Harry Robert Holmes

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Harry Robert Holmes on August 29, 2024 at the St. Boniface Hospital, where he was born 91 years ago.

Harry is survived by his wife Gladys who he met on a blind date while she was in nursing school. Though it took a year after that first date for them to go on their second. But, marriage came soon after.

From that event came sons Robert (Aida), Douglas (Sandra), Glen (Kim); grandchildren Ren (Andrew), Morgan, Ethan, Sam and Ivy. He was predeceased by his son Michael in 1982.

Harry was born September 23, 1932 to Daisy and Reginald Holmes. He grew up in East Kildonan and Elmwood.

As a youth, Harry was a talented athlete and hockey player whose abilities would take him to the Detroit Red Wings training camp, alongside Gordie Howe and Terry Sawchuk.

Outside of sports, he spent memorable years in the company of his Aunt Jean, who would take him along on many a journey, including frequent trips to her roadside fried chicken joint in Middlechurch called The Green Lantern.

Harry later became a curler, hockey coach, dedicated golfer and long-time member of Elmhurst Golf Club, who always tried to include his sons in his activities.

For much of his life, he enjoyed summers with family and friends at the Bird Lake cottage that he built by hand in 1962, in the days before electricity came to the area.

Many nights were spent playing Rummoli around the Coleman lantern.

Harry loved the outdoors and liked to fish and hunt. He was also a passionate dog owner and trainer of many Labrador Retrievers that were an important part of the family. And he enjoyed field trials with the Manitoba Gun Dog Association.

Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, father and many uncles, Harry started his working life at Swift’s Meats, eventually moving to Griffith Laboratories, becoming sales manager, and finally retiring in 1991. His retirement years were spent with Gladys in BC where they enjoyed Vancouver Island life. Together they ran a golf equipment business that took them up and down the length of the Island, which often included a “pub lunch.”

In 2019, Harry and Gladys returned to live in Manitoba to spend time with family and friends. Harry’s laughter and generosity will be missed by all who knew him.

The family invites you to join them for a Celebration of Life at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd., on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.