Our kind and gracious father and grandfather, Robert (Bob) Holmes, peacefully returned to his Father in Heaven on Wednesday evening, June 24, 2015 into the arms of his loving wife Deon. Bob was born to William Hartley and Sylvia Matilda Terry Holmes on March 4, 1934 in Buena Vista, Utah. He married his sweetheart, Deon Louise Gadd on April 10, 1953. They were later sealed in the Jordan River Temple in 1997. Together they raised six children in the Granger Utah area where they made a home for over 50 years. He was the strength of the family while Deon was the heart.
He was employed as a union pipefitter and welder, working for Enoch Smith and Sons for over 35 years. During this time he mentored many young men in that trade, and is remembered by them as a legend.
Bob loved helping others and enjoyed the opportunity they gave him to serve as a caretaker. He took on responsibility at a very young age, which taught him to be dependable, always following up the rear to make certain everyone was safe and sound. He was an example in the way he showed kindness and love for others and took his role as husband and provider very seriously, never complaining for the sacrifices he made.
He was resourceful in many ways and no challenge was too difficult. With his ‘can-do' attitude, he always found a solution - using the right tool and a little baling wire he could fix anything. He was a Jack of All Trades, a self-taught engineer of anything, and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others.
Beginning at a young age, he enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, and always involved his family. In his spare time, he enjoyed tinkering in the yard and created useful items as well as fun artistic pieces. Gardening, cooking, and gaining knowledge through reading and documentaries were also favorites.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various callings including scouting, young men, and the High Priest Group.
He is preceded in death by his parents, a sibling Diane, children Susan Lee Hooper, Mark Robert Holmes, and daughter-in-law Anna Lee Davis Holmes (and baby Michelle). He is survived by his children Michael Hartley Holmes (Kristine), LaVon Louise Pavlowich (Lawrence), Annette Deon Johnson, Blaine Melvin Holmes (Sheri), and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 29, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Westlake Ward, 3175 S. 3450 W., West Valley City, Utah. Friends and family may call on Sunday from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary ‚ Riverton, 3688 W. 12600 S., Riverton, Utah and also on Monday from 9:30 ‚ 10:45 a.m., prior to services at the ward. Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, Sandy, Utah. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.Larkincares.com.
The family would like to offer special recognition and thanks to daddy's caregivers including the staffs of Silverado Care Center, Hunter Hollow Care Center, and Brighton Hospice services who provided loving, and gentle care in his final year.
