Robert Holmes

Holmes, Robert F.
Robert F. Holmes died on December 16, 2012 at home in Vero Beach, Florida of complications from pancreatic cancer. He was born in 1930 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Wayne and Edith Mae Holmes. He attended public schools in Illinois, California and New Jersey and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1952. He served as a lieutenant in the Marine Corps from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean conflict. Upon discharge, he joined IBM and served as the Worcester and Boston Branch Manager as well as the New England District Manager. After moving to the international area he became the
Marketing Director for the America's-Far East Group, and ultimately General Manager of IBM Canada and Latin America. In 1980 he joined the Burroughs Corporation, which after the acquisition of Memorex and Sperry-Rand became Unisys. While there he became President of World-Wide Marketing. He retired in 1990 to New Hampshire and Florida. During his career he served on numerous business boards and civic organizations, including being a member of Darien's town government and Michigan's Economic Council. He was pre-deceased by his parents, his sister Jean Hansen and his wife and mother of their four sons, Lois Hilbrandt Holmes. He is survived by his wife of over twenty years, Betty Jean Holmes, brother Dr. Douglas S. Holmes (Linda) and sons Robert (Mary), Andrew (Rachel), Dr Bill, Ken (Anne) as well as stepdaughters Nancy Cash (Larry) and Dr. Deborah Poole (Gerado). He also leaves four grandchildren and two step-grandsons. Bob's passion was his family-he reveled in their achievements and success, and always said of his marriages, "I have been doubly blessed." An avid golfer, Bob enjoyed golf clubs in Darien, CT, Bloomfield Hills, MI and most recently Baker Hill Golf Club in New Hampshire and Hawk's Nest and Bent Pine in Florida. He was quite proud of his lifetime 5 holes-in-one and was actively pursuing the 6th at the time of his passing. He enjoyed new experiences and through business and recreational travel had visited each of the 50 states and every continent. In short, Bob was positive and enthusiastic about a myriad of interests. His zest for life will be missed. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to New London Hospital, 273 County Road, New London, NH 03257 or VNA & Hospice, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, Florida 32960. There are no services planned at this time.