We Remember

HOLMES, Ian Gordon
—
1949 – 2022
It is with a heavy heart that Vicky says goodbye to her husband Ian Gordon Holmes, who passed away July 10, 2022, in Kelowna, BC. Ian was born in Calgary, AB on May 27, 1949. Ian obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Calgary and worked in the Oil & Gas Industry as a Professional Geologist; he was a lifetime member of APEGA (Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta).
Ian lived in Calgary for 53 years. In 2002, Ian & Vicky moved to an acreage in DeWinton, AB, then in 2012, they moved to Kelowna. Ian had the good fortune to enjoy many wonderful vacations in his lifetime. His favourite pastime was Fly Fishing. Ian was a lifelong member of the Calgary English Springer Spaniel Club and chaired, co-chaired, and assistant-chaired 3 Canadian National Spaniel Field Trial Championships. Ian also enjoyed golf and, in later years, curling.
Ian persevered through many health challenges: 3 strokes; 4 heart attacks; quadruple bypass surgery; spiral fracture of his tibia and fibula; and, the most trying, being pretty much totally blind during the last number of years.
Ian is survived by his loving wife, Vicky; daughter Breanne and granddaughters Teagan & Emily; son Brad; stepson Billy and grandsons Ty & Q; as well as his sisters Linda & Janice, and his brother Stu – and their families. He was predeceased by his parents Helen & Norm, as well as his 7 beloved English Springer Spaniels.
There will be no service by request.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
To the Family of Ian….So sorry to hear of the passing of Ian. My most sincere condolences to you all. Ian and I were friends starting back in grades 11 and 12 at Viscount Bennett High School and throughout our time at U of C studying geology. Later, I “sat” a couple of wells for him when he had his own oil company. Ian was smart and thoughtful and always a fun guy to hang out with, especially during our student days. RIP Ian. Sincerely, Pat Cummins
Sincerest condolences to Vicky & family. So many memories of Ian – he introduced late Tom Briggs to English Springer Spaniels & Field Trialling which we continue with to this day. Always a loyal friend thru thick & thin – rest in peace, Ian.
Love from Martin & Doreen.
To Vicky, Breanne, Brad and Ian’s Family,
I was very sorry to hear of Ian’s passing. I met Ian in Grade 1 and we became good friends sharing many fishing, camping and skiing trips. I was a frequent visitor to Ian’s house and Helen always had fresh baking to sample. I always felt welcome. Ian was an avid outdoorsman and loved his fishing, hunting, and dog trialling. As teenagers we worked at Head’s Hungry Horse ranch together and at the end of the summer we would pack up the old Chevy with camping gear and head for the trout lakes and rivers in the interior of BC. My uncle in Osoyoos taught us to fly fish and we were hooked! We shared memorable family holidays at Mara lake with Breanne, Brad and Brenda. We lost touch when Ian and Vicky moved to Kelowna but I will always have those memories of the good times we had together.
Tom and Mona Robertson
Dear Vicki and Family,
Please except my deepest sympathies and condolences at this difficult time.
I was very saddened to hear of Ian’s passing particularly after all the challenges he faced.
I met Ian in about 1973 or 74 at Ashland OIl, where we were both geologists working for Andy Barry. We became part of a cohort of Ashlanders who became life long friends. We both moved on from Ashland but maintained business and personal ties. In the 1990’s we reconnected at Pancontinental Oil where Ian lived up to his reputation as an “oil finder”, drilling many successful prospects for the company. Ian didn’t like wearing a tie, particularly on a Friday and introduced “Red Shirt Day”, if you wore red on Friday no tie required. That along with his shared bottle of Lemon Hart after work on Friday, endeared him to the exploration team at Pancon. He was an energetic, cheerful and successful team player, respected by all who worked with him.
Ian had many well known interests and was successful on many levels. I particularly enjoyed being in the CSPG golf tournament where we both participated. Ian was a long time participant in this event.
I have many fond memories of Ian which will keep his memory alive.
May you rest in peace my friend.
Al Bradley