Frederick James Holmes
July 16th, 2020
August 11, 1940 - July 16, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce that Fred passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2020 after a long and courageous battle with COPD. Fred was determined and lived through his illness with dignity and strength, with his loving wife, Donna, by his side.
Fred was born in Olds, Alberta and began working hard at a very early age in the off road vehicle industry. He became a shop foreman and worked his way up to General Manager before retiring.
Fred’s passions included fishing in Alaska, camping and sitting by the fire, maintaining a beautiful backyard, holding hands with his wife, helping out on the farm, playing peek-a-boo with his great-granddaughter on facetime, playing crib, looking for recipes to cook together with Donna, going to rodeos, and being a snowbird in Yuma. He was inventive and mechanical, and repaired everything to perfection.
All those who loved Fred will remember his unique expressions that always brought a laugh. He was a very well respected, fair and loving man.
Fred will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Donna; daughter, Debbie; step-children, Lorelei (Rob), Crystal (Randy), and Gary; along with 8 grandchildren, Dustin (Crystal), Brandy, Amber, Erin (Nathan), Lisa, Christine (Tom), Blair (Alex), Trevor (Abbey); and 7 great-grandchildren. Fred was predeceased by his parents, Gilbert & Jeannie; step-mother, Agnes; 3 brothers, Gilbert Jr., Bill, & Stan; and a sister, Muriel.
A Private Service will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 in Calgary. Inurnment will be at the Calmar Cemetery in August.
Messages:
I walked by Fred and Donna's place in Bonita Mesa several times a day. One memory of Fred was that he built the stand for our aquasize instructions so that they would not blow away. I believe we still use it. We have missed Fred and Donna. Our sincere condolences to Donna and Debbie.
Sorry to hear of Freds passing who I considered one of my best friends. We enjoyed many good times working with tracked equipment and hunting and fishing in Canada and Alaska. I am very grateful to have a friend that would take 2 summers away from fishing to help me build a cabin that I enjoy each summer fishing with my kids,grandkids,and friends. I will always have fond memories of the time we spent with Fred and Donna RIP Fred
We had the pleasure to share many winter happy hours with Fred & Donna. Enjoyed Fred's sense of humour,and wisdom to fix things. He will be sorely missed. Til we meet again
Many great memories of teenage years spent in the TVS shop learning how to get my hands dirty and hanging out with the two Fred’s. He was one of the good ones.
We will miss Fred. We had many great times over the years camping, fishing in Alaska and just general bsing . Fly with the eagles Fred!!!
Donna and family, The obituary says it all about what a fine man he was. The picture us exactly how I remember him. We had only moved into our Bonita home across the street a year before he got ill and had to be flown back to Canada. But we always were welcome at the wonderful happy hours and admired his energy. He was always working around the place keeping it meticulous. He will be missed by so many. Prayers to Debbie and girls, too! Hugs and prayers to all. Jeanne & Gregg