumour in 2003, which was the start of a long battle leading to months in the intensive care unit in the U of A Hospital. God chose to heal him at that time, and after a long period of rehabilitation, he returned to the church and continued his ministry. In 2010, Don retired from ministry after 40 years. Don and Cheryl moved to an acreage outside of Medicine Hat, AB. Ever the pastor, he took an interim role at Heights Baptist Church for a short time. In 2023, Don and Cheryl moved to their current home in Arrowwood. Don had another bout with cancer and chemotherapy, leaving him with congestive heart failure. God gave him the strength for just a little more time together.

Don spent his entire life working hard and serving others. He loved Jesus, his wife Cheryl, his children, their spouses, and his 14 grandchildren. His purpose was to share the love and gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone, and he would start up conversations with complete strangers regularly. If Don ever did anything to help you or give encouragement, it was because he cared for you and wanted to honour Christ in his actions towards others.

A livestream of the service being held on Thursday, August 7, 2025 @ 1:00 PM can be seen here:  https://facebook.com/events/s/don-holloway-funeral/2467397200283972/