PHILIP HOLMES Obituary

Name: Memorial service for PHILIP HOLMES
Start: 2017-02-11T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Church of the Angels

HOLMES, Philip

Philip Holmes of Pasadena, California passed away peacefully in Rancho Mirage, California on December 28, 2016, at age 75. He taught English at the Harvard Westlake School for forty years, inspiring all of his students with images of greatness through literature and essays. He truly left an indelible footprint on this Earth, not only as a great educator, but also as a kind and loving husband and father. Phil leaves behind his life long best friend and wife Susan, son Christopher, daughter Meredith, and four beloved grandchildren.
A private memorial service will be held at 1:00p.m. on February 11th, 2017 at Church of the Angels in Pasadena.

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Published by Pasadena Star-News from Jan. 20 to Jan. 22, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for PHILIP HOLMES

Sponsored by Pasadena Star-News.

7 Entries

Timothy Fenderson

September 2, 2024

I am late to this group, but I had to write here. I am indebted to Phil Holmes. I just found out THat Phil Holmes passed!
He mentored me for two years while I was helping get Oaks Christian School a strong academic footing (I was founding academic dean) when we were starting out, 1999-2001. His wisdom I still pass along to others and I credit him with any academic strength and success the school has had. I honestly believe that and have freely said it often.
His influence is far reaching, both geographcially and into the future.
Saddened to hear, but am nothing but grateful for him.

Robert Hur

November 9, 2023

I'm another former Harvard student of Mr. Holmes who feels fortunate and privileged to have learned from him. He cared deeply about us and conveyed real passion for the material. He recognized our potential and demanded much of us, but he also knew we were goofy and sleep-deprived adolescents; I still remember his stern admonition at the end of one class (during which I'd been nodding off): "Get some sleep, Hur." Thanks in large part to Mr. Holmes and Dr. Robert Archer, another of the Harvard English Department's greats, I majored in English in college and continue to this day to appreciate clear prose (and strive to produce the same). Thank you, Mr. Holmes.

David Weber

June 19, 2022

I just today learned that Mr. Holmes passed a few years ago. I was one of his students his very first year at Harvard School. Mr. Holmes's principles for effective writing were simple & enduring; and if I've been a competent writer all these years, it was markedly due to adhering to many of those principles. Also, he taught the section of Sacred Studies I was in during my senior year. Mr. Holmes conducted our class meetings more like a college-level seminar in philosophy or theology. It was my first exposure to discussion-based learning and I loved it. In fact, as a university professor, I myself favor the discussion-based model of instruction & learning. I'll remember and appreciate you always, Mr. Holmes.

Jon Calame

April 1, 2021

I am another fond student of Mr. Holmes. My appreciation for him only grows. A really GREAT teacher must be a wonderful person. This kind of teacher does not so much convey as transmit, almost by osmosis. Mr. Holmes shows what it looks like for a very serious person to love language, adore clarity, and care about the sound and texture of words. I cannot meet his standards, but it is so good to learn a person can have them. Much, much gratitude.

from Sentinal 1979 (Harvard School yearbook)

February 4, 2018

Herman Fong

February 4, 2018

I am fortunate to have been a student of Phil Holmes' at Harvard School. He was an excellent and supportive teacher and a thoughtful and kind man. Before his class, I had considered myself a strong student and writer, but, through his teaching and guidance, I learned what it meant to be a careful reader, an effective writer, and a good teacher. At the end of the semester, after he returned an essay exam on which I was surprised to find I had scored poorly, for example, I sought his help, and he patiently and gently, yet clearly and specifically, explained how my work fell short and how it could be better and told me that he knew I could do better. I have never forgotten his encouragement and what he taught me during the course and particularly during that conversation. As a teacher now myself, I try to pass along to my students what Phil passed along to me and hope that I am for my students the kind of role model that he was for me. I am saddened to learn of his passing and send my deepest condolences to his family and all who knew him. Thank you, Mr. Holmes.

Mark Hagen

January 31, 2017

Phil was like an older brother to me who shared his thoughts on just about anything .He was generous in spirit and always spoke well of everyone .Walking into his lovely home ,you just knew that Phil would take good care of you .God blessed us all to put him in our lives. Save me a seat up there in the bleachers buddy.

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