It is profound sadness and deep love that we announce the passing of Thomas Leslie “Les” Holmes on June 20, 2021 at the age of 90 years. Les was born January 1, 1931 in Bowsman, Manitoba. He was the youngest and only son of Jim and Doris Holmes. After living on a farm with his family, Les moved to BC where he met his future wife, Beverley Howe.
They were married on June 21, 1958 in St. Andrew’s United Church in North Vancouver, BC. After their marriage, Les and Bev lived in Coquitlam where they raised their 3 children, Debbie, Kathy & Gordon.
Les and Bev made a lot of friends living in Coquitlam, they are life time members of the Port Coquitlam Hunting and Fishing Club. Les loved to fish and hunt, for many years he and his friend Ed Balazs would go up into the interior to hunt game.
After many years of raising their family in Coquitlam, Les and Bev brought their retirement home in September 1987 in Salmon Arm, BC. After 3 years of renting the property, they moved into the home in January 1990. Les and Bev formed close friendships with other BC and Manitoba transplants. They went on several trips to visit family, friends in BC, Alberta and Manitoba. They spent September and October 2001 touring Australia and New Zealand in a RV with Cliff and Joey Bear. With family so far away, Les and Bev loved spending time with Maurice and Marie Taylor and their family, they cherished their time with them.
Les loved living in Salmon Arm, he was not a city boy. When he would come down to the coast to visit family and friends he would turn around and say to Bev, time to go home. He did not like the drive, too many vehicles on the road he would say. Les was an animal lover, for 32 years he had a horse named Missy, he loved walking down to the barn every morning to feed and spend time with her. For 15 years, Les and Bev had a dog named Toby, when they got him, he had all these rules, like no feeding him at the table. Les broke every rule and Toby went everywhere with them.
Les and Bev enjoyed their years living in Salmon Arm, they joined a RV club and became members of the Church of Christ where they made many friends. In January 2018, Les and Bev moved from their home into assistance living in Shuswap Lodge. It was a challenge for Les to be in a small space but he made the best of it and would join in some of the activities. Les loved music, when they would bring in someone to play the piano and guitar, Les would be sitting in a chair tapping his hand and foot to the music.
In January 2019, Les moved back down to Coquitlam until his passing. He is predeceased by his wife Bev of 63 years, his parents Jim and Doris Holmes, his sisters and brother-in-laws, Joan (Norman) and Irene (Jack) and his niece Louise.
He is survived by his children, Debbie (George), Kathy (Jim), Gordon two grandsons Chris and James, and three great-grandchildren, Sienna, Jake and Maverick.
He will be greatly missed by his family as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
A special thank you to the Foyer Maillard Care staff who took so much care of Dad.
Following Dad’s wishes, no service will be held. Remember Les as a man who found joy in the company of family and friends.
Rest in peace Dad and Mom, we love and miss you.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Les Holmes Sunday June 20th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Coquitlam, Province: Colombie britanique