Obituary

Ronald Vincent Holmes

Born: 4/6/1931 in Bradley, England
Passed: 4/6/2015 in San Juan Capistrano, California, United States

Ron was born to a working family in the coal transportation and delivery business. As a child, he was small in stature, but developed strength well beyond his size by delivering bags of coal to local residences and businesses. This strength carried on throughout his life and became very useful working with his hands in copper pipe manufacturing, in his own lumber yard, in their grocery store, in his automobile sales lot (where he moved cars around by hand – literally), in the antique business (moving large estate pieces back from auction by himself) and even to control the occasional unruly patron at his wife’s jewelry store aptly named “Edna” in Bilston.

Ron met Edna first when helping her up from a bicycle mishap when she was a little girl, remembering her, years later, when he asked her for a dance. They married young and lived a life together, recently celebrating 60 years of marriage.

Ron loved his wife Edna, son Michael, and daughter Victoria and built a life for them in Wednesfield, England, where they lived in a large English Tudor just down a few blocks from Edna’s parents. He and Edna made sure their children had the best education, sending both to the private and exclusive Royal Wolverhampton School.

Ron was known for his great ability to strike up conversations with people, starting and thriving in various businesses, and his generosity. He also loved adventure — driving across Europe and seeing the world through the windscreen. He didn’t stop as much as his family wanted, but he loved to drive no matter where it took them. He didn’t care much for maps or asking directions. This pursuit landed them in some dicey spots, but made for lasting memories, some fond and some downright scary.

Continuing in the adventurous spirit, Ron moved his family to the United States, where they bought a home in San Juan Capistrano with a view of the Pacific Ocean. From the heights of his hilltop perch, he could see Santa Catalina Island on clear days, but also the I-5 freeway, which he kept watch affectionately known as Gangad Cam.

In California, he raised his family and watched them grow up, but not move far, all staying in Southern California and in close touch.

Ron made quick friends with his knack to strike up conversations, quick whit, love of hardware (Home Base, Home Depot and Lowes) and free paint. Ron also loved to sing, especially Frank Sinatra, and ran Karaoke night at a couple of restaurants nearby his home.

Ron’s son and daughter both married, and he loved their spouses (Lisa and Mark) as if they were his own children. He was perhaps most fond of his grand daughter Emily, whom he adored and fittingly was the last person he was with.

He was very generous and completely honest. You always know what he felt, but it was this solid base that everyone relied on.

Ron was not fearful of death. His honesty and purity of life left him little regrets, except wishing more for others, not himself.

We cannot believe he is gone. Someday, hopefully, the huge hole in our hearts will mend. He will be missed, never forgotten, and ever present, living in each of us every day.

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17 responses to Ronald V. Holmes

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Sheila says:

May 6, 2015

Ron has been my broth-in law and best friend for over sixty years.
He has always been prepared to do what’re ever he could do for me.
I cannot believe that he is no longer going to be around.When I first met him he was a very smart young man,always very well dressed,and proud of himself.
He was the best thing that happened to my little Sister,with his guidance and advise (not always taken) and their hard work,they made a good life together,
after several worrying problems they finally had the children they had longed for.
I cannot begin to say how much I will miss him.
I hope my beloved chap and husband will take care of him.
Good night Ron God Bless all my love Sheila

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Sally Jo Clark says:

May 26, 2015

We feel very blessed to have known Ron for many years. We always looked forward to a special evening with him and Edna at their annual Christmas parties. He was very gracious and made us feel like part of the family. We enjoyed our conversations with him and could see how much he loved life, especially with Edna, his family and friends. He was quite the craftsman as was evidenced by all his beautiful woodworking in his lovely home. It was like a fantasyland when decorated for Christmas. We could close our eyes when the singing began and think we were listening to Frank Sinatra when Ron would sing.

Randy loved to call Ron throughout the year if he encountered a musical program on TV that he thought Ron and Edna would enjoy.

We continue to pray for Edna and the entire Holmes Family. Rest in peace, Ron.
Love & blessings,
Randy and Sally Jo Clark

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Emily says:

July 20, 2015

Miss you Ganged. There are so many things I want to show you and ask your opinion on. I hope you are watching me and giving me your opinion, silently. Wish I could go back and rewind time, when you loose someone you start to realize to not take each day for granted. Love you tons. Everyday I think about you. xoxo

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Lawrence E. Stephens says:

December 18, 2018

To Edna and the Holmes Family,

My husband Larry and I met Ron many years ago when he was hosting karaoke at the Yama Teppan House in Dana Point. He was always so gracious and kind. We loved hearing him sing Frank Sinatra. Nobody sang like Ron and we loved dancing to his songs. Our favorite song he did was “Call Me Irresponsible.” Every time we would go to his show, I would request it and he was nice enough to sing it for us. One time during the Christmas Season, he invited us and our friends Jack and Dorthe over to their house for dinner and karaoke (I have some pics I will post). We met his beautiful wife Edna who also was gracious and kind. We had so much fun and we loved hearing about his projects.

We lost touch when Yama’s closed, but thought of him recently. In these days of social media we found his obit and were saddened to see that he had passed. We have great memories of Ron and will never forget his beautiful voice. God’s Blessings and Love to Edna and the Holmes Family.

May Ron’s memory be eternal!

Sincerely
Larry & Irene Stephens

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Mark Colby says:

June 27, 2021

Dad – I always called you Dad, even though I was just your son-in-law. Even though I know your only son was Michael, you always treated me like a son. My relationship with my own father was frequently troubled, so it was so nice knowing you were always there. Pretty sure you knew I loved you and treasured our relationship, I know I didn’t tell you enough. It’s hard for grown men to speak of such things, but I hope you know I was honored to be called “son” and to call you “dad”.

Your last voicemail on my mobile still makes me feel bad.

“Hello Son, it’s only me. I’m just wanting to ask you if you’d , ah , give me a lift in the kitchen. N no no rush. Ah , if you could give me a couple of days , sometime. Alright son? Love you. Bye.”

I called you back and said I would gladly help if you told Mom (Edna) what we were going to do, but wasn’t going to be involved if Mom was kept in the dark during her trip to England. I think I did the right thing, but wish I had just helped you. I never wanted to disappoint you, and your tone was really down on the phone when I stipulated informing Mom. One of my biggest regrets. You never held it against me; you never did that type of thing, but you also never asked for much, and we had so much fun when we worked together on other projects like putting the stairs or the hardwood flooring.

I’m sorry Dad. If I had it all to do over again, I would given you as many days as you wanted on the kitchen.

I miss you. How come it doesn’t hurt less after so many years?

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