Albert Hollinger

Other Events:

• Interesting: education
• Military: WW2
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-320445
• Residence: 1921, 17 Eby St. N., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Notes:

A Remembrance and Celebration of the Life o Albert Charles Hollinger, Sr. Albert Charles Hollinger, Sr. passed away on Thursday, October 11, 2007, at the Rosewood Nursing Facility in Harker Heights, Texas. Mr. Al Hollinger was born in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada on October 14, 1917, to Charles and Elizabeth Wagner Hollinger. He graduated from the Kitchener Collegiate Institute and also served in the 229th Battalion of the Scots Fusilier Canadian Army for five years. Mr. Al Hollinger pursued his interest in Music by attending and teaching at the Sherwood Music Conservatory in Chicago, Illinois. After becoming an American citizen, "Al" continued his education and teaching at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. His musical training culminated with a Master's Degree in Music at the University of Houston and the Conservatory of Music in Houston, Texas. While instructing music classes at the University of North Texas, he met and fell in love with a student who was to become his wife. On November 6, 1942, Al and Hazel Mae Taylor married in Ft. Worth, Texas. Al and Hazel continued to "make music together" for over 60 years until Hazel's death. Mr. Al Hollinger continued to teach music and was the high school band director at Longview and then Kilgore High Schools. While serving as the Kilgore Band Director, Al mentored and taught Van Cliburn. Al was honored to learn of Van Cliburn's acceptance into New York's Julliard School of Music after recommending Van Cliburn to the program. One of Al's greatest joys was pianist Van Cliburn's later international success and fame. Al cited Van Cliburn as," the pride of my professional life." In a note to Mr Hollinger in May of 2005, Van Cliburn wrote, "How well and fondly I remember your kindness and virtuosic playing of the clarinet. Thank you for the wonderful time in the Kilgore High School band. You have my continued appreciation and warm wishes." In 1956, business opportunities brought Al, Hazel, and their three children to Killeen. Al owned, operated, and developed the Killeen Credit Bureau. The bureau was family owned and managed until it was purchased from Charles Hollinger by Experian International Financial Services Group in 2003. Passion for music and community involvement continued as Al transitioned from Professor of Music to Killeen businessman. He initiated the funding and presentation of the "Arian Award" to outstanding local high school musicians. This tradition began in 1957 and continues today as son, Charles, presents these awards in K.I.S.D. high schools. This passion for Music and the Arts led Al and Hazel to inaugurate the Community Concert Series' Program, in conjunction with a small group of Killeen visionaries. This pro-gram ultimately led to the formation of the "Vive Les Arts Society", which has continued to enliven and promote the appreciation of the fine arts in Central Texas. Through the Hollinger's work with the Community Concert Series, they enjoyed hosting Guy Lombardo and his orchestra in their Harker Heights home. For over fifty years, Mr. Hollinger continued his active support and involvement with several Killeen organizations. He was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church and served on numerous committees. He also enjoyed membership in the Killeen Noon Lion's Club, the Harker Heights 55-up Club, the Gilmore Senior Center and the Wally Byam Caravan Club. A variety of hobbies and interests kept Mr. Hollinger busy. They included: Air-Stream RV travel, genealogy, historical-religious research, and domestic and foreign travels. Al and Hazel traveled the world together and delighted in travels to Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, and Africa. Touring the pyramids in Egypt and a steamboat ride down the Amazon were highlights of their explorations abroad. Mr. Hollinger was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Hazel, on July 18, 2003. Survivors,ioclude two sons, pharles Hollinger and wife, Lynda, and Robert "Bob" Hollinger and wife, Sherry, both of Killeen; one daughter, Carolyn Evans and husband, Peter, who reside in Ashland, Kentucky; five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Al's energy, wit, and love of life and music will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 15th at 3:00pm at the Grace Lutheran Church on Trimmier Road in Killeen. Memorials may be made to the Grace Lutheran Church building fund, the Lion's Club camp in Kerrville, Texas, the Lion's Club "Sight First" campaign, and to the K.I.S.D. high school music programs.