David Francis Holmes

David Francis Holmes

David Francis Holmes passed away June 29, 2025. He was born May 5, 1933, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania and grew up in Douglasville, PA. Dave is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Ruth Arlene Holmes, their 5 children, Debra Holmes Graham (Rick), Susan Holmes Foor (Jim), John Holmes (Isabel), Dennis Holmes (Nicole) and Gael Holmes Hofemeier, along with 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and his first great-great-grandchild, who is on the way.

During the Korean War, Dave served in the U.S. Army at Sandia Base in Albuquerque. He and Arlene loved New Mexico and made Albuquerque their lifelong home. After he left the service, Dave attended UNM, where he earned a BS in Electrical Engineering in 1965, graduating with distinction. He spent most of his career working for the Air Force Weapons Lab at Kirtland Air Force Base, including the Airborne Laser Lab. Dave retired in 1996.

Dave and Arlene took their children on wonderful vacations, visiting all the lower 48 states and many national parks and monuments. They continued to travel the US after the kids grew up, visiting most state high points over the years.

Dave hiked the Sandia Mountains for more than 65 years. He became an expert on the plants, geology, and history of the Sandias and was a friendly presence to those he met on the trails, greeting them with a smile and always ready to share information about the mountains.

He was a curious, intelligent man, a lifelong learner, and a passionate hiker and steward of the Sandias. Many of us have benefited from the work he performed on trails throughout the mountains and from his interest in Sandia Mountains trees, which culminated in the Medallion Trees project.

Within the family, he was a mentor and always ready to help when needed. We grieve his loss and will keep him in our hearts always.

The family celebrated his life in a private gathering.