Fred Christen Holmes Jr. was born in the spring of 1938 in Pueblo, Colo., to Fred Sr. and Josephine Holmes. He grew up on the family farm in San Acacio with his siblings. After graduating from Centennial Union High School in 1956, he returned to the family farm and ultimately became its third-generation steward. After raising sheep in the early years, he transitioned to alfalfa and grain. Fred lived the life of 10 men due to his work ethic and the lives he touched. Fred had an innate aptitude for engineering, mechanics and fabrication. There was no problem he couldn’t solve and he never refused a challenge. He farmed, he built and he trucked enough miles to circle the world.
Fred always lent a helping hand to those in need. During the winter, he repaired tractors and machinery for fellow farmers, and did custom dirt work for the community and his neighbors. He was a great mentor to those who had the opportunity to work with him, including his daughter who gained the same love of farming. Fred was also a long-term, active member of the NFO and he served as a board member and President of the Sanchez Ditch and Reservoir for many, many years.
In mid-life, while hospitalized for severe burns, Fred met a nurse who one day became the love of his life. Fred and Ann were happily married for 30 years. Ann delighted in being a farmer’s wife, having grown up on a nearby cattle ranch. After retiring and selling the farm to Caldon Farms, Fred created a home and sanctuary for Ann in Bountiful. Together they proudly transformed barren ground into a shady oasis of trees, native plants, garden beds, and flowers galore. Recently, Ann returned to the role of nursing the love of her life until his final breath. In his final act of kindness, Fred was a tissue donor for burn patients.
Fred is survived by his wife Ann, daughter Chris (Flint) Baldwin of Alamosa, Colo., granddaughter Nici (Ise) Sandoval and great-grandsons James and Luke Sandoval of Bayfield, Colo., brother Bob Holmes of Thornton, Colo., and his sister, Carolyn (Werner) Anderson of Lawrence, Kan. Fred is also survived by his “bonus” daughters, Nancy Thorne (Bob), Leslie Davis (Doug), Roberta Newman and Amy Slezak (Joe), “bonus” grandchildren, Lizy Breed (Chris), Austin Thorne (Anne), Lindsay Grieco (Jim), Katelin Odom (Mitch), Creede Newman, Irene Newman, Hunter Slezak, Harper Slezak and Hillary Slezak, and “bonus” great-grandchildren, Berkley and Oakley Breed, Gabrielle and Grace Grieco and Holden Odom.
Fred will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A private family Celebration of Life will be held later this year to scatter Fred’s ashes over Mt. Blanca. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation in Fred’s name at www.macular.org.
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