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Roderick Holmes Obituary
FREEVILLE - Roderick E. "Tuffy" Holmes, 53, of Asbury Road, Freeville, NY, passed away April 21, 2008 at the Hospicare Residence in Ithaca, NY, after a four month battle with cancer. He was born in Canastota, NY, on May 31, 1954 to Doris and Roger Holmes Sr. Roderick was a graduate of Canastota High School, and served as a 9th infantry division, 2nd battalion, 77th armored Reconnaissance, scouting for tanks in the Yukon Territory. He received an honorable discharge, under the rank of Buck Sergeant in September 1975. Roderick was a dedicated employee of Cornell University for 18 years. His favorite hobbies included riding his Harley, fishing, hunting, the art of baking and spending time with family and many close friends. Roderick was a beloved father and husband who will be remembered always by those who knew him.
Roderick is survived by his devoted wife of 26 years, Clare P. Holmes of Freeville; loving daughter, Jessica Holmes of Lansing; and brother, Roger Holmes of Newfield; as well as extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and father in-law.
The family will be present to receive friends on Friday, April 25, 2008, from 6-8 p.m. at the Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY. A celebration of Roderick's life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lansing United Methodist Church, 32 Brickyard Road, Lansing, NY. Committal will be at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roderick Holmes
chad owens
May 17, 2008
dear clare and jessica
i am sorry to here that tuffy passed my only regreat was i did not get to know tuffy better but i do have memries that i wont forget you'll always be in my prayrs and thoughts
your friend chad owens
candace lohnes help at home
April 29, 2008
My heart goes out to you and your daughter, i feel for you and the many friends ,neighbors and family that knew and loved him. My granddaughter lives in Virden so I can picture the community he grew up in.
John Caruso
April 28, 2008
Claire and Jessica,
I'm so terribly sorry to hear of Tuffy's passing. You know he was like a brother to me; we will be in touch soon.
Doc & Barb
Rick Van Nest
April 27, 2008
Sorry to hear of your loss . Going to miss him just like a brother.
Semper Fi
Richard A. Virgil II (T.J.)
April 24, 2008
Sorry for your loss. my condolences goes to your family. We all will miss him he was a good father and friend to us all. I knew him very well.
Loretta Welch
April 24, 2008
Clare, Sorry for your loss. I'll miss his laughter. It has been years since I have seen him but his humor will always be remembered. As well as the rides on his bike. Just wanted to let you know were thinking about you and that you are in our prayers. sincerely, Loretta S. Allen (ex-sister-in-law)
jasmine/destiny/allyssa/kristin/kaiyden WARNER
April 23, 2008
to:uncle tuffy
The Day God Called You Home:
God looked around his Garden
and found an empty place.
He then looked down upon his
earth and saw your loving face.
He put his arms around you
and lifted you to rest.
His Garden must be beautiful,
he always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering,
he knew you were in pain.
And knew that you would
never get well on earth again.
He saw your path was difficult,
he closed you tired eyes,
He whispered to you
"Peace be Thine"and
gave you wings to fly.
When we saw you sleeping so
calm and free of pain,
We would not wish you back to
earth to suffer once again.
You've left us precious memories,
your love will be our guide,
You live on through your children,
you're always by our side.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
but you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you on the
day God called you home.
God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not to be,
so he put his arms around you,
and whispered "Come to me".
With tearful eyes we watched you,
and saw you pass away.
Although we loved you dearly,
we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
hard working hands at rest,
God broke our hearts to prove to usHe only takes the best.
WE MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU
ROGER HOLMES/ DORIS WARNER
April 23, 2008
IF TEARS COULD BUILD A STAIRWAY AND MEMORIES A LANE WE WOULD WALK RIGHT UP TO HEAVEN AND BRING YOU HOME AGAIN...... WE LOVE AND MISS YOU DEARLY TUFFY ..ONE DAY WE WILL ALL BE REUNITED AND BE A FAMILY AGAIN TILL THEN WE HOLD YOU IN OUR HEARTS .....
Lisa Finnerty
April 23, 2008
To Clare & Jessica,
You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Lisa Finnerty
ray and vicki whittaker
April 23, 2008
we are sorry for your loss and if there is anything you need don't hesitate to ask.
Suzanne & Woodg Horning
April 22, 2008
Clare & Jessica-
I know how much Rod loved both of you, we used to talk about you all the time when Rod was on his breaks at work! Rod was a great guy who we will all miss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time!
doris and roger warner/holmes
April 22, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
natasha warner
April 22, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
Bunny Oliver
April 22, 2008
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to clare and jessica. I grew up knowing Tuffy, and a nicer man I have never met, except for my own father. I am thankful that I knew him.
Bunny Gray-Oliver(Dottie's daughter)
Adirondacks
April 22, 2008
On the back roads
April 22, 2008
Caguya Lake
April 22, 2008
Pennsylvania
April 22, 2008
Joyce & Mark Leonard & Clapper
April 22, 2008
Dear Clare,
We are so very sad to hear about Tuffy. We had some fun times at our Thursday night dinners. He will be missed. Please let us know if there's anything we can do to help.
Donna & Glady
April 22, 2008
Clare,
Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and Jessica. We were so sorry to hear of Tuffy’s death. If there is anything you need or anything we can do, please let us know.
Hugs,
Jim & Nadine ODell
April 22, 2008
Clare & Jessica, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you. Tuffy was a great guy and will surely be missed by many.
Andy & Kim Bush & Simmons
April 22, 2008
Clare, We are so sorry for your loss. You and Jessica are in our thoughts and prayers. If you need us please call.
Jessica Holmes
April 22, 2008
I want to thanks each and everyone of you for all your support & prayers for my dad! Our family is so blessed to have such great people come into our lives. To the wonderful people at hopsicare, words just can't explain. All of you are amazing and have touched our lives more than we could ever express. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!
Watch Over Us Angel 0:)
We Love You Daddy!!!
Roger Morehouse
April 22, 2008
Tuffy was a heck of a guy and a great baker. I really enjoyed working with him way back when. God bless him and his family.
Pamela Zimmer
April 22, 2008
Words cannot express my sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with Clare and Jessica and the family and friends of Tuffy at this time. Many good memories will live on in our hearts forever.
Teri Enders Woody Bustle
April 22, 2008
Tuffy will be missed, he was a wonderful man, always a friendly and smiling face! Our memories will always be with us.
CINDYLOU SEAMON,SMITH
April 22, 2008
I'M SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS.MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH THE FAMILY
dan (sporto) fenner
April 22, 2008
tuffy was a good guy and a good friend to know.he helped me out with a ride two work a few yeats ago on his bike. thanks "tuffy"
cathy white hospicare (hha)
April 22, 2008
Rod will be missed a lot. sorry for your lose. I was glad that i could help care for him in your time of need
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