Obituary of Robert Lawrence Holmes

Robert Lawrence Holmes - April 7, 1944 - December 8, 2011 "Larry" to everyone that knew him, left us on December 8th, 2011 after a long struggle with COPD and Heart Disease. An only child, Larry was born in Cumberland, BC to Bob and Helen Holmes. Larry spent his early working years in the Comox Valley, first as a partner in the Searle’s Shoe Stores and then as owner of Stampede Tack Shop. During this time Larry married Jane Bowie and daughter Jennifer was born. On December 14, 1974 Larry married Joan Cliffe and sons Robbie and Ryan soon arrived. Larry's career path changed and he joined the work force at Elk Falls Pulp & Paper mill, successfully completing a Millwright Apprenticeship and enjoying nearly 25 years of employment there. Cattle, sheep, dogs and horses were always a part of Larry and Joan's life and so when the opportunity arose, Larry and Joan fulfilled a long held dream and sold their Black Creek farm and purchased a small ranch in central Alberta. Landing in the Big Valley area on November 1st, 2005 (at a time of year they said they would never move in!) they moved onto the ranch and enjoyed many happy hours with good neighbors and friends. Left to mourn Larry's passing are his wife Joan; daughter Jennifer and her husband Wayne Fitzgerald and their children Jessica, Rachel and Tyler of Courtenay BC; son Robbie and wife Lisa and their sons Carter and Parker of Quadra Island, BC; son Ryan and his wife Kristi and their sons Ethan, Aiden and Kristian of Calgary Alberta; mother in law Inez Cliffe of Comox, BC; sister in law Louise and her husband Dale Blackburn and their sons Trevor and Curtis of Courtenay, BC; brother in law Jim Cliffe, his wife Mitchy and their son Tom of Courtenay BC. Also left to mourn are Larry's special cousins who were like sisters to him, Carole Martin, her husband Brian and their families and Berta Pritchard, her husband Bob and their families. No service by request, Larry was cremated and a family gathering will be held on the ranch this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations in Larry's name may be made to the Heart and Stroke Fund.