Holmes– Peacefully surrounded by his loving family at St. Joseph’s Hospice, Sarnia, on Monday November 21, 2022. William “Bill” Holmes age 82 years of Mooretown and formerly of Arkona and Arnprior. Beloved husband and best friend for 60 years to Heather. Much loved father of Laura Bradt of Mooretown, Allan Holmes (Tracy) of Corunna and Steven Holmes (Carole) of Forest. Treasured grandfather of Jeffery, Jessica, Shelby, Michael and Jordan and great-grandfather of Dominik, Wyatt, Sebastian, Isabella, Adeline and Aura. He was predeceased by; his parents, Herman and Hazel Holmes and by his brother Douglas Holmes. Bill taught school for over 35 years which included 3 one room school houses in the beginning of his career. He was an avid sailor and will always be loved and will be forever missed by all who knew him. The family wishes to acknowledge and sincerely thank the many who offered care, support and prayer, especially the staff of the 5th floor Palliative Care Team at Bluewater Health, including Dr. Maddison and Dr. MacSweeney. In keeping with Bill’s wishes cremation has taken place and the family held a private committal in Moore-Union Cemetery in Mooretown. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday December 4, 2022 from 1-3 p.m. at the Mooretown Golf Club. In lieu of flowers sympathy may be expressed through memorial donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice, Sarnia. Arrangements entrusted to the Knight Funeral Home, 588 St. Clair Parkway, Corunna. Messages and condolences may be left online @ www.knightfuneralhome.ca Knight 519-862-2845
“No one should ever think that a person loses their fight with disease. In the end the disease is gone! “
9 thoughts on “William “Bill” Holmes”
I have lost a good friend. Over 50 years we talked about many topics… seldom agreeing. Somehow we always recovered our friendship… just in time to disagree about the next random topic.
Bill was a great friend who would always help you out.
I am equally impressed about what a fine family man he was. Steven, Laura and Allan are his wonderful legacy.
R.I.P. friend
Brian
Brian, we can’t thank you enough for all the support you’ve given from the beginning to the end. You and Bill had a special connection though stormy at times it held. Heather, Laura, Allan and Steven
Mr. Bill Holmes made me enjoy school at a time when I didn’t. He was the prototype for what a teacher should be. He knew how to keep his students interested, yet in line. HE WAS A TEACHER. He was there because he loved it, not for the money, not for the time off it would give him but for the joy it gave him. He was highly respected and loved by all the students. It was later on in life that I would have the opportunity and privilege to know him outside of school as a father to Steve and Carole and grandfather to Shelby and Mike. Wow what an honour that was, he was the same joyous, happy and loving man. He passed those and many more wonderful qualities on down the line and they will live on thank goodness. Anyone who had the chance to know him was blessed. I know I was. He will be missed by many 💕
Mr. Holmes was a great teacher, teaching us to respect those around us and the tools we were using, but not to be afraid to take on a challenge. Thankful for this guidance and humour.
Heather, what a lovely message, thank you for your kind words. Sincerely, Heather
Dear Heather and family: We Butler kids have great memories of Bill and you. I remember visiting your place and the evenings would be filled with fun and laughter, especially when Dad and Bill got goofing around. Bill was always kind and gentle with a beautiful smile and he was also very cool with his convertible car! He and Dad shared the love of vehicles 🙂 I’m so sorry for the pain you are enduring and pray for your peace and healing in the days ahead.
Affectionately,
Deb (Butler) Wilson and Nial
We have so many fond memories of Bill and Heather, who were our next door neighbors in Arkona for many years. Often on Saturday mornings, we would hear Bill’s unique staccato knock on our door and would enjoy great visits discussing a wide variety of topics: cars, boats, gardening, making wine, making vinegar, etc,etc. Bill and I were both teachers of technical topics and enjoyed swapping war stories. We, also, enjoyed getting together for dinner and conversation in Arkona, in Goderich , and then in Mooretown. We were particularly impressed with their almost miraculous restoration of their Mooretown home on the St. Clair Parkway. We will greatly miss Bill and will continue to pray for Heather, family and for peace at this time of great loss.
Roy and Susan Hartman
I loved Bill Holmes. We were second cousins through our grandmothers. Our families lived in Arkona, half a block apart. As small children, we often played in the creek that ran through my family’s backyard. As we got older, Bill played mostly with other boys in the neighbourhood; however, he continued to keep room in his life for this girl cousin. He was always thoughtful and kind.
When Bill graduated from Teachers College, he was hired as the principal and teacher at the Klondike School ( a one room school) where I was assigned as the music teacher. My weekly visits were a joy. Bill found humour in everything. We shared many laughs and many stories between the work that needed to be done. The Christmas concert was a highlight of the year. I remember Bill being overjoyed with the success the children had. He was generous and fun.
There are few people who were as kind, fair, loving or generous as Bill Holmes. It saddens me to think of a world without him in it, but it gives me joy to think of the positive impacts he made in his long life. May we meet again.
It wasn’t until Heather and Bill we’re moving to Mooretown that we became friends. Since then we’ve sure enjoyed all the visits dinners etc with them both. Bill was one of a kind and we always enjoyed hearing about his latest endeavour building rowing boats restoring travel trailers etc he would tackle anything. Heather was always his helping hand when needed. We will sure miss him and pray for all of you tomorrow as you celebrate a great life lived to the fullest!