Anthony Oliver Holmes
September 22, 1959 ~ November 11, 2020
On Wednesday, November 11, 2020, Anthony Oliver (Tony) Holmes, loving husband, brother and son, passed away at the age of 61.
Anxious to get started, Tony was born at home on September 22, 1959 in Arlington, Virginia. A life-long learner, Tony received multiple degrees: Virginia Commonwealth University (Bachelor of Science, Urban Planning & Design, 1983); University of Northern Colorado (Master of Arts, Counseling, 1993) and George Washington University (Doctorate, 1996). In 2003, he made one of many worldwide trips, this time to China where he met the love of his life, Gui Hua (Tang) Holmes. They were married in 2005 and spent 17 happy years in Alaska, Hawaii, Colorado and Virginia.
Tony was a true-blue Eagle Scout. He was always in search of his next adventure—be it working with at-risk kids or managing his home health care business in Alaska, serving his community as deputy sheriff in Colorado or farming oysters in Northern Neck, Virginia.
He was a self-titled “professional college student,” but never had any interest in joining the rat race. He worked hard to find ways to do the things he enjoyed every day. A modern-day Grizzly Adams, Tony could tell stories about salmon fishing in the Nanook River, moose and bear hunting in Dillingham and trapping wild boar on the Big Island’s Macadamia nut farms. Tony loved being outdoors and working with his hands. He built seven houses from scratch, lived off the land and sea, and handcrafted his patented Tony’s Ulu Knives—ergonomic knives for arthritic hands.
Tony is survived by his wife, Gui Hua; his father Tyrone, and his mother June; his four siblings, Arondo Holmes, Gregory Holmes, Belinda Holmes Marable and Mark Holmes; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Due to the COVID pandemic, a private funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 18. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to VCU Massey Cancer Center, 401 College Street, Box 980037, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0037 or https://www.support.vcu.edu/give/Massey. Online condolences and fond memories of Tony may be offered at www.moneyandking.com
Anxious to get started, Tony was born at home on September 22, 1959 in Arlington, Virginia. A life-long learner, Tony received multiple degrees: Virginia Commonwealth University (Bachelor of Science, Urban Planning & Design, 1983); University of Northern Colorado (Master of Arts, Counseling, 1993) and George Washington University (Doctorate, 1996). In 2003, he made one of many worldwide trips, this time to China where he met the love of his life, Gui Hua (Tang) Holmes. They were married in 2005 and spent 17 happy years in Alaska, Hawaii, Colorado and Virginia.
Tony was a true-blue Eagle Scout. He was always in search of his next adventure—be it working with at-risk kids or managing his home health care business in Alaska, serving his community as deputy sheriff in Colorado or farming oysters in Northern Neck, Virginia.
He was a self-titled “professional college student,” but never had any interest in joining the rat race. He worked hard to find ways to do the things he enjoyed every day. A modern-day Grizzly Adams, Tony could tell stories about salmon fishing in the Nanook River, moose and bear hunting in Dillingham and trapping wild boar on the Big Island’s Macadamia nut farms. Tony loved being outdoors and working with his hands. He built seven houses from scratch, lived off the land and sea, and handcrafted his patented Tony’s Ulu Knives—ergonomic knives for arthritic hands.
Tony is survived by his wife, Gui Hua; his father Tyrone, and his mother June; his four siblings, Arondo Holmes, Gregory Holmes, Belinda Holmes Marable and Mark Holmes; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Due to the COVID pandemic, a private funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 18. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to VCU Massey Cancer Center, 401 College Street, Box 980037, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0037 or https://www.support.vcu.edu/give/Massey. Online condolences and fond memories of Tony may be offered at www.moneyandking.com
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Tony was a very nice man. He always put others needs in front of his own and wouldn’t think twice about it. He loved to do anything with his hands, whether it be making those knives, working with seafood, or building and creating things for around the house. Tony had an enormous heart and wonderful soul that many gravitated to and loved. His charming and uplifting spirit will be missed by many. Hua and family, you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Carol A. Yerby and James R. Yerby Heathsville, Virginia
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A candle was lit for the decedent.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
I didn’t know Tony. Yet watching the memorial service, hearing the expressions from friends and family and then seeing the 50+ pictures in the photo gallery… I really would have enjoyed knowing him. He squeezed every ounce of goodness out of his 61 years. What a full life and certainly a blessing to those who did know him. Godspeed…
A candle was lit for the decedent.
We really miss Tony! He was such a sweet , kind and gentle man. Truly, one in a million. He’ll forever be in our hearts and prayers. Tony, till we meet again my young Brother…. Jim & Uni Blake Reedville, VA