Carl Holmes

Carl A. Holmes, age 83 of Chapman Road, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family and friends, Sunday evening, July 22, 2018, following a period of declining health.

Carl was born in Bristol, CT on December 9, 1934 the son of Charles and Hildur (Sundgren) Holmes.  He grew up on Lakeview Farm on the South Road in Farmington, CT.   Carl loved spending time with his father.  His love for Vermont came from visiting Mrs. Rowe and Charlie Chaffee with his dad.

Around 1960, Carl and his wife, Jean, purchased and moved to the High Field Farm on Pudding Hill in Lyndonville, VT.  He later left farming and returned CT to do demolition and construction work.

Carl loved to “run the roads” and in 2001 he suffered a heart attack and drove himself to Corner Medical.  He was also a smoker and after many years he quit and often joked that the Smoking Cessation classes at the hospital didn’t have any idea what they were talking about.

Around this time Carl joined the Cardic Rehab exercise group at the hospital three days a week and he would show up rain or shine when he was still able to drive himself.  Over the years he made many friends and knew almost everyone at the hospital including the CEO.  After class was over, a group would get together and go to lunch, and then Carl would visit people he knew that were either in the Nursing Home or the Hospital.  He also cared for people including B.J. Rice who built his home on Chapman Road. Over the years Carl drove people to doctor’s appointments and helped them run errands.  Carl was a very good neighbor.

Carl’s biggest regret about getting older was when he couldn’t drive anymore.  One day he came home, put the car away and knew it was time to hang up the keys.

Carl loved to get together with his family and friends.  For his 80th birthday, they threw him a surprise party.   Miss Lyndonville Diner had “Happy Birthday Carl!” on the specials board and the waitresses bought him dessert, even though he was there for breakfast.  It was a wonderful day for Carl and he enjoyed every minute.

He is survived by his daughter: Carlean Holmes Gharpurey of Half Moon Bay, CA, 3 sons: Charles D. Holmes of Unionville, CT, Kurt J.  Holmes of Lyndonville, VT, Scott H.  Holmes of South Wheelock, VT, 4 grandchildren: Sonya A. Holmes, Crystal A. Amara, Shane A. Holmes and Aneesha H. Gharpurey, and 2 great-grandchildren: Joey F. Amara and Lucy J. Amara.

Carl was predeceased by a brother: David and sister: Judy.

A graveside service will be held at the Sutton Village Cemetery in Sutton, VT at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 28, 2018 with the Rev. Barbara Dwyer officiating.  A celebration of life will be held at the American Legion Hall, 4854 Memorial Drive, St. Johnsbury, immediately following the service.

Friends may call on the family from 6 – 8 p.m., Friday July 27, 2018 at the Guibord Funeral Home on 15 Main St., Lyndonville, VT.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Caledonia Home Health and Hospice, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT, 05819.

Condolence may be shared with the family at www.guibordfh.com