Obituary of Roger Holmes

Roger G. Holmes 

Formerly Roger Samwell; also known as ‘Orv’.
 

Roger died unexpectedly on February 15, 2019 at Toronto General Hospital, with his family by his side. Cherished and loving husband and best friend of Barb (nee Davis), much loved and admired Dad who was devoted to his daughters and their families: Dione (Ormonde Benson), Candice (Stuart Kedwell) and Eneli (Fraser McCartney). Loved, loving and fun ‘Grandest’ to his six grandchildren: Elle and Lily, Lucy and Ava, and Jake and Gavin. Loving brother of Carolyn, and uncle of Lisa and Richard, all of Australia. Predeceased by his father Richard C. Holmes (1945), his mother Bonnie (nee Driver,1997), and his brother Frank Samwell (2007).
 

Born in Toronto on October 3, 1943, Roger attended Leaside High School. He was recruited to McMaster University where he played varsity football and hockey in his first year, but was then sidelined due to injuries. He graduated with his B.Sc., then obtained his M.Sc. from U of T and his M.D. from Queen’s University.  After two years in Kapuskasing, Roger continued his medical career in Peterborough. For over four decades he was a caring and dedicated family physician in Peterborough, a profession he loved. Always up for new experiences and challenges, he served as Chief of Family Medicine, and as Interim Director of Mental Health Services at the Peterborough hospital.

Roger was known for his great curiosity about just about everything. He was especially interested in people and their lives and ideas, and engaged not only people he knew in these conversations, but the various people he would encounter in day to day life.

Rog’s greatest passion was his family, to whom he gave endless love and support. His favourite time of the year was the annual family vacation at a beautiful cottage on Georgian Bay, an area he loved since childhood when he went to Camp Kitchikewana on Beausoleil Island. His grandchildren are now fourth generation Kitchi campers. 

Rog had a great love of the outdoors, and Barb, the family and friends, have many happy paddling, sailing, cottaging, and skiing memories with him. His trip of a lifetime occurred a few years ago when he, Barb and friends paddled the Keele River in the NWT’s.  Unfailingly kind and generous, with an unforgettable and infectious laugh, Rog will be deeply missed by his family, and by his friends that he valued so much. In keeping with Roger’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. He always said, “Just have a party!” and so, we will have a gathering in the spring to honour and remember his life.

We, the family, would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and all of the staff of the CICU at TGH for the excellent and compassionate care they gave to Roger and to us. If desired, donations in his memory may be made to The Nature Conservancy of Canada; Toronto General and Western Hospital Foundation for the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre Campaign; Camp Kitchikewana (Midland YMCA); or St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation for Heart and Stroke Prevention Research.  Condolences and memories will be gratefully received privately by the family through www.humphreymiles.com