Obituary - Charles Holmes

Charles Holmes completed his life on Saturday, June 5th. He was 94 years old.

Charles was born in Paterson, New Jersey. He received his early schooling there but dropped out of high school to serve his country in World War II. As a Navy man, he served aboard the USS Dayton in the Western Pacific, and was part of the fleet off the coast of Japan when the war ended.

Upon his discharge, Charles completed his last year of high school, graduated, and subsequently came west to Utah State, where he completed his baccalaureate degree. After a short stint in the business world, he returned to Utah State for his master's degree. He later accepted a graduate assistantship to the Office of the Dean at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York, where he earned two doctorate degrees. Charles served as assistant dean of Liberal Arts at Syracuse University, and later as dean and professor of Economics at Mansfield State College in Pennsylvania and at Northern Montana College in Havre, Montana.

Charles was an Eagle Scout and served that organization for over 40 years. He was so proud that all three of his sons also merited that honor. With his family, Charles enjoyed camping. He was a member of the Bounders and Old Ephraim Camping groups. Horses were always important to him as an adult, and he was a member of three saddle clubs in Montana. He loved his many pack trips to Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

Charles played bridge and tennis until his 90s and was a silver medalist in the triathlon at the Huntsman Winter Games when he was 84. Charles traveled extensively throughout the world over the course of his life and especially during his 31 retirement years.

Charles's marriage to Shannon Fuhriman lasted for 70 years and five days. His greatest joy came from his three sons and their commendable accomplishments.

He is survived by his wife, Shannon; his sons Clinton (Rhonda), Brown City, Michigan, Cory (Charlotte), Havre, Montana, and Eric (Elizabeth), Havre, Montana; three grandchildren, Blake Holmes, Phoenix, Arizona, Carly Holmes, Havre, Montana, and Jake Holmes, Havre, Montana, and three delightful great-grandchildren, Melody, Reid and Zachary Holmes.

A visitation was held at White Pine Funeral Services on Friday, June 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. followed by a graveside service with military honors at the Franklin Cemetery in Franklin, Idaho, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the CNS Chapter of Hospice or to a charity of your choice.