Phillip Michael Holmes

Phillip Michael “Mike” Holmes of Austin passed away on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at his home after a brief, but brave and courageous battle with cancer. He was where he wanted to be, at home, with his loving wife and family. Mike was born January 1, 1947 in Texarkana, Arkansas to Ferris MacAdoo Holmes and Jane Lee Howard. Mike served in the Army and served in the Vietnam War. He moved to Austin in 1970 where he became active in the bowling community. He was an accomplished bowler with several sanctioned 300 games. He met many friends at Capitol Bowl including the love of his life, Donna Passons. He was especially fond of the wonderful people he met in the Friday Night Jets league. He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Donna Passons, his brother Patrick Holmes and his wife Sue, his sister Nita Smith, and his son Phillip Holmes. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Anita Passons, his brother-in-law Benny Passons and his wife Maria and his sister-in-law Marianne Lucas and her husband Wesley. He so dearly loved his nephews Jason, Shane, Gabey Baby, Shawn, Kevin, Lee and Matthew and his nieces Michele and Laura. He was so proud of all of you, especially Gabe for fighting so hard and Lee for being his personal nurses aide. He is preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law who recently passed from his own illness with cancer. Mike honored and loved his father-in-law who inspired him in many ways, including providing him with the strength and inspiration to fight his battle with cancer. Mike was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing golf with his wife and friends, Jean and Dale. He and his wife shared many special moments, traveled the country playing many courses, and played competitively in several tournaments. He especially enjoyed playing in the World Amateur Golf Tournament where he placed 4th in his flight in 2002. While a member at Balcones CC, he won the Senior President’s Cup in 2001, 2002 and 2003. He and his wife are members at the Hills Country Club where he so enjoyed playing his favorite course, Flintrock Falls. Donna wishes to thank Dr. Mangione, Dr. Fain, Dr. Aventa and Dr. Robinson for all they did in helping Mike through his battle with cancer. Mike was especially grateful to his “Doc from Temple”, his nurse sister-in-law, Marianne, who provided guidance, translation and a lot of support to Donna. They made all the right decisions in the face of a very difficult situation. There were many wonderful nurses who helped him along the way (you know who you are!!) and a special thanks to Marlene from Girling Hospice who was so attentive and respectful of Mike during his final days. Donna also wishes to thank the many friends, her business associates, and Mike’s co-workers who provided such comfort and strength to them during this difficult time. A very special thanks to the team at the Texas Institute of CLE for carrying a very heavy load during Donna’s absence. Mike enjoyed life to the fullest. He so loved his wife, his family and friends, his Hardin House family, and his extended family of cats, dogs, squirrels, and birds. He loved all things living. He shared, he cared and he gave to everyone, never wanting recognition for anything he did. He was just that kind of guy. A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, September 30th at 1:00 p.m. at 3217 Wild Canyon Loop, Austin, TX. Donations in memory of Mike may be made to Animal Trustees of Austin, P.O. Box 26748, Austin, Tx 78755-0742 or online at www.animaltrustees.org Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com.