Obituary of Rodney Holmes

Rodney Joseph William Holmes It is with deep sorrow that Rod’s family announces his passing on Tuesday, July 12, 2016, at the age of 58. Rod was predeceased by his loving mother Bertha in 2008, and both sets of grandparents (Will and Flo; Joe and Flora). He is survived by his loving family, his father William, his sisters Janet Vandale and Catherine (Michael Latoski), his brother Douglas (Lois Westby), his niece Stephanie (Alex Laberge, and their son Mason), niece Jane Vandale, nephew Max Vandale, and by his many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Rod was born and raised in Regina where he attended school, enjoyed recreational baseball, and as a prairie boy, tested his sea legs with the Sea Cadets. At the age of 16, he began a career with Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. He later attended auctioneering school, and for a number of years continued with Pool as a livestock auctioneer and as a cattle buyer throughout Saskatchewan. His career path changed then, and he worked for a time in insurance sales and later at the Calgary Sun. Rod had a passion for the Rockies, which enticed him to move to Calgary, and he lived and skied there for much of his life. However, he spent his last years back in his hometown, surrounded by family. Rod was a lifelong learner, attending the Universities of Regina and Calgary, pursuing his interest in the social sciences. He loved to play his 12-string guitar at family gatherings. He was a talented woodworker, often helping friends and family with building decks, fences and other projects. He was also a voracious reader, and seldom was seen in the last couple of years without Kobo or tablet in hand. Rod will be deeply missed. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at Little Flower R.C. Parish, 420 College Ave., Regina, SK. Lunch will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rod’s memory (and the memory of his devoted black lab Annie) to the Regina Humane Society would be gratefully accepted.