Tribute

Toni Holmes passed away peacefully in his sleep February 5, 2023. Toni was born August 8, 1934, in Bexley Heath, England, to Samuel and Ellen Holmes. His early years were spent watching dogfights over south England during the Battle of Britain and working in his father’s bicycle manufacturing business. Some of his fondest memories were his time spent with his adoring sisters, Barbara and June, and his brief service in the RAF as a staff driver. He moved to Canada in 1957 and was soon followed by his future first wife, Jocelyn.

During a business trip to the west coast, Toni visited his lifelong friend, Peter Lake, on Salt Spring. After falling in love with the island, he gave up his promising banking career, bought a house, moved his family, and finally found home. He opened a very successful real estate office, Gulf Islands Realty, from which he eventually retired in the late 1990’s.

His time spent in the RAF fueled a love of flying, which was his greatest passion. He eventually ended up piloting his own Cessna into his beloved Cranfield Airstrip on North Salt Spring for many years. Toni’s other passions were his wine collection, sailing, travelling, designing, painting, and cars. The true English gentleman that he was, he had a brilliant sense of humour, was a gifted conversationalist, and was always immaculately dressed and well mannered; qualities which attracted a broad and varied circle of friends.

Toni was a very gifted, generous, and caring man who will be deeply missed by his three children, his many grandchildren and great grandchildren, friends, and his devoted and loving wife, Jackie. Upon Toni’s request, there will be no service. If, at some time, you find yourself enjoying a nice cup of tea, or a sipping glass of wine, think of him.