Christopher Lear Holmes

Christopher Lear Holmes

June 12, 1989 - August 1, 2018

Chris was a passenger in a float plane accident on Tyaughton Lake, BC when he lost his life.

He was born in Calgary, AB and grew up in Maple Creek, SK from age 2.

Chris played many sports - hockey, baseball, track and distance running.  He loved the outdoors and had an adventurous spirit for biking, hiking, skiing, motor biking and hunting.  He always had his backpack with him and was prepared for any emergency.  He loved to fix and build things. Chris always had his faithful dog Casper by his side.

Following high school, he attended university, worked at Kal Tire and was on the volunteer fire department for 3 years.  He also took up scuba diving and climbing.

Corporal Chris Holmes served in the Canadian Military Reserves for 10 years at South Alberta Light Horse regiment in Medicine Hat and King's Own Regiment in Calgary.

Chris persisted with his passion of flying. He received his private pilot's license in 2009, his commercial rating in 2014, and his bush pilot rating in April of 2017. 

He was immediately hired by Fort Langley Air in BC and knew he had found his dream job.  He would fly people on tours to beautiful lakes and took some amazing photos. He also instructed float plane lessons to other pilots always taking time to finish small details.  He quickly became well respected and sought after in the aviation community. 

Friends and family describe Chris as brave, adventurous and caring.

Funeral service was held August 13th, 2018 in Maple Creek Armoury at 2 p.m.  It was officiated by Reverend Michele Rowe and Archdeacon Peter Boote.  Eulogists were Ethan Stork and Derek Burt with Derek reading at the funeral. Slide show prepared by Madison Stork and Taryn (Stork) Argue. Scott MacIntosh, his employer was unable to attend but sent a reading of Chris's pilot job.

Pallbearers were Ethan Stork, Nakita Gleim, Chad Fournier, Patrick Fritzler, Cale Blythman and Damien Severin.  Honorary Pallbearers were from The Kings Own Calgary Regiment and South Alberta Light Horse Regiment Medicine Hat.

Chris will be sadly missed by his parents Blair and Peggi Holmes, sister Megan and husband Aaron Kozak and sister Jaclyn. Grandparents Alf and Evelyn Stork and Gordon and Ramona Holmes. Also, by many friends and family.

Family include: Uncle Blaine and Jodi Stork of Moose Jaw, cousin Ryan and Brooke with Caydin, Makaya and Teagan of Medicine Hat; cousin Alicia (Stork) and Justin Seaborg with Cashton and Cruz of Moose Jaw; and cousin Madison Stork of Lethbridge

Uncle Keith and Marilyn Stork of Maple Creek, cousin Ethan and Kristin with Remi of Saskatoon; cousin Taryn (Stork) and Derek Argue with Tate of Biggar

Uncle Michael Stork of Iqaluit Nunavut

Aunt Peggy and Neil Duncan of Vernon, cousin Natasha (Duncan) and Mike Bruce with Camden, Kellen and Adelyn of Maple Ridge BC; cousin Amanda (Duncan) and Darcy Rhodes with Brielle and Brayden of Vernon; cousin Jarret and Rhianna Duncan with Jace, Rylan and Ava of Alert Bay BC

Aunt Dena and Randy Burt of Regina, cousin Derek and Sofi Burt of Calgary ; cousin Hali (Burt) and Tyler Penna with Madeleine of Regina

Uncle Ritchie and Gail of Calgary,  cousins Doneidan, Dallas and Charissa Holmes with daughter Freya

Uncle Keith and Arlene of Fort St John, cousins Sterling and Tanya

Family have created a Chris Holmes Flight Scholarship to help pilots from Maple Creek and Southwestern Saskatchewan follow in Chris' footsteps and realize their own dreams of flying.

Donations may be made by clicking the link below or directly to family, or to a charity of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Christopher Lear Holmes, please visit our floral store.