Mar 20, 1929 - Feb 27, 2018
John B. Holmes (20 March 1929 - 27 February 2018), born in Invermere and attended school in Revelstoke and Nelson in the thirties until the mid forties.
Predeceased by his first wife of fifty-two years, Bette, and, brother Philip L. Holmes, he is survived by his second wife, Carrie, daughters Natally, Barbara, Juliana, son John, four grandchildren and, brother, Brian.
John earned degrees from the University of Idaho, the University of Washington Dental School and George Washington University. After completion of his dental training, John began a twenty-eight year career in the dental service of the US Navy retiring as a Rear Admiral. He saw sea duty in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea and served a tour of duty with the US Marine Corps. During his navy career he became a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics. Prior to retirement, his career included regional command in San Francisco, California, and upon promotion to flag officer, command of naval dental facilities from Iceland to Panama.
After his retirement from the Navy, he began a teaching career as Associate Dean of Clinical Services at the University of California San Francisco Dental School, and, at Loma Linda School of Dentistry.
His academic career continued for more for more than twenty years until the disability of wife, Bette required his full time care.
During his teaching career he continued clinical activities and remained active in many professional associations including the American College of Prosthodontists, of which he was a charter member and past president, and, the Academy of Denture Prosthetics.
During visits to the Nelson area John expressed fond memories of school in Nelson, Boy Scout activities, playing hockey with F.A.C. teams and lasting admiration of coach Slim Porter, and working summer job with schoolmates on a CPR extra section gang.
Funeral arrangements are pending with burial at Arlington National Cemetery.