John Livingstone Holmes

John Livingstone Holmes of Woodinville, WA passed away on October 15, 2023, at the age of 99. He was born on December 24th, 1923, to Edwin and Anne Holmes in Windsor, Ontario. The family later moved to Lambeth, Ontario where he spent his early years.

At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Canadian Army and deployed overseas to fight in World War II. After bravely serving in the war, he was awarded several campaign stars and medals for his service. He then returned home to begin his college education.

He graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1950 with a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Political Science. He went on to earn his MBA from the University of Western Ontario in 1954. Three years later, he earned his Master's degree in Library Science from the University of Toronto. He received his US citizenship at the Riverside County Courthouse in May of 1964.

While working at the public library in Grand Rapids, MI, he met the love of his life, Joan. They married on July 10, 1959. They had six children, one of whom is already in heaven. John worked as the Head Librarian in Sturgis, MI, Riverside, CA, Michigan City, IN, and finished his career as the Library Director in Auburn, WA.

John was an active member of the Rotary Club, the American Library Association, and the Republican party. John and Joan were members of the Bellevue Christian Reformed Church where they brought up their kids. They invested in a Christian education for their children by sending them to Bellevue Christian School.

John loved to travel on long road trips with his family and in later years with Joan. He loved to spend time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He liked to listen to big band music and work in his beautiful yard. He had a passion for classic cars and knew every detail about each model. He was an avid reader and great storyteller. He was quick to add humor to any situation and had an unbelievable memory.

John and Joan lived in their home in Bellevue, WA for 50 years where they raised their family. For the past five years, they have been blessed to live in the community of Brittany Park in Woodinville.

He is preceded in death by his father, mother, brother, and daughter Sharon Joy.

John is survived by his wife Joan, his five children: Ann, Evelyn (Jim), Edward (Becky), Ruth (Brian), and John (Veeda), his 10 grandchildren: Ashleigh (Vernon), Austin (Aubrey), Annie, Aaron (Anna), Jake, Andrew, Ben, Jackson, Levi, and Aysa, as well as his five great-grandchildren: Preston, Cameron, Jameson, Remington, and Roux.

Our hearts grieve the loss of this wonderful man, but we take comfort in knowing that we will be reunited with him someday in heaven where he now lives with his Lord and Savior.

There will be a funeral service at Sunset Hills Memorial Park on Friday, November 3rd at 1:30 to honor John.