Obituary of Bill Holmes

May 19, 1937 - Gananoque, Ontario

October 17, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

I would say I love you from the bottom of my heart, but for you my heart has no bottom –unknown

Bill Holmes, beloved husband, father, and Papa, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at the age of 86 years.

Bill grew up in Brechin, Ontario, a small town on the shores of Lake Simcoe, as the only child of Edith and Dorsey, who ran the local grocery store. This childhood instilled his strong work ethic that he maintained throughout his life. 

Bill was a huge believer that education opened doors and opportunities and after going to technical college, he went on to the University of Waterloo where he received a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.  He enjoyed all aspects of his professional life that included creating state of the art systems for buildings across Canada.  It was also important for him to give back to his profession and he did this through his association with ASHRAE as well as sharing his knowledge through teaching at SAIT.  It was a rewarding career.

His time in Waterloo provided more than an education. It was while attending university; he met the woman who became the love of his life.  Bill met Jane in 1961 when he was 24 years old and spent the next 62 years of his life being happiest when by her side.

Bill and Jane moved west from Toronto to Calgary in 1974 and this was where they raised their family. They quickly made life long friends through their joint enjoyment of community service, entertaining, and playing bridge.  The house was always full of laughter and fun. 

Bill enthusiastically shared his love of sports, science fiction, a good crime thriller, and the great outdoors with his children and grandchildren. He was the one who loved nothing more than knowing that everyone was enjoying themselves. He was the man that taught us to swim, to ski, to fish, to hunt, to golf, and to treat others with respect no matter who they were. We were beyond lucky to have him in our life.

When the dementia that stole him from us started getting worse, the conversations got shorter, but his spirit never faltered, and his sweet nature shone through. He remained the same jovial, sweet, funny man who loved to have his Jane by his side and found joy through the smiles on his grandchildren’s faces.

Besides his beloved Jane, Bill is survived by his daughter Kelly (Leon) from Ottawa; his sons Chris (Jackie) from Calgary and Geoff (Laura) from Whitehorse. His smile was brightest when with his cherished grandchildren Cale (Brenna), Megan, Noah, Jonah, Grey, and Teslyn.

In honouring his wishes, no formal funeral or memorial service will be held. The family will have a private Celebration of Life at a later date.  Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Bill’s family here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14^th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca or a charity of your choice. 

In living memory of Bill Holmes, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.