Robert Burress Holmes, son of Charles and Mary Holmes, was born in Modesto, CA, and passed away peacefully at his home in San Diego, CA.

Bob served in the Air Force during the Korean war, at which time he met his wife, Patricia Ann Roach, at a dance at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, CA. They were married for 56 years.

He attended University of Pacific, in Stockton, CA, and after they were married attended San Diego State where he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Bob taught at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School for 32 years.

Bob was an avid track man with the San Diego Track Club. He traveled the world competing in Masters Track Meets. Bob also competed in many San Diego Chargers halftime shows at Jack Murphy/Qualcomm Stadium. His favorite meet was the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, UT. Bob participated in the very first Triathlon at Mission Bay.

He enjoyed camping, fishing and backpacking in the High Sierras, and he took flying lessons at the age of 80. He cherished the time he spent with his family. He enjoyed cheering on his grandsons in high school and college and then his three great grandchildren in various sports.

Bob was an active member at Palisades Presbyterian Church for 57 years. He is survived by his daughter Vicki Udvarhelyi (Glenn), his son Craig Holmes (Debbie), two grandsons, Travis Udvarhelyi (Brittney), Troy Udvarhelyi (Erin) and three great grandchildren, Mckenzie Udvarhelyi, Maveric Udvarhelyi, Champ Udvarhelyi and several hundred students.

A private service will be held at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times of San Diego from Sep. 16 to Sep. 18, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Holmes

Sponsored by Featheringill Mortuary.

4 Entries

Dr. Edward "Eddie" Williams

April 30, 2025

Mr. Holmes was my 6th grade teacher Sept 1963-June 1964 at Ben Franklin Elementary. As much as any teacher in my long education career as a professor of English for 38 years, Mr. Holmes was hugely important to me via his taking me to task to improve my reading. He inspired me to such a high degree that I became an avid reader in middle and high school, a habit of mind that changed me completely and ended up being the crucial impetus for my multiple degrees in business, philosophy, English, and Doctor of education.
I visited Mr. Holmes dozens of times through and beyond high school, telephoned him right up to within a year of his passing. He remained the single-most important influence in my life. Thank you, Mr. Holmes. I will miss our chats over 6 decades since I left your classroom in June `64.

Jean (Bruce) Hoeger

March 16, 2025

Oh how we loved Mr. Holmes at Franklin Elementary School! One of the best teachers ever and a truly kind and gentle man. I know he knew how many lives he touched in his 34 years! Will be missed by so many!

Meredith Anderson

December 17, 2024

I loved Mr.Holmes. He was my absolute favorite teacher ever! He was the only reason that I got into physical fitness. He encouraged all of us to get the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. I was very proud of myself and so was he.
He made 5th grade great. We had Fernando´s hideaway, etc. I was just talking about him the other day. I´m 61 and never forgot him. I am glad he lived such a long and happy life.

Monnique Arnold (Slater)

October 14, 2024

Oh my, I'm so sad to realize my 6th grade (c/o 1983) teacher has passed away. I remember that I promised to visit him after I graduated from Hoover in 1989. It was a few years after that I attempted to make contact through Franklin Elementary but they said he had retired. He made such an impact in my life. The day we were promoted, I went to the classroom to get my stuff and he was there. He spoke with my mother for a few minutes and he came over to me and put his hand on my shoulder. I looked up at him and I cried. He hugged me and told me I was a good person and he always liked me. That meant the world to me because he was the one teacher that found whatever it was in me that made me want to be successful. Now I'm in my 50s and a married mom of 2 adults and I've even spoken to them about favorite teacher, Mr. Holmes. Your whole family has my condolences. Mr. Holmes was very special to me. May he rest in power.

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