12th July 1926 – 9th January 2011
Patricia Leslie Holmes, nee Siddens, died in the evening of 9th January 2011. at Saanich Peninsula Hospital. Pat was born at Dunsley Manor in Stourbridge, Worcestershire, England, only daughter of Harry & Sylvia Siddens and schooled at Lawnside School, Malvern. Pat spent her early childhood engrossed in horses with her best friend Danny. She joined the WRNS during the Second World War and served in Plymouth, Devon, where she met her future husband Desmond Holmes, a Canadian from Victoria, serving in the British Army in the Royal Engineers and they married in 1947. Together they raised five children Victoria, Richard, Patrick, Peter & Michael. Pat raised her first two children, Vicky & Richard, with the help of Dede in North Devon while Des served in Korea in 1950-52. As a military family Pat & Des, & children travelled extensively first to Fort Belvoir, USA, where Patrick was born in 1953, back to England, then Northern Nigeria 1957-61, back to England where Peter and Michael were born, and then Aden 1963-65. With his retirement from the British Army, the family returned to Des’s native Victoria and Pat established Sherwood Creek Farm, a notable and chaotic farm and riding stables in Metchosin amongst a diverse assembly of horses, riders, and menagerie of animals. After almost 20 years in Metchosin Pat & Des moved to the family cottage at Maltby Lake and later to Saanichton. Desmond was hospitalized in 1990 and did not recover. Her beloved daughter Vicky died in 1997 from leukemia and Pat moved back to England for 5 years recapturing her English roots in Abbotsbury, riding and walking the Dorset hills. Returning to Canada, Pat spent her last few years in Sidney closer to her family. Pat is survived by her son-in-law Jean-Philippe Plomb (Vicky) and by her sons Richard (Susan), Patrick (Val), Peter (Danielle) & Michael, her grandchildren Nicole, Martine, Joelle, Chantal, Alexander, Tara, Morgan, Ben, Chelsea, Katy, Harry, Wildy, Caroline, Jacqueline, and great grandchildren Christopher, Oceane, Gabi, Charlie, Amelia & Keel and Harry her dog. Pat was a remarkable lady and led a life of adventure, had a special love and expertise for horses and dogs, and a warm and welcoming spirit to family, many friends and strangers, two footed and four footed alike.
An announcement will be made shortly with respect to a Memorial to be held in February. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com. or to holmesrns@shaw.ca
18 Responses
Dear Richard, Peter, Patrick and Michael and families
It was with great sadness to learn of Pat’s passing. I have a long association with the Holmes’ family since my father (Stan Jones) was a Realtor, Real Estate Manager and Notary Public for Pemberton Holmes during his 40 years with the firm. Throughout my growing up years there were many functions that the Holmes’ shared with the staff and their families at Knockan Hill and Maltby Lake. Desmond, Pat and family arrived in Victoria later and I became more acquainted with Pat through my passion, and hers…horses. I will always remember Pat as a spirited and outgoing individual; always full of fun with many stories to tell. She always greeted you with a big smile and seemed so vibrant with life. I enjoyed our times together immensely. My father passed away in 1992 and my mother, Virginia Jones, passed away on March 8, 2010. The Holmes’, Pemberton’s and my family (Crease) had strong historical connections in Victoria dating back to the late 1800’s. It is difficult when we lose our family members and are only left with memories; but it is those memories that help us through our sorrow. My memories of Pat will be with much fondness, and I offer my deepest sympathies to all of you.
a wonderful, bright, knowlegable lady had left behind a family that she so ably participated in their growth. She will be missed. My condolences to all.
Dear Peter, Michael and families,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. She was always one of the lovely ‘front and center’ personalities of Metchosin. Fond memories of all of the wonderful horse shows and competitions (of which I was only always a spectator of friends; but always a wonderful event to observe).
Our mother, Sandra Wachter, also recently passed on the 4th of January; so please know that during this difficult time for those of us that are left behind, our loved ones are reuniting, in good spirits and good health.
With sincerest empathy,
Dorinda Wachter
Our sincere condolences. We only know her as the lovely and her dog Harry. She was always so friendly even though we were just people that live in Sidney and she didn’t really know us at all. When we walked by her house she would wave at us and our 7 year old daughter would walk up to her and give her a big hug. Pat (as I just found out her name today from a lady that knows her) would have a huge smile on her face and say ‘bless you child’ to my daughter. She will be missed even by strangers like us.
Our thoughts are with you.
The Reym Family
Dear Peter, Michael, and family
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your mum ~ she was so lovely to me after my husband passed away and I will always remember her for that.
Yours,
Michelle Ford
To the Holmes family I give my sincere condolences at this very difficult time. Having worked with the family, i.e. Pemberton Holmes for 12 years in the appraisal department I met what I would consider a very special family group. I will always remember those corn barbeques at the lake.
My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Sincerely
Susan
Dear Mike and family,
Sending you our heart felt condolences upon the passing of your mom.
Mike and Ronella Mitchell
Dear Michael,
I offer you my sincere condolences upon the passing of your mother.
Gladys