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DOUGLAS EARLE HOLMES
Born: Apr 05, 1946
Date of Passing: Mar 10, 2021
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DOUGLAS EARLE HOLMES
April 5, 1946 - March 10, 2021
He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Wendy; daughters, Kristen (Sean), and Heidi (Mike); his beloved granddaughter Holly; his step-granddaughters, Kaitlyn and Gabrielle; his brothers, Lionel (Maureen), Roger, both of Winnipeg and Artha (Anala) of Western Australia; brothers-in-law, Bill (Margo), Gord (Shirley); and his sister-in-law Patty, all of Winnipeg. He will also be missed by his many nieces and nephews. Doug was predeceased by his parents, John Holmes in 1968, and Vera Holmes in 2001; and his dearly loved Aunt Neen in 2007.
Doug fought a valiant battle with Alzheimer's disease for the past few years and Wendy and his daughters were by his side until the end. Doug graduated from Tech Voc High School and then achieved his apprenticeship in automobile mechanics from Red River College. Later in life, he took Business Administration at Red River College with a major in marketing. Doug had a 32-year career at Motor Coach Industries where he was the Contract Administration Manager. Doug retired at 55 years of age when he was the Export Sales Manager.
Doug was the consummate "car guy" and his prized possession was his 1966 Sunbeam Alpine convertible. Doug was also an incredible visual artist and craftsman. He created many beautiful works of art and built many structures throughout the years. Life with Doug was never boring as he constantly strived and worked hard at making a comfortable life for his family. Doug and his family enjoyed many month-long summer road trips from sea to sea because Doug wanted his daughters to appreciate the expanse and beauty of Canada. In 1988 Doug was very proud to purchase a cottage at Devil's Gap on The Lake of the Woods, where we enjoyed all of the aspects of lake life and gained many new friends. One of those friends, Lawrence Homenko, was like a brother to Doug. Doug was very loyal to his immediate and extended families. He was the definition of Dad; strong, loving, and was always there for his daughters whenever they needed him. The birth of Doug's granddaughter Holly gave him a new purpose in life. He was a doting Grandfather and played an active role in Holly's life. He cherished every moment he had with Holly.
Doug was a devoted husband and he and Wendy shared a happy marriage for more than 51 years.
Cremation has taken place and plans for a Celebration of Life are to be determined pending the lifting of Covid restrictions.
Hug the ones you love.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 20, 2021
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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One year has passed since you left us. My heart hurts today just as much as it did at this time last year. I miss you so terribly Daddy. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you and wish you were still here. I love you with every fibre of my being. - Heidi - Posted by: Heidi (daugter) on: Mar 10, 2022
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Doug has been a friend since grade 9 but we were tight through TecVoc. We were in the same room in Second Year. We managed to get into all sorts of fun as teenagers do. I moved to Seattle at the end of second year and lost touch, but was able to reconnect about 1983. We both stayed in the trade until retirement. Doug, it was an honour to know you. I hope that you are at Jack's having coffee with Norm, Harvey, and the lads. Until we meet again, Fred Dallyn. - Posted by: Fred Dallyn (Friend from school) on: Sep 01, 2021
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It is now that I finally realize that you are gone, Dad. I miss you so much. I relied on your wisdom and guidance more than you know. I think about you every day and only hope that you are fully restored to full health and mental fortitude where you are now. I love you so much and vow to Carry on your legacy as best I can. Love Kricky 😘. - Posted by: Kristen Holmes avery (Daughter) on: Apr 25, 2021
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Big Hugs to you Wendy and family. I just learned of Doug's passing and am so, so sorry to hear and sad. Always cheerful in a brilliant way he was and could always put a smile on my face with his greetings. Such a great man which showed in his caring of his family. I always loved how he made Wendy laugh and beam!! Memories will be cherished, it was an honour to meet this beautiful man!! Hugs, Jevne - Posted by: Jevne (Friend ) on: Mar 26, 2021
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Our condolences Wendy to you and your family. I knew Doug for 60 years. We were the best of friends in grade 9. We also kept in touch during the remaining years. My best memories of Doug were the times we spent together during and after school and weekends. Later on we enjoyed double dating & visiting with each other and our respective spouses.We both had a total obsession with cars. We drew them. We read about them and never missed an opportunity to examine them close up. He was a great and loyal friend. I will miss him. - Posted by: Ken MacKenzie (friend) on: Mar 23, 2021
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Wendy and family, sorry for your loss. Doug was a terrific person to know. I will always remember Mr. Holmes. Condolences, Valerie Kostelnick, former recreation worker at Tuxedo Villa - Posted by: Val kostelnick (Friend from tuxedo) on: Mar 21, 2021
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Condolences to Doug's family. I was in the same class at Tec-voc and also the car shop. Doug always had a smile on his face, and knew a lot about cars. May Doug rest in peace. - Posted by: Robert Eng (classmate) on: Mar 21, 2021
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Doug was one of the very few men I have had the great pleasure of knowing that embodied class, hard work, loyalty, and so much more. During one of the darkest days of my life, Doug intently listened to me narrate the impossible situation I was in, and told me precisely what I needed to hear, “I completely understand what you’re going through”. I am thankful for his empathy, grace, and many talents. My only regret is that I did not meet him sooner in my life. You will be missed terribly Doug! I will see you again one day on the other side. - Posted by: Michael (Son-in-law) on: Mar 20, 2021
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So sorry to hear of Doug's passing, and we wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you and your family at this troubling time. The many great memories that you shared will carry you forward in the coming days. Sincerely, Mae and Carl Fisher - Posted by: Mae and Carl Fisher (relatives) on: Mar 20, 2021
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Wendy, Kristen, Heidi, and family, I am so very sorry for your loss but am grateful for the wonderful times you had with Doug. I think my strongest memory of him was being at your place and seeing his train set. That was incredible! Big hugs to all of you. - Posted by: Laura A Kirbyson (Friend of the family) on: Mar 20, 2021
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Dear Wendy and family, our sincere condolences to all of you from our cousins in Ontario. God bless everyone ... Say hi to your cousin Arthur in heaven Doug ... I'm sure you will have a lot to talk about. - Posted by: Karen Holmes-King (2nd Cousin) on: Mar 20, 2021
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Wendy & family, so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. He was a great friend and neighbour (Salisbury Crescent). He will continue to watch over all of you with unlimited LOVE. ALL of our family sends our sincere condolences. - Posted by: Georgie Messner (Neighbor) on: Mar 20, 2021
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To Wendy and extended family, my sincere condolences on the passing your husband and father. Doug was a loyal, hardworking employee of MCI who I admired for his sense of responsibility to his work, his dry humour and personel friendship.. Doug was part of that great "MCI Family" that strived to build its customers the best Buses possible. God Bless. Ron Campbell - Posted by: Ron Campbell (Friend/co-worker at MCI) on: Mar 20, 2021
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A beautifully written tribute. My deepest condolences to all of Doug's family, friends and loved ones. - Posted by: Amber (Friend of family) on: Mar 20, 2021
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Dear Wendy and family, please know that I am sending you warm hugs. I was so sad to hear of Doug’s passing. He certainly was a wonderful man. My mom and dad always spoke very highly of him also. I’m thinking of you all at this very sad time. Love Karen - Posted by: Karen Asgeirson (Dobson) (Friend) on: Mar 20, 2021