October 22, 2012

Pioneer with quiet, logical way of seeing what must be done

Ronald E (Ron) Holmes, 79, of Springfield, Missouri, recently of Bothell, Washington, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2012, from complications of pneumonia and Parkinson's disease.

Ron was born in Topeka, Kansas, son of Edward and Edna Ermine (Erma) Holmes. He graduated from Kansas University with a B.S. in geological engineering, and earned his MBA at the University of Iowa. He was a member of the Delta Epsilon fraternity, and the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society. He also served in the U.S. Air Force as a first lieutenant for several years, and worked for most of his career as an educator and Director at Scott Community College in Davenport and a Dean and pioneer at Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield, Missouri.

He moved to Washington State two years ago to be closer to family in the Seattle area.

Painting, fishing, motorcycling, bicycling (including RAGBRAI several times), and field trialing hunting dogs (Vizslas) were a few of Ron's passions in life. He had his own quiet, logical way of seeing what must be done and analyzing the alternatives. He was fascinated in knowing how things were constructed and enjoyed tinkering.

Ron is survived by his daughter, Linda Ambre (Tim), Redmond, Washington; his son, Mark (Jennifer Kohl), Medina, Washington, and former spouse and friend, Roberta Holmes, Walnut Grove, Missouri; beloved grandchildren, including Erin, Maxwell, Joseph, Samuel, Beau, and Grace. He is also survived by his sister, Deanna Holmes (Bill George) Greeley, Colorado; various nieces and nephews; a half brother Daniel E. Holmes, Fort Worth, Texas; and his beloved dog, Cool-hand Luke. He was preceded in death by half brother, William R. Holmes.

FUNERAL INFORMATION

Ron will be buried at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington, with a private family celebration of his life.

DONATIONS

In lieu of flowers, remembrances are suggested to the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation, 400 Mercer Street, Suite 504, Seattle, WA 98109 or online at http://www.nwpf.org/and click on Make A Gift, or the charity of choice.

Memorial

Just as the Wave Cannot Exist

Just as the wave cannot exist for itself, but is ever a part of the heaving surface of the ocean, so must I never live my life for itself, but always in the experience which is going on around me. It is an uncomfortable doctrine which the true ethics whisper into my ear. You are happy, they say; therefore you are called upon to give much.

Albert Schweitzer

Looking into the portals of eternity

Looking into the portals of eternity teaches that the brotherhood of man is inspired by God's word; Then all prejudice of race vanishes away.

George Washington