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
So sad to read this news,
Les was a true English Gentleman, he will be missed by many, much love to Margret and his family.
Stuart and Rachael
Fort Lauderdale
Les will be sorely missed by us. He was certainly one of a kind. His exuberant personality made for the best conversations. Les was such a fascinating person and kept you captivated with his life stories, always with excitement and humor.
Our deepest condolences to the Holmes family and all he touched.
My very dear father-in-law, I will miss our chats and your smile. There will never be another Les Holmes, anyone that had the opportunity to know Les was very fortunate. You will be dearly missed xxx
Dear Margaret,
Seeing this announcement leaves me sad for all of you who will have such an emptiness in your hearts and
being. The gang is really gathering in heaven and soon we can all reunite for a grand celebration of all the adventures that were shared.
know of my love and prayers for each of you. Hugs too, Beth
To Margaret..Paul and Lisa…Les was the best.. very generous ..and a great friend to all…I have many ..many excellent memories of fun times..He was a great confidante and totally trustworthy…We all benefitted knowing Les….My family and I will miss him…Our Condolences to you all….Ian Rowland..
There are friends and there are special friends and Les was very special to us. We have spent some wonderful quality time with him and Margaret and are grateful for that. We have always considered the Holmes family as part of ours. He was definitely one of a kind and when we think of him it will always make us smile as we reminisce about some of the things that he got up to.
Hugs and love,
To our Canadian family; Margaret, Paul and Lisa, our sincere heartfelt condolences go out to you. We know mum would have been truly saddened were she still here to express it. Uncle Les, you shall be missed and remembered with fondness. With much love , Tara and Eugene
So I’m very sad you’ve lost your dear dad. Sending your entire family lots of love and sympathy during this sad time and always!
Your dad looked to be a true gentleman and wonderful family man to Margaret, Paul and yourself ❤️
Stuart Henderson & Lawanda Cederholm Henderson says:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family!!!! Les will be missed but still lots of love will be with you always!!!! Hugs to you and the family!!!
Les took me and my wife, Julia, on a cruise in the Baja many years ago. It was one of my “life experiences and we were always thankful to Les and Maragret. I played pool with Les, too, and he cleared the slate. Very embarrassing for an old pool shark. Hope your trip over the Divide is a good one. Les was one of the “good one’s.”
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Comments: 15
So so sad, Les will never be forgotten
💗 love too you all
So sad to read this news,
Les was a true English Gentleman, he will be missed by many, much love to Margret and his family.
Stuart and Rachael
Fort Lauderdale
Les will be sorely missed by us. He was certainly one of a kind. His exuberant personality made for the best conversations. Les was such a fascinating person and kept you captivated with his life stories, always with excitement and humor.
Our deepest condolences to the Holmes family and all he touched.
Our deepest condolences on the loss of a wonderful man, Husband, Father, friend.
RIP Les💖🙏🥹
My very dear father-in-law, I will miss our chats and your smile. There will never be another Les Holmes, anyone that had the opportunity to know Les was very fortunate. You will be dearly missed xxx
Dear Margaret,
Seeing this announcement leaves me sad for all of you who will have such an emptiness in your hearts and
being. The gang is really gathering in heaven and soon we can all reunite for a grand celebration of all the adventures that were shared.
know of my love and prayers for each of you. Hugs too, Beth
To Margaret..Paul and Lisa…Les was the best.. very generous ..and a great friend to all…I have many ..many excellent memories of fun times..He was a great confidante and totally trustworthy…We all benefitted knowing Les….My family and I will miss him…Our Condolences to you all….Ian Rowland..
There are friends and there are special friends and Les was very special to us. We have spent some wonderful quality time with him and Margaret and are grateful for that. We have always considered the Holmes family as part of ours. He was definitely one of a kind and when we think of him it will always make us smile as we reminisce about some of the things that he got up to.
Hugs and love,
To our Canadian family; Margaret, Paul and Lisa, our sincere heartfelt condolences go out to you. We know mum would have been truly saddened were she still here to express it. Uncle Les, you shall be missed and remembered with fondness. With much love , Tara and Eugene
So I’m very sad you’ve lost your dear dad. Sending your entire family lots of love and sympathy during this sad time and always!
Your dad looked to be a true gentleman and wonderful family man to Margaret, Paul and yourself ❤️
So sorry for your loss Lisa. I can see from reading his obituary where you get your sprit for life from. 🥰🙏
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family!!!! Les will be missed but still lots of love will be with you always!!!! Hugs to you and the family!!!
So sorry the hear of your dad’s passing! Our condolences to all of your family!
From Andrew & Jane Bennett
So grateful to have known him throughout my childhood. May he be at peace. 🤎Sending love and hugs to you all.
Les took me and my wife, Julia, on a cruise in the Baja many years ago. It was one of my “life experiences and we were always thankful to Les and Maragret. I played pool with Les, too, and he cleared the slate. Very embarrassing for an old pool shark. Hope your trip over the Divide is a good one. Les was one of the “good one’s.”
Cheers, Bill.