Leslie (Les) Holmes

In loving memory~

The world is left a little less bright as we announce the passing of Leslie (Les) Holmes on May 10, 2024. Dad passed away peacefully at 85 years old.

Les was born September 21, 1938, in Manchester England to Mary and Arthur Holmes. 

Les’s presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew and loved him. 

Throughout his life, Les was known for his courage, entrepreneurial spirit, never taking no for an answer, not being afraid of bending the rules, and his love of music, especially Willie Nelson.  After Les served in the National Service for two years, he married his true love Margaret in 1959. Les and Margaret courageously moved their young family to Canada on the last maiden voyage of the Empress of Canada. Anyone who knew Les knew that he was a hard worker and had an adventurous soul. After a successful career as a realtor, he started to fix up boats, starting small with a twenty-six-foot boat. Les worked his way up to restoring an 83-foot yacht which had half sunk and served in the Normandy Invasion. Les and Margaret ventured on to chartering and delivering yachts around the world. People were in awe and would stop in their tracks watching him dock a yacht with such finesse.  Les enjoyed his travels and experiences with Margaret, cruising the Sea of Cortez in Mexico and making lifelong friends with their guests.

Les had a passion for life, he was a true wanderer and could not sit still for a moment. Whether he was up in the mountains skiing, or on the ocean, riding his Harley throughout the US, shooting pool at the local pub or walking one of his fur babies, unless it was “bloody cold outside” you would see Les and Zoey walking and visiting with his neighbours daily. 

Les took pleasure in sitting on his aft deck enjoying a beer or a scotch, and a cigar with his friends and family.  Les was a dedicated, loving husband, father and loyal friend. Once Les was your friend, he was your friend for life and would be the first to give you the shirt off his back. 

Les’s passion for animals showed in so many ways, he was often referred to as the Dog Whisperer.  Whether it was Zoey, Buddy, or his granddoggies Steeler or Chopper, Les loved having his animals around him. 

Passing on his entrepreneurial spirit to both his children Les was extremely proud of their success.

Les is survived by his family who he loved dearly, his bond with them was a source of strength and support. His wife Margaret Holmes, son Paul Holmes (Marjorie Holmes), daughter Lisa Jane Holmes (Andre VanGameren), and his fur baby Zoey. He was loved by many including his family in England.

He was preceded in death by his older brother Ernie Holmes, older sister Jean Hennis, his youngest sister Christine Craig, and his nephew Darren Holmes. 

The family is very grateful for the love and care given by the staff at Pleasant Valley Manor.

You were the greatest DADDY, and I’ll always be your little girl, I will miss you immensely – Love Lisa 

Enjoy the next cruise MY LOVE – Love Margaret 

The hole you have left will never be filled.
Your spirit and strength will forever be within me.
I will miss you each and every day. Love you always Paul

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-546-7237

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: