January 16, 1963 - October 14, 2023
Darcy Randall Holmes passed away peacefully at his home in Whitehorse, Saturday, October 14, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Darcy was passionate about life and he was an eternal optimist always trying to see the good in everyone and every situation including during his four-year battle with Cancer.
Darcy was born in Calgary, Alberta, January 16, 1963, to Shirley Daniels (Punnichy, Sask) and Glen Holmes (North Battleford, Sask). Darcy was the tenth of eleven children born to Glen. Darcy and his brother Kevin were raised by their older sister Elaine, from Glen's first family of five children (wife Peggy Stephanson).
After many years of searching for his mother, Darcy was briefly reunited with Shirley and her brother Leonard Daniels, May 2023, in Regina, Sask. Although in her eighties, Shirley and Darcy acted as though they never had parted, catching up, laughing and playing VLT machines. Darcy had his mother's personality with quick wit, compassion for others and shared the same gentle, expressive eyes.
Darcy had a zest for life. Being out socially with Darcy was like hanging with a local celebrity. Everyone knew Darcy. He loved meeting people and entertaining them with his jokes, wild stories from his youth about hanging out with famous rock bands in Victoria, BC where he worked as a lighting man, and playing pranks on friends.
Darcy moved to Whitehorse in 1993, following his older sister Elaine Thompson and her children.
Darcy was very civic minded and in 1983, he enlisted with the Canadian Army Reserves in Victoria, BC. In Whitehorse, Darcy volunteered for years with the Learning Disabilities Association (LDAY).
In 1996, he married his love Barbara Whitelaw and his family grew to include her grown children, Heather and Kevin. In 2007, his granddaughter Hailey was born and she was the light of his life.
After Barbara's passing and just after the Cancer began, Darcy began his relationship with Sheila Branigan who was an amazing addition to his family. Sheila was instrumental in finding Darcy's mother and uncle. All of Darcy's family is truly thankful for the love, compassion and strength of this woman.
Darcy spent 23 years working at the McCrae Gas Station where he met many wonderful people. Of the many dear to Darcy's heart was his coworker and dear friend and support, Jean Murphy.
Darcy is survived by his partner, Sheila Branigan and his Whitehorse family: daughter Heather Steinhagen (Gerald), granddaughter Hailey and Kevin Jacobson.
Outside the Territory, Darcy leaves behind a large Holmes family who will greatly miss his laughter; siblings Dave (Sue), Art (Sandra), Marvin (Linda), Kevin, Joan (Harry), and countless nieces, nephews and cousins.
Darcy is predeceased by his wife Barbara Holmes, his father Glen Holmes, step mom (Peggy), sisters Elaine Thompson and Tracy Daniels and brother Denis Daniels.
We would like to offer a special heartfelt thanks to Terry and the rest of the terrific nurses from Homecare, Doctor Alex Kmet, Penny Hillier, Sarkis Hajian, Darcy's many Whitehorse Legion friends, niece Katreena Weileby for the countless wonderful hours spent with Darcy during his Vancouver trips, Bruce Skea, Joe Mackinnon, Jean Murphy, Darcy's extended family/card playing competitors; Ron Corrigall, Linda Collins, Ruth Massey, Fred Koe, Vickie Irvine and Blue Hayden who shared so many priceless hours of kinship.
Darcy was cremated. He requested that a donation be made to either the Royal Canadian Legion, Whitehorse Branch # 254 or to the BC Yukon Cancer Lodge in Vancouver.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2024.