Dr Robert C. Holmes
January 26, 1927 - January 24, 2017
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Dr Robert C. Holmes
January 26, 1927 - January 24, 2017
Obituary
Dr. Robert Clarence Holmes passed away in Bellingham, Washington on January 24, 2017. He was a man of great faith and love for his family.
A lifelong resident of Bellingham, Bob was born January 26, 1927, to parents Dora and Clarence Holmes. He had one younger brother, Donald. He graduated from Bellingham High School, then served as a Seaman First Class in the United States Navy on Guam in WWII. He then continued his studies at Washington State University, Western Washington University, and Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR, where he earned a Doctor of Optometry degree. He was married to the love of his life, wife Marjorie (Knutzen) Holmes for sixty-six years before her passing in 2014.
Dr. Holmes established his practice as an optometrist in 1951. He was an active member of the Bellingham Central Lions Club, and a lifelong member of Central Lutheran Church and St. John’s Lutheran Church. Bob and Marjorie were the loving parents of five children.
Bob was an avid salmon fisherman and golfer. He loved family outings, cruises, and playing canasta, pinochle, and bridge. He was a talented woodworker and singer; he sang in the choir at Central Lutheran for many years.
He was preceded in death by his wife Marjorie, and his brother Donald Holmes. He is survived by his five children, Patricia Lawson, Dori (Bob) Sagen, Sally (Steve) Frease, Dr. Denis (Sandra) Holmes, Jill (Don) Hoyt, nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Private burial with full military honors at Greenacres Memorial Park; a public memorial will be held on Saturday, February 11, at 1:00pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Cornwall Ave. Memorials may be directed to Lutherwood Bible Camp or St. John’s Lutheran Church.
The family would like to thank Bob’s loving caregivers at Summit Place Assisted Living and Circle of Life Caregiver Cooperative for their exceptional care of Dad.
Memorial Service
- Date & Time: February 11, 2017 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: St Johns Lutheran Church
- Location: 2530 Cornwall Ave Bellingham, WA 98225 - (Get Directions)
4 responses to Dr Robert C. Holmes
Margerie Cowan and Family says:
January 24, 2017
We are all so sorry of the passing of a great man. He was such wonderfulperson to know. We have many memories of Bob, as our mother worked for
Dr. Holmes for many years and we all got the pleasure of knowing the family.
Dr. Holmes was a kind patient person. We send our
deepest and sincerest condolences to the family.
The Cowan Family
Anna Carlson says:
January 24, 2017
I feel like another part of my youth has gone with the passing of Dr. Holmes. I first went to see him in the mid 50s when I was in high school. I continued on with him and his son Denis until recently. He was always friendly and kind and I never had any question about getting the proper glasses. I wear glasses to this day and often think of him as I put them on in the morning. He made my life better and I will remember him in my prayers. RIP
Cindy Rall says:
January 24, 2017
Remembering our friend & eye doctor with sympathy to the family. Eloise Rall, Gordy Tweit, as well as Eloise’s daughter Cindy.
Norma says:
January 24, 2017
What a great person and what a great personality. Always looked forward when it was time for new glasses. Which I need again, where is Denis!! Received no letter letting me know where he went. Dr. Holmes was very special and always happy. God Bless You All! Norma