Obituary of Jack Kenneth Holmes

THE HONOURABLE JACK K. HOLMES Q.C.

RETIRED JUSTICE OF THE COURT OF QUEEN’S BENCH OF ALBERTA

It is with great sadness that the family of Jack Kenneth Holmes announce his passing on June 14, 2022.

“Papa” is survived by his five children and their spouses, John (Kathy), Marni (Dale), Don (Diane), Gordon (Trish) and Doug (Christina); and his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jack is predeceased by his wife, Jean in 2008, as well as his siblings, Don, Glen (Casey), and Doris.

Born in Ponoka, Alberta on January 2, 1928, to Robert and Emily Holmes, Jack moved to Red Deer in 1943. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts and his Bachelor of Laws degrees from the University of Alberta, and articled to the Hon. William McGillivray QC, who later became the Chief Justice of Alberta. He founded the firm of Robinson & Holmes (now Johnston, Ming, Manning) in 1953.

A strong public service ethic prompted him to serve on many boards and committees. In 1979, he became the first federally appointed Justice to reside in Red Deer and went on to serve as a judge for 27 years. He was then appointed to the Canadian Pension Appeals Board, where he adjudicated hearings across Canada, until he retired at 85.

Jack would want us to express his great appreciation to all his former colleagues on the various courts of Alberta, and particularly all the unsung administrative staff who made his career so long and enjoyable.

Papa’s spare time was occupied with family, travel, golf, skiing, reading, and friends. He never lost an opportunity to boast about his grandchildren, and always enjoyed taking them to a hockey game.

There will be a private interment and celebration of Jack’s life.

Memorial donations can be made to the Red Deer Hospice Society, 99 Arnot Ave, Red Deer AB, T4R 3S6 or online here; or the Red Deer & District Community Foundation, Suite 503, Parkland Square, 4901 - 48 Street, Red Deer AB, T4N 6M4.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff of Inglewood Revera, Unit 33 at the Red Deer Hospital, and particularly, the Red Deer Hospice.

Condolences for Jack's family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net.

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944