Decorated veteran, Deputy District Attorney

Frederick Thompson Holmes, a resident of Fort Bragg, California, died on October 15, 2016 after a short illness. He was 71.

He was born in Pomona on July 20, 1945 to Manley Loraine Holmes and Agnes Thompson Holmes. After high school, he enrolled in the US Army ROTC Program and pursued a Bachelor of Arts in political science at San Jose State University. While living in the dorms, Fred met his future wife, Kathy. They married in 1967 and later had two children, Jennifer and Scott.

After college graduation in 1968, Mr. Holmes volunteered for service in the Vietnam War. He served honorably as an officer in the US Army and was a Purple Heart recipient. Upon returning to civilian life, he decided to continue his education, earning a law degree from the prestigious Hastings College of Law in San Francisco in 1974. After passing the State Bar, Fred established himself as a private practice attorney in the Bay Area but eventually grew tired of city living. When he was offered the role of Deputy District Attorney in Truckee, California, Mr. Holmes jumped at the opportunity and relocated in 1979. Living in this picturesque mountain town suited the family well. Fred and Kathy remained in Truckee until they both retired in 2007.

With their careers behind them, the couple fulfilled another dream, which was to live by the Pacific Ocean. The couple moved to the Mendocino Coast where Mr. Holmes hosted family gatherings at nearby MacKerricher Park, showcasing his campfire culinary skills in his pop-up restaurant “Club Fred.”

Mr. Holmes was a proud member of the Rotary Club, both in Truckee and Fort Bragg. He served as the weekly bulletin editor in both clubs, amusing his fellow Rotarians with his notoriously wry sense of humor and expansive knowledge of trivia. Above all, Fred endeavored to live his life according to the Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.”

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathy; his daughter Jennifer (Bob Iannetta) and his son Scott. Other surviving family members include his sister, Frances (Vernon) Weigand of Pomona, and his brother, Stuart (Susan) Holmes of Claremont. He was predeceased by his brother Don Holmes and his sister Diana Napper.

A private memorial will be held in Claremont. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rotary International or the Mendocino Coast Humane Society.