Richard Flensted-Holder

(1942-2025) It is with heavy hearts that the family and friends of Richard Flensted-Holder announce his passing in Toronto on October 6th after a short illness. He was predeceased by his older brother Larry (1948) and survived by his younger brother Brian (Merry Lynn) and niece, Natalie, and her three children, Emerson, Everett and Elliott. Richard was born in Reid’s Point, Kingston Peninsula, NB, in 1942 and spent much of his childhood at the family homestead in Holderville along the St. John River. Richard was a descendant of United Empire Loyalists who were granted Crown land in 1786, establishing Holderville. His mother’s family were part of the Danish migration to Canada that occurred in the late 1920s. His mother and grandmother encouraged Richard’s love of music and opera. He learned to play the violin and played in a symphony orchestra. To honour his Danish family heritage, he added Flensted to his surname. After earning a BA at the University of New Brunswick and teacher qualifications, he moved to Toronto where he took up a position teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) at George Brown College. Richard enjoyed teaching and made many lifelong friends among the ESL faculty. In 1969, Richard purchased a home on Ward’s Island. Despite having a condominium in the city, and later an apartment in New York, the Island remained his spiritual home. One of Richard’s passions was gardening, and he actively reared many species of flowers, including a secret patch of trilliums. As well as having a deep love of music, Richard developed a keen interest in antique silver. In a very short time, he became a recognized expert in the field. Expanding from his base at the Harbourfront Antique Market, Richard became a regular at the premier shows in Toronto, Montreal and New York city. He travelled regularly to New York on business and to enjoy museums, the Metropolitan Opera, and classical concerts. He was generous in sharing his apartment with friends and family. Always an intrepid traveler, Richard was fortunate in later years to be able to take annual cruises with his brother, Brian. Richard had many accomplishments. He was a founding member of the Silver Society of Canada and served as its first president. He was concurrently a member of The Silver Society, in England and the New York Silver Society. Richard enjoyed a wide circle of friends to whom he was very devoted. He will be missed for the special role he had in their lives. His family and friends are grateful to the staff of St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, for the excellent treatment he received. Their medical care was second to none. A Celebration of Life for Richard will take place at 6:30 pm on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at A.H. Wilkens Auctions and Appraisals, at One William Morgan Drive, Toronto, Ontario M4H 1N6 with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Michael’s Hospital, https://stmichaelsfoundation.ca/RichardFlenstedHolder or a charity of your choice.

Richard Flensted-Holder

October 6, 2025