July 24, a warm sunny morning as the sun peaked above the horizon to start a bright day, William “Bill” Alden Holmes made his final life’s journey where there was no more pain and suffering at the age of 80. His life on earth as a kind, gentle, fun-loving and giving soul was over.
Tires were Bill’s life. He started in the tire industry at the age of 16 first working for his uncle Morris for 7 years, then for his brother Gerald Holmes for the next 44 years. He moved to the Miramichi in 1982 as a traveling tire salesman before taking the position of manager at Miramichi Tire.
Bill embraced his new life on the Miramichi with the many activities he loved 4-wheeling, fishing, hunting and snowmobiling. Traveling and new adventures were also a favorite of his especially when shared with family and friends. A great time was had when he met with all the “boys” for Saturday morning breakfast at the Kingsway, catching up on the local news.
Bill was a proud big brother and often had his little brother on family vacations and outings. Patches and Benji were his constant companions. His “Buddies” went everywhere with him.
After retirement, Bill travelled as much as he could until Parkinson’s dictated, he could no longer do so. A stroke robbed Bill of the last 3 years of his independence.
Bill is predeceased by his parents Burton and Dorothy Holmes; sister and brother-in-law: Marie and Doug Lowther; nephew Mark Lowther; step-son: Kerr Martin Jr and mother-in-law: Dorothy Mountain.
Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 39 years Dianne Holmes; son: David (Anne); daughter: Patti-Gail Page (Darren); step-children: Valerie O’Hearn (Stephen); Cheryl Carroll (Walter) and Daryl Martin. He also leaves behind his treasured grandchildren: Crystal, Garret, Colin, Donovan, Bryce, Jeremy, Krista, Lyndsay, Alison, Joshua, Rachelle and several great grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers: Gerald Holmes (Marg) and Donald Holmes (Ann) and several nieces and nephews.
You will be greatly missed. Now ride your bike and go sledding. Catch the biggest fish you can. Be successful in hunting. Enjoy the things you missed out on that your body robbed you of. Until we meet again, my love, you are always in my heart.
The family will receive visitors at Bell’s Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 from 4-8 PM. The funeral service will be held from the Sterling Bell Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at 2 PM with Rev. Willard Watling officiating.
In Bill’s memory, donations may be made to Parkinson’s Society or to a memorial of one’s choice. Messages of condolence can be sent through our website: www.bellsmeadows.com
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Bell’s Funeral Home, 651 King George Highway, Miramichi, NB. Telephone: 506-622-3600
2022
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de William Bill Holmes 2022..
bell’s & meadows funeral homes
Décès pour la Ville: Miramichi, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick