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David Holmes-Smith
May 2, 1924 - April 24, 2017
Tribute
David Holmes-Smith passed away peacefully with family at his side on April 24, 2017, at the age of 92. He is survived by his sons, Rupert (Janice) and Nick (Ali), and daughter Susan (Greg). David is also survived by his 7 grandchildren; Ryan, Danika, Sean, Jacklyn, Devin, Carmen, Tosca, and Collette, as well as his great granddaughter, Sophie. David is predeceased by his loving wife Rosemary who passed away 7 years ago.
David was the eldest of 5 children. He grew up in England, graduated from Oxford, flew with the RAF as a navigator in the latter part of WWII, and worked in East Africa before meeting the love of his life, Rosemary, in 1954. They immigrated to Canada in 1956 and moved to Oliver in 1960 where he took up a teaching position at SOSS. David and Rosemary were significant contributors to the community in Oliver for the better part of 3 decades; however, David is best known as a teacher. He had an innate ability to inspire young people to excel and succeed at things they never felt they were capable of; and it didn’t matter if they were academically inclined or were simply looking to survive school. Similarly, he was cherished by colleagues and friends for his wise council and support.
David retired in 1980 and spent many happy years travelling the world with Rosemary. During that time he began to write about the world, politics, and the people he encountered. His writings were insightful, entertaining, and continue to be relevant today.
David and Rosemary moved to Sechelt in the late 1990’s where they continued to be active in the community, starting and running “The Clean Air Society” for over a decade. David returned home to Oliver 2 years ago.
The family wishes to thank the staff at McKinney Place for their endless kindness and support for David.
Former colleagues, friends and students are welcome to join the family in a celebration of David’s life which will be held at the Frank Venables Atrium on Friday, June 2nd at 2:00 pm.
Condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Condolences
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From: Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium
Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Grace Cristina Correia
Even though I only had Mr. Holmes-Smith as my English 8 teacher, he had such a positive influence on me: through his passion, I learned the love of words and the potential of wit. I have tried to implement this inspiration in my own teaching practice. Rest in peace, Mr. Holmes-Smith and thank you.
From: Bruce and Lexy Shepherd
Relation: students
My wife Lexy (Endreny) and I both have fond memories of Mr. Holmes-Smith as our english teacher. I enjoyed his wry sense of humour and stories of his time in Africa (especially recall how he could hear the fleas jumping when they came near to abandoned huts!). He certainly encouraged and enhanced my writing skills and my appetite for reading. Sorry for your loss, but so glad we benefited from his teaching.
From: Margarida Sewell (Nunes)
Relation: Student
Every time I glance at my Norton Anthology on the shelf my best English teacher comes to mind. His good humour also helped the class pass too soon. My condolences to the family.
From: Jody Sloper
Relation: Friend and former student.
Rupert, Susan and Nick, my condolences to you all . Your Dad was a great father and a very interesting and involved man. He was an inspiration to a lot of us whom he taught and befriended. He always encouraged us to be brave and make our own way with our own thoughts and decisions.
From: Ken & Donna Gonyea
Relation: Friends of Rupert and Janice
So sorry to hear of your loss, our thoughts are with you, Rupert and Janice and family
From: Jeanne Jennings [Bourgeault]
Nick, So sorry to hear about your dad. He was a fixture at SOSS. Part of my youth. He kindly sampled my sad and sorry home economics muffins and cookies in our English class. I know he will be missed. Just lost my dad this year too. Hard to say good bye! I’m thinking about your family!
From: Marilyn Mathieson
Relation: friend
Allan and I would like to send our sincerest condolences to Rupert, Susan and Nick for the loss of your Dad, David. Both your Mom and Dad were very kind and helpful to our family when we first moved to Oliver many years ago. We enjoyed their friendship and of course their help getting us get involved in horses.
From: Carolyn Tipler
Relation: Friend of David and Rosemary since 1970
My condolences to all of David’s family at the loss of a special man. So many wonderful memories spanning over forty years that I will treasure always.
From: Sue Carson
Relation: Through community activities on the Sunshine Coast.
I remember your father and mother as one of the most beautiful, erudite and urbane couples I have been lucky enough to know. May your memories of them all be happy ones.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
Date & Time:
June 2, 2017
Beginning at 2:00pm
Location:
Frank Venebles Theatre Atrium
6100 Gala Street
Oliver, BC Canada
Former colleagues, friends and students are welcome to join the family in a celebration of David’s life which will be held at the Frank Venables Atrium on Friday, June 2nd at 2:00 pm.
6100 Gala Street
Oliver, BC Canada
Memorial Service
Date & Time:
June 2, 2017
Beginning at 2:00pm
Location:
Frank Venables Theatre Atrium
Former colleagues, friends and students are welcome to join the family in a celebration of David’s life which will be held at the Frank Venables Atrium on Friday, June 2nd at 2:00 pm.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
The family wishes to thank the staff at McKinney Place for their endless kindness and support for David.
Send Flowers
Flower Fantasy Flowers & Gifts Inc.
6049 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.flowerfantasyoliver.com/
Local: (250) 498-0088 Toll free: (844) 498-0088
Flowers on Main & Reis Boutique
5859 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.oliverflorist.com/
Local: (778) 439-2270 Toll free: (800) 665-9983
Gems and Stems at Eastside
6496 Park Drive, Oliver, BC
https://gemsandstems.com/
(250) 826-0438
Polka Dot Door Floral Design Boutique
8522 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC
https://www.polkadotdoor.net/
(250) 495-2226
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