MacDonald John Holmes
MacDonald John Holmes
Obituary
Guest Book
About
MacDonald Holmes Obituary
He was born on March 9, 1937, in his family's home located in Lawyersville, NY. He was the son of Donald F. and Ruth (McMenemy) Holmes and was a lifelong resident of the Cobleskill area.
He received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell Veterinary Medical College in 1961.
Dr. Holmes practiced veterinary medicine and surgery at the Cobleskill Veterinary Clinic for 27 years. In 1961, he built the Cobleskill Veterinary Clinic with his uncle, Dr. John Holmes, and established a very successful business with his partners Dr. Vince Castellano, DVM and Dr. Vern Durie, VMD serving Schoharie County and surrounding areas. His passion for large animal medicine and care for small animals continued to 1988, prior to his selection as the Dean of Agriculture at SUNY Cobleskill. In 1997 Dr. Holmes was hired as Vice President for Academic Affairs at SUNY Cobleskill following a National Search. He was truly fortunate and humbled to have had two rewarding careers, one in Veterinary Medicine and one in academia where he furthered the fields of agriculture and education.
Throughout his life, Mac served on numerous community and professional organizations. He was a member of the NYS Veterinary Medical Society, where he served as the President and Executive Board Member. He served 10 years on the Board of Examiners for the NYS Board for Veterinary Medical Society. He volunteered at Cornell University serving as a member and Chair of the NYS College of Veterinary Medicine College Council. Additional service to his community included the following: Cobleskill School Board Member and President for 10 years; Board Member and President for Community Hospital of Schoharie County; Board Member and President of merged hospitals (Schoharie County/Bassett); a 50-year member of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schoharie and Otsego Counties; member and President of the Cobleskill Exchange Club; longtime member of the Lawyersville Reformed Church.
He had a wonderful and loving marriage to his wife, Sherry Huntley Holmes, for over 61 years.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Sherry Holmes; sons, Christopher (Audra) Holmes of Chino, CA, Kirk (Kimberly) Holmes of Albany, NY, and his loving grandchildren. He also has 3 surviving brothers, David F. (Barbara) Holmes, Edward H. (Pamela) Holmes and Floyd M. (Linda) Holmes.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 14th, at 1:00 PM at the Lawyersville Reformed Church with Pastor Paul Ferenzy officiating. A reception for friends and family will be held after the service in the Lawyersville Fellowship Hall. Donations can be made to the Lawyersville Reformed Church in the name of Dr. MacDonald J. Holmes, DVM. Checks can be provided to the church in person or mailed to: Lawyersville Reformed Church, PO Box 421, Cobleskill, NY 12043.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., Cobleskill, NY.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with MacDonald
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
2 Entries
Dana Plank (formerly Tripp)
September 11, 2023
My first memory of Mac began when applying for an opening at the Cobleskill Veterinary Clinic. A veterinary technician position had opened when one of their long-term technicians was taking maternity leave. He was a bit stern during the interview, and I was concerned, scared, nervous, that I would not get offered the position. If I did, also feared it might only be temporary and until the technician I was filling in for, returned. What I didn´t know at that time, but learned after accepting the position was Mac´s capacity for warmth and patience. That sternness became the quality of strength admired by not only me, but everyone who knew Mac. I didn´t get to work with him for very long before he took the position at the college, however, my fondest memories were the times he would stop in for supplies for the beef cows or drop the dogs off for boarding (loved Umber!) and have a cup of coffee in the clinic kitchen. These chats in the kitchen (that´s where most of the socializing occurred with yummy food someone was kind enough to bring in and share) are what I remember most. He was no longer my boss, but an acquaintance that I enjoyed chatting with from time to time. Over the years, through numerous interactions and sharing of stories, he became a friend. I also had the pleasure of getting to know his uncle John. When he married Helen (Rickard) and became part of the Hansen clan in South Valley, "Uncle John" told stories of the early days when Cobleskill Veterinary Clinic opened, and Mac was a young veterinarian serving the area´s pets and livestock. Felt like I had come to know Mac even more after hearing Dr. John tell about the earlier days.
I have always been fond of Mac and was very saddened to hear about his death. Sending Sherry, Chris, Kirk and their families my sincerest condolences. Hoping you all find some comfort and solace through supporting each other during this time. Please know I´m thinking of you with heartfelt concerns.
Dana
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in MacDonald Holmes's name
How to support MacDonald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor MacDonald Holmes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more