Obituary of Phyllis Grace HOLGATE (nee McGrandle)

April 11, 1918 – Astoria, Oregon
January 1, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Phyllis Holgate of Calgary, AB, passed away in her home Friday, January 1, 2021, at the age of 102 years, her family was with her.

Phyllis was born on April 11, 1918, in Astoria, Oregon. She was a wonderful businesswoman and hairdresser. She ran her own businesses in Calgary for fifty-six years, and then worked with her family for an additional twenty years, completing her last client’s style at the age of ninety-nine. Phyllis was an active member of the International Toastmistress Club of Calgary for many years. She also had a passion for hairdressing, serving on the apprenticeship board of Examiners for over twenty years. She fought to raise the cosmetology standards in AB and was instrumental in setting up the apprenticeship program. Education was important to her. Beginning in the 1940’s Phyllis went every year, for two weeks in March, to New York or Chicago to study, train or compete. She was a graduate of the “HARPER Method” and Pivot Point, studying under the founder, Leo Passage. Phyllis was also a Master Judge with the Canadian Hairdressers Association achieving her Crystal Level of Honours and her Lifetime Achievement in 1997.

Phyllis is survived by her daughter Myra Sanders (Don), her son Douglas Holgate, grandchildren, Pamela Spencer and Frances Sanders; and great-grandchildren, Amanda Temple (Jason), James Spencer and Danny Spencer. She was predeceased by her husband Frank in 1977, and her son David in 2016.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Phyllis’ obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Phyllis Holgate, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.