Philip Jon Holmes

Philip J. Holmes, 63, of Amherst, Virginia. formerly of Sandwich and Bolton, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19th, after a brief illness.

Born in Marlborough, Massachusetts, Phil spent his early years there before his family moved to Bolton in 1974. A proud 1980 graduate of Nashoba Regional High School, Phil went on to make his mark in the beauty industry and in the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Phil spent his early career as a hairdresser in Bolton and the surrounding towns. At one point, rumor had it, he cut the hair of more than half the town of Bolton. In 1990, he joined Hairlines of Shrewsbury, beginning a year career as a beloved Paul Mitchell representative and educator. To his clients from Plymouth through the Cape and the Islands, Phil was more than a salesman, he was a consultant, a partner, and a friend who never hesitated to lend a hand moving product, building shelves or rearranging a salon display. "Retail is detail," he'd say with a grin. Passionate about protecting Paul Mitchell's brand integrity, he became a fierce defender against diversion, earning the memorable nickname "The Shampoo Cop" in the Cape Cod Times.

When he wasn't on the road, Phil poured his heart into his Sandwich home, meticulously maintaining his yard and curating his vast, and ever growing, collection of vintage treasures. From antique sand pails and teddy bears to toys, glassware, and TV & movie memorabilia, he loved the thrill of discovery, especially on his trips to the Brimfield Fair.

A lifelong fan of the band Yes, Phil had the extraordinary fortune to befriend lead singer Jon Anderson and his wife, Jane, in the late 1990s. That chance meeting sparked a decades long friendship that brought Phil, his friends and his family unforgettable experiences and "best seat in the house" memories at countless shows.

Self named "Phil the Thrill," he had an endless supply of humor and a mischievous spark that could light up any room. Whether telling stories or pulling pranks, he made laughter his legacy.

Phil was predeceased by his father Herbert Holmes (1986), his mother Marilyn Holmes (2009), and his brother Peter Holmes (2009). He is survived by his brothers Jeffrey Holmes of Leominster and Bryan Holmes and his wife Laura Holmes; nieces and nephews Morgan Holmes and Mason Holmes of Bolton, Sister in Law Kirby Holmes of Sandwich and nieces Jennifer Holmes and Ashley Holmes of Sandwich; Uncle Robert (Bobby) Holmes of Amherst Va, Aunt Marilyn Holmes of Amherst Va (Formerly Castleton Vt), Cousins Brenda Whitehead of Amherst Va, Bruce Holmes of Brasov, Romania and David Parker of Burlington Vt as well as many cherished friends, colleagues, and extended family who will miss him dearly.

Phil would want to be remembered with laughter so when you think of him, share a story, tell a joke, or hum a Yes tune. And, just remember to "Keep it Real!" That's how "Phil the Thrill" would've wanted it.

A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Phil asked that donations be made in his memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in support of first responder families (t2t.org)