HOLMES
Leslie ‘Les’ John Holmes of Bentley, Alberta passed away at the Bentley Care Centre on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at the age of 94 years.
Les was born in Loverna, Saskatchewan on April 11, 1925, an hour after his twin brother, Lloyd. The family moved to New Brigden, Alberta, and in September, 1933 his father purchased the Co-op General Store in Bentley, which was sold to Les and Lloyd in 1959. In 1957, Les acquired some Hereford heifers from Gerald Wilson, and Lloyd purchased heifers from Louis Szasz. ‘Twin L Herefords’ was formed, and in 1959 they purchased a quarter section west of Bentley from Walter Stephenson. In 1983, the family celebrated 50 years operating the Bentley Mercantile (which is now the Monkey Top Saloon) and sold the business in 1986. Les continued to live on the farm until the land and cattle were sold and he moved to Red Deer. Les was a director of Merco Wholesale for 15 years, spent 12 years as a trustee on the Bentley Hospital Board, and was a 60-year member of Elks Canada. He had a strong interest in the community and donated his time to see Bentley thrive. In 2016, Les moved to the Bentley Care Centre. Les was a kind and generous man who loved to entertain. He enjoyed holidays in Borrego Springs, California and Hawaii before purchasing a home in Saanichton, Vancouver Island.
Les will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his sister, Doris Garries of Bentley and her family; his twin brother, Lloyd Holmes of Saanichton, B.C. and his family; as well as many amazing life-long friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Mary Holmes; his brother-in-law, Ralph ‘Red’ Garries; and his sister-in-law, Sharon Holmes.
A Funeral Service in Celebration of Les’ Life will be held at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, Rimbey on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. with the Reverend Father Les Drewicki officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Bentley Cemetery, Bentley at a later date.
The family is eternally grateful to the staff at the Bentley Care Centre for their kindness and compassion. If friends desire, memorial tributes in Les’ Memory may be made directly to the Bentley Care Centre, Box 30, Bentley, Alberta T0C 0J0; or to the charity of one’s choice. Condolence messages may be forwarded to the family by visiting: www.ofc-ltd.ca
Service and Cremation Arrangements for the Late Leslie ‘Les’ John Holmes entrusted to the care of
