Wallace Wally Elmer Holmes

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Wallace Elmer Holmes, it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.

      Wally was born on January 26, 1923 at home in Vankleek Hill, Ontario. He was the son of Ernie and Flossie Holmes. He was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, he learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.

      Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Wally. On October 23, 1948 Wally married Hazel McPherson in Vankleek Hill, Ontario. He was totally committed to Hazel and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Wally naturally sensed his spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Wally disliked conflict, he did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

      Wally was a good father to his children. He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, Wally was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. In addition, Wally was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around him might be, he seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Wally was blessed with four children, Brian, June, Donna and Sue. They were also blessed with seven grandchildren, Doug, Yvonne, Jim, Matt, Jeff, Mike and Bryan and 9 great grandchildren Jay, Kyle, Tyler, Larissa, Mikey, Jackson, Taylor, Rachel and Faith.

      If you gave Wally a deadline, he would meet it. At work, Wally was always on task. Without hesitation, Wally could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was as a Custodian. He was employed with the Durham Board of Education for many years. During that time he was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Wally was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Wally had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. He was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

      An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, his faith was important to Wally. His compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in his personal beliefs. He was a member of Faithway Baptist Church for many years. During that time, he was an usher and builder.

      Wally had Edna, a Boston Terrier dog, they were great friends for 6 years. His family was rounded out by his cat, Katy. Wally was as loyal to his pets as they were to him.

      When Wally's retirement finally arrived in 1989, he was well prepared. He had taken the time to learn about his various options and chose his course wisely. Even in retirement, Wally continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      Wally passed away on October 1, 2013 at Lakeridge Health in Oshawa, Ontario. He is survived by his wife Hazel, his children Brian, Donna and Sue, his 6 grandchildren and his 9 great grandchildren. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home. Wallace was laid to rest in Mount Lawn Cemetery in Whitby, Ontario.

      It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Wally was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Wally was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. Wally Holmes was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with Wally. He will be missed.

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HOLMES, Wallace Elmer

(Retired Custodian D.D.S.B.)

Peacefully at Lakeridge Health on Tuesday, October 1st, 2013, at 90 years of age. Beloved husband of Hazel for 65 years. Loved father of Brian, June (predeceased), Donna, and Sue and her husband Reg Wiltshire. He will be sadly missed by his grandchildren Doug, Yvonne (predeceased), Jim (Nicole), Matt (Jackie), Jeff (Karley), Mike (Melissa) and Bryan (Kelly), and his great grandchildren Jay, Kyle, Tyler, Larissa, Mikey, Jackson, Taylor, Cavan, Rachel and Faith. He will be fondly remembered by his brothers and sisters, and their families. Visitation will be held at the OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Thursday, October 3rd from 7 – 9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Friday, October 4th at 1:00 p.m. Interment Mount Lawn Cemetery. Memorial donations to Faithway Baptist Church Ajax would be appreciated.