(EDMONTON)  The board and staff of the Citadel Theatre are deeply saddened by the passing of prominent Edmonton philanthropist and businessman Harry Hole. He was 91 years young.

Harry Hole was born in Edmonton in 1921, the son of English immigrants. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in civil engineering and served during World War Two as a lieutenant with the Royal Canadian Engineers. After the war, Harry Hole took over the family business and turned Lockerbie and Hole into one of the leading mechanical engineering firms in Alberta.

Well respected for his business skills, Harry Hole also dedicated himself to serving the community, and was a supporter of hospitals, universities, theatres and other organizations in Alberta. Among them was the Citadel Theatre. In 1995, Harry, along with his brothers Ralph, Robert and James F. Hole, donated $5 Million to the Citadel’s Trust Fund. He and his wife Muriel were avid theatre-goers and supporters of the Citadel and its work.

“Running into Harry and Muriel at a play or event was always a treat,” said Citadel Theatre Executive Director Penny Ritco. Harry was a gentleman, wise, caring and always full of praise and encouragement. He will be missed.”

“Harry Hole was a great friend of the Citadel Theatre,” said Artistic Director Bob Baker. “Indeed, he was a strong supporter of many of Edmonton’s core educational and cultural institutions. Harry Hole was a true builder.”

The Citadel Theatre family offers heartfelt condolences to Harry Hole’s widow, Muriel, his daughters, and the rest of the Hole family.