Obituary of Douglas Gordon Holmes

Douglas Gordon Holmes passed away at age 78, June 12, 2018 in Hants Community Hospital in Windsor. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones after a long battle with multiple lengthy illnesses. We are grateful to the wonderful medical staff there for the care and attention they provided to Doug. Doug is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Stella (Symes); children Sherry Sinclair, Annette Maynard, Brian Holmes (Penn) and Wanda Holmes. He also leaves behind grandchildren Catherine Sinclair, Sara MacDonald, Juliana Maynard, Christian Maynard, Matthew MacDonald, Konnor Holmes and Johnny Holmes. He grew up in Toronto, ON, the second son of Edward Holmes and Edress Gilcrest. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Jack. He leaves behind brothers Jim Holmes, Bruce Holmes and sisters Carole Bates, Lynda Blackburn, Donna Holmes and Gloria Parkin. Doug was a proud member of the Canadian Armed Services where he served 34 years in the Navy on 13 ships. He also enjoyed his two years working in the reserve program after he retired. Douglas was on the HMCS Kootenay where he was injured in the October 23, 1969 explosion. He always attended the monthly breakfast with the Kootenay crew members and the annual October 23rd memorial services to honor his friends lost at sea on that horrible day. Doug was a proud father and grandfather, devoted and loving husband. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church for more than 50 years. He served as a warden and parish council and is fondly remembered by his friends from church. He was a long-time member of the Sackville Legion. He was an avid golfer, and a passionate bowler. He loved his hockey and baseball. He will long be remembered for his boisterous shouts to the TV during wins and losses of his beloved teams the Blue Jays, the Mooseheads and the Maple Leafs. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 15, 2018 at 2:00 pm in St. John the Evangelist Church, 954 Old Sackville Road, Lower Sackville, followed by reception in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Diabetes Canada. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4P 1B9 (902-679-2822).