February 25, 1936 – Olds, Alberta
November 6, 2019 – Brooks, Alberta
It is with extreme sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Ross Cornell Holmes in a motor vehicle accident on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at the age of 83 years.
Ross was born February 25, 1936 in Olds, Alberta. Ross rode his horse to school at Hainstock and then graduated from high school in Red Deer. After high school he worked various jobs to supplement his new farming venture. He hauled explosives in northern Alberta, was a telephone repairman and had various jobs in the oil and gas industry. In 1970, he married Sharon Billeter and they had three children, Barbara, Roger and Jeff. Ross and Sharon worked very hard together on the farm and enjoyed every minute of it. Ross was particularly proud of the fact that the Holmes family has continuously owned and farmed the land his Grandfather homesteaded one hundred and twenty-five years ago. As with most farmers, retirement was an unknown concept for Ross who, at eighty-three, was still very active on the family farm, helping his sons with their cattle and grain operations. He was always very safe and meticulous in everything he did and was known for doing the right thing. Ross always had time to stop and visit; everyone enjoyed his genuine and friendly sense of humour.
In his earlier years Ross played football, baseball and hockey. After that it was curling, golf and activities with the grandchildren. This included cards, board games, quad rides, sledding and skating. He always enjoyed participating in activities with his family and extended family. Family picnics, fishing trips and road trips were favourites. Ross has always been a big CFL football fan (Calgary Stampeders), but also enjoyed watching most sports. Ross was able to fix and repair almost anything that stopped working - from the grandchildren’s toys and household problems to tractors, trucks and farm machinery.
Ross was a lifelong, active member of the Hainstock Community and a Founding Member of the Lions Club in Olds. Ross and Sharon were also active members with the St. Stephen’s Catholic Church and lately have volunteered many hours with Meals on Wheels.
Ross is survived by his wife of forty-nine years, Sharon, their three children, Barbara (Darren) Hagel of Calgary, Roger (Tara) Holmes of Olds, Jeff (Barb) Holmes of Olds; their eight grandchildren, Brendan, Caleb and Adam Hagel; Kody, Charlise, Carly-Rae and Jackson Holmes; and Jessica Holmes. He is also survived by his sister Norma (Bob) Clark of Carstairs, brothers, Dale Holmes of Olds and Colin (Silvana) Holmes of Red Deer; and his brother-in-law Jerry (Chris) Billeter of Macomb, Illinois, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed by many neighbours, friends and extended family. Ross was predeceased by his parents, Hazel and Norval Holmes, his sister-in-law Irene and Sharon’s parents, Bernard and Susan Billeter.
Funeral Mass information to follow. Condolences may be forwarded through www.McInnisandHolloway.com.
A tree will be planted in living memory of Ross Holmes. McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
