Chuck Holmes, loving husband, brother, brother-in-law, and friend to many, died Saturday, June 2, 2012, at the age of 66, after a short, but determined fight to get better. He had recently moved to Prescott, Arizona, after retiring from Machine Solutions Inc. (Flagstaff), and was shortly, thereafter, diagnosed with lung cancer. Born Charles O. Holmes to parents Gerald and Alta Marie, on December 23, 1945 in Chickasha, Oklahoma, he moved to Arizona about 40 years ago in the footsteps of his best friend Bill Compton, who was intimately involved in the founding of KDKB radio in Phoenix. Chuck was a sergeant in the Air Force, and worked in aircraft maintenance and as an instructor. This set the stage for his later years as a master automotive technician and creative genius.

He loved to design, build, and fly remote-controlled airplanes and helicopters. He was a member of Chino Valley Model Aviators and Flagstaff Flyers. He also loved to help others repair motorcycles and cars by instructing them. His philosophy was one of experiential learning wherein he empowered his friends by giving them a hands-on approach. His true love, however, was his wife, Patti, who was the only person able to get him to do things, according to friends. They spent almost three decades together and celebrated 20 years of marriage last August.

He was a design engineer for Dickson Electronics and Siemens Corporation. He was co-owner of R/C Engineering, a corporation specializing in electronic, mechanical engineering and light manufacturing. He was a great problem-solver and designed a shrink-wrap product. He also worked at several motorcycle and car dealerships including Planet Nissan-Subaru, Flag Imports, Volkswagen/Audi, Precisions Auto and Sports Car Service Center.

During his early years, he lived in Japan, where his younger brother Brian was born, as well as Colombia and Ecuador, South America as a teenager, where he spoke Spanish fluently. As a world citizen, he was also a great communicator who was able to converse equally well with people from many generations and all walks of life. He will be remembered for his intelligence, willingness to share his knowledge, sense of humor, colorful personality, and t-shirts with sayings. Many people were unaware of his sensitivity, gentleness, and caring.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Patti Morison-Holmes, his brother, Brian Holmes (Wendy), sister-in-law, Celeste Morison, cousins, and numerous friends. A memorial service will be held at Norvel Owens Mortuary in Flagstaff on Friday, June 8, at 2 pm. If people are so inclined, please feel free to wear your favorite saying t-shirt. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Chuck Holmes' name to either Chino Valley Model Aviators, PO Box 3616, Chino Valley, AZ, 86323 or AARP Foundation, PO Box 93207, Long Beach, CA, 90809-3207.