November 17, 1926 – March 13, 2015
Holmes, Owen Foster “Roy” – at his home on Friday, March 13, 2015, in his 89th year. Beloved husband of Shirley and loving father to Gayle, and Paul (Janice). Grandfather to Ryan, Wes and Hilary, and sadly missed by his sister Margurite Lewis. Also missed by his sisters-in-law; Claire McCullough and Beverley Holmes. Predeceased by his brother Rev. Gerald P. Holmes and his twin brother Ross. Roy was a long time employee of Bertram’s in Dundas and Wean United in Cambridge, was a former member of the Dundas Valley Golf and Curling Club, and a member of the RCL Br#36, Dundas. Roy was an active reservist until his retirement, serving as Major with the 8th Field Regiment, Ex- C.O. of the Signals and was with the Medical Corps. Friends will be received by the family on Wednesday afternoon from 12 until the Service for Roy at 1 o’clock at the Cattel, Eaton & Chambers Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas. Cremation has taken place. Expressions of sympathy to the Juravinski Cancer Centre would be appreciated by the family.
Dear Shirley, Gayle, Paul and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Roy’s passing and are thinking about all of you. We hope that you are remembering all of the good times. Take care. Our sincerest sympathy,
John and Carolyn
Dearest Aunt Shirley, Gayle, Paul and family; It is with great sadness to hear of Uncle Roy’s passing. He was so very blessed to have Aunt Shirley and kids at his side throughout his health struggles. Till death due us part was a vow of love and a commitment to look up to. That is something I always did my entire life was look up to my Uncle Roy. He was so very tall. The gentle giant I remember calling him in my little girl days. Height was not something the Cross side of the family shared. However we shared every Christmas day feast for what seems like decades. Uncle Roy way at the end of the long table and us at the kids table watching him slice the turkey and toast the year behind us and the year to come. Aunt Shirley always quick with her hearty laugh and her welcoming smile always gave me a warm fuzzy feeling the moment I entered their home. I can still smell the aroma of Uncle Roy smoking his pipe relaxing after the big dinners quietly taking in his house full of family. I remember Uncle Roy and my dad in full uniform marching in parades and us kids climbing over the tanks at the armories where mom and dad would enjoy many of parties with Uncle Roy and Aunt Shirley. He was so proud of both Gayle and Paul and his grand-kids. The joys of his life. His life was a full calendar of family and friends. Aunt Shirley was his angel and now he is her’s. Many memories to replay and funny little black and white pictures of years gone by. Sadly Uncle Roy will be missed. I loved him so. Gods speed. Love your niece Sandi Cross- Clements
Paul, Jan, Wes, Hilary, Shirley, Gayle and Ryan, our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. Always cherish the fond memories of a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. By all accounts, Roy was a man who positively touched the lives of many he knew in his work, military and personal life. All our love, Ron and Deb.
Uncle Roy’s nephews and niece–me, my brother Stuart and my sister Beth–happened to be together out here in Salmon Arm, B.C. when we got the sad news. We all want to extend our deepest sympathy to Aunt Shirley and the family. Having lost our dad, Roy’s brother Gerry, just two years ago, we remember how much the love and support of others was a blessing and source of strength, and we wish the same for you all. In fact, we last saw Uncle Roy at our father’s funeral and Roy was looking so good. Aunt Shirley looked fabulous, as usual. They were both so warm and kind to us. We wish we’d been able to see more of you over the years. May peace and the comfort of family and friends be with you now and always, your nephew, Steve Holmes
On behalf of the Hamilton Signals Association we offer our condolences to Roy’s family on his passing. Roy was a former CO of the Signals in Hamilton. His Morse key is silent. Anne-Louise Vick Vice President of HSA.
Dear Shirley & Family,
As a sister who loses a father, its really the hardest trial we will ever have to go through in life, but what we can do is remember our most” fondest” moments and memories with our Dads! Like the holidays in Madiera, where we spent time at the pool and fishing with Roy catching the elusive ray, unique puffer fish and the enjoyment of fishing which continues to this day. Thanks Roy! This time will always be remembered. Roy was a wonderful ” family” man and we will cherish and remember the good old times With heavy hearts,
Sincerely and lots of love,
Sue & Al