David Robert Holmes, USAF (Retired)

January 24, 2021

Dave was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Frank and Mabel Holmes and was one of two sons. His family spoke French and it wasn’t until he was 12 years of age that he starting speaking English full time. Dave loved to tell stories of growing up on Clay Street in Cambridge and how you quickly had to learn to “hold your own”. He loved playing ice hockey and was an impressive ice skater.

Dave enlisted in the Air Force on September 13th 1955, where his love for service was ignited. While stationed at Alconbury, England Air Force Base, he met his wife, Ruth Prince, and they were married on July 7th 1960. During Dave’s twenty years of service in the Air Force, as an Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Staff Sargent running the Kaman HH-43 Huskie, he served all over the world including Italy, Korea, England and ending up at the Mountain Home Air Force Base.  During his early years in the Air Force, he and Ruth welcomed three sons, Robert, David and Steven. In 1974, after retiring, the family settled in Boise.

After retirement, Dave’s love of service continued and he joined civil service at the Mountain Home Air Force base as a structure firefighter—which he was incredibly proud of. He served 22 years in this role.

Dave spent his retirement years traveling with companion, Kathy, being outdoors, staying fit and volunteering at the Veteran’s Hospital in Boise, where he volunteered over 2,500 hours.

We are left with memories of Dave’s humor, vivacious laugh, his large welcoming presence and his strong Boston accent. His grandchildren will cherish their fond memories of Papa singing to them in French.

Dave is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, and son, David. He is survived by his sons, Robert Holmes and Steven Holmes. His grandchildren, Elyshia (Cameron) Louie, Marc (Tabitha) Holmes (great-grandchildren Taelyn and Tahtiana) and Brayden Holmes; Kathleen Anderson (Kathy), the Degou family of Boston and the Prince family of Texas and England.

The family would like to thank the Veteran’s Hospital for their years of care and support to Dave, especially the nurses at the CLC unit and all of Dave’s friends who have kept in contact with him over the years. A private memorial service will be held at the Veteran’s Cemetery.