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
Richard, Peter and Michael,
We, the Moss family, were so saddened to hear of Pat’s death. A wonderul lady, poised, elegant and full of action. Our early days in Metchosin were enriched by Pat’s friendship and her many “horsey” activities just down the road.
Thinking of all of you at this difficult time and remembering Pat just the way you portrayed her in that wonderful photo.
Mary, Nick, Kate and Jeremy
Richard, Peter, and Mike: I was saddened to hear of your mom’s passing, and wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to you three as my friends. Having lost my own mom, I know what you are going through right now. The loss of your mother will take some time to get over, and you have the support of your families and friends, and wonderful memories of your remarkable mother, to support you.
Bob
Dear Holmes Family:
I knew Pat from when I rode at Ambleside as “Peter’s Mom” and both my grandfather and I always admired her spirit, elegance and class. I remember her dressed immaculately and riding Johnnie. Growing up, she was one of those woman that I aspired to be like one day.
My thoughts are with your family,
Erin Hallett (Darling
Dear Richard & Family,
Condolences from all of us at the Mary Winspear Centre, Memorial Park Society, and the SANSCHA Foundation.
Our thoughts are with you.
With Sympathy,
Chad Rintoul
Our condolences.
We only knew Pat as a very friendly neighbour, with lots of life’s experiences to relate, but the importance of family to her always shone through.
She will be missed.
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Pat. Pat and I had a wonderful visit while walking out dogs last summer at Cy Hampson Park. I was able to meet Harry and we talked about all the good times we had with the horses in Metchosin.
I will never forget the first time I met Pat and Mopsey. We had just moved into our new home on Lombard Drive and they were riding their horses past my driveway. My love of horses drew my attention to them. We chatted and immediately became friends.
We spent many wonderful hours together, comparing our foals and watching them grow up. Pat taught me so much about raising my foals and was always there to help. During weaning time Pat would take my foal and I would take hers. Such wonderful memories.
Pat was always there when there were problems on my acreage with my animals.
We kept in touch over the years and when she was in England she sent me some beautiful pictures of the countryside and the village in which she lived.
I will always cherish the times we had together and remember her beautful smile.
With heartfelt sympathy, Wendy
so sorry for your loss Pat will be missed. Pat lived a wonderful life
Dear Mike,
So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing on Saturday. Even when we know it’s coming, or how prepared we think we are, it’s still a blow to our hearts when it happens.
With condolences,
Juanita
Pat was a lovely Lady and friend. I shall miss seeing her walking around the town of Sidney with her beloved dog Harry.
My sincere condolences to Richard, Susan and all the family.
Lady Patricia, as I always called her, will be missed greatly by many.
Valerie (Rangeley)
My sincere condolences
Rene in Montreux