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Bertrand Holmes Bertrand "Bert" Holmes, 96, passed away peacefully at home on February 16, 2013. Bert was born in Seattle, Washington on January 25, 1917 to Charles Ernest Holmes and Ida Bergetha Iversen Holmes. His family moved to the Olympia area in 1926 and then to Tenino in 1927 where he began fourth grade and graduated from high school in 1936. As a senior in high school, he drove the school bus. Bert attended the University of Washington from 1937-1939 where he studied engineering in addition to spending many nights completing correspondence courses. He married Bertha Lensegrav, his loving wife of more than 72 years, on June 1, 1940. Bert served in World War II and the Korean War. He was a first lieutenant in the Air Force and served as an instructor in the Bomb Squadron School and as an active navigator on bombing missions through the Orient and Europe. Bert began working at the Olympia Brewing Company in 1947 until he was called back to active duty in the Korean War during the spring of 1951. When the war ended, he returned to his job at the brewery. He was promoted to Plant Engineer and was instrumental in the acquisition of the Hamms Brewery in St. Paul and the San Antonio Brewery. He retired from the brewery on February 1, 1979. After retirement, Bert and Bertha were members of Friendship Forces and enjoyed traveling to Korea, England, Germany, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand as well as many places in the U.S. They enjoyed golfing, hiking, camping, dancing and watching Mariners baseball. Bert loved his family and friends and enjoyed gatherings where he could share his many adventures. His wonderful sense of humor was enjoyed by all. As a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church since 1947, Bert served on the church council and volunteered many hours. He also volunteered at the Olympia Elks Club and Griffin School where he helped children with their math and served on the School Board. Bert is survived by his wife Bertha, son Kenneth (Linda), son Richard (Linda), sisters Lucelle Walterstedt and Irene Bonsall, grandchildren Caron, Greg, Stephen, Kerri, Kris and Kimberly and eleven great grandchildren. Bert was preceded in death by brothers Carl and Gordon and sisters Rachel and Pearl. Bert was a wonderful, loving and generous man. He will be missed by everyone whose life he touched. Memorial service will be held Friday, February 22, 2013 at 1:00pm at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Funeral arrangements are by Forest Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Olympia 186 Elks Children Therapy or Seattle Children's Hospital.
Published in The Olympian on February 20, 2013
