Melville 'Mel' Holmes
Obituary for Melville 'Mel' Holmes
April 4, 1930 – June 6, 2026
It is with sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of our dear dad, Melville "Mel" Holmes. Mel passed away on June 6th, 2026, at the age of 96, at New Vista Care Home in Burnaby. He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Josephine "Josie"; his three children: Susan, Linda (Rick), and Ron (Lori); seven grandchildren: Christopher (Stacey), Jason (Kayla), Matthew (Erin), Leah (Derek), Brian, Jaime (Brent), and Jacquelyn (Dejan); and ten great-grandchildren: Taylor, Callum, Caleb, Abbigail, Gavin, Lucie, Arlen, Quinn, Rowan, and Téo.
Mel was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on April 4th, 1930, and lived there until 1948, when he immigrated to Canada with his parents and sister. He had fond memories of Hawaii and loved to tell stories of his childhood there. He experienced the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbour, which he first thought was a spectacular training exercise.
His family settled in Burnaby, where he met Josie soon after moving here. They married on September 12, 1952, and immediately moved into their brand new house, where they lived for 73 years. He became a Canadian citizen in 1954 and was always proud of his new country.
Mel got a job with the BC Telephone Company (now Telus) and worked there until his retirement in 1985.
After retirement, Mel and Josie did a bit of overseas traveling, but his favourite place to go was to the cabin at Francois Lake. He and mom traveled the 1000 kms several times each year and enjoyed fishing, gardening and visiting extended family there. He was happiest when all the children and grandchildren were up there together. It will be his final resting place.
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