Obituaries

With much sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Andrew “Barry” Holmes on September 27, 2026 at the Palliative Care Unit, in the Dartmouth General Hospital at age 83. Born at the Ideal Nursing Home in Chester, he escaped the fate of becoming a Butter Box Baby when he was rescued through adoption by his late parents Alex Holmes and Maude (Lynch).

Barry’s lifelong passions for drawing, motor vehicles and sports showed up in his career and hobbies. Early in life he helped his father logging in the woods, before moving to Toronto for a time, where he held various jobs, the most interesting of which was driving snooker legend George Chénier around to various tournaments. A few years after graduating Seneca College as a mechanical draftsman he returned to Nova Scotia and spent the majority of his career working for DND at Willow Park. Throughout his working years and even into early retirement his favorite pastime was playing hockey, spending many hours in front of the net. Later in life he could be found umpiring softball games. Easily bored, he didn't stay retired for long, and explored several new careers including driving short-haul trucks, drafting house plans, and working with the commissionaires to name a few.

Quick witted and quite mischievous Barry had a good sense of humor, loved telling stories and took great pleasure in teasing those he loved. Barry will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He leaves behind many stories, laughs and memories that his family will continue to share for many years to come. He was somehow the life of the party and a professional homebody all at once. His sense of humour was intact until the end.

Barry is survived by his wife Brenda, and his daughters Stephanie (Richard) and Cathy Lee, and his only grandchild Brandon. He is also survived by his brothers Glenn (Barbara) and Richard (Susan), nieces Suzette, Lauren and Nicole, and nephews Greg, Ryan and Matthew. He was predeceased by his parents, stepmother Pearl Holmes and sister Mary Fougere.

In keeping with Barry's wishes there will be no funeral service or celebration of life but a quiet family gathering at his interment at Lorne Street Cemetery in New Glasgow. Anyone wishing to honour Barry’s memory is encouraged to make a donation to Canadian Cancer Society or any other charity of their choice.