Last night’s SIRS dance brought home how much we are missing Fred. He always looked so elegantly comfortable in his tux and enjoyed the music, dancing and mingling so much. Fred was a pleasure to be around, whether it was discussing the critters bothering his lawn and plantings, memories of summers on the Gurnett as a boy or how the sports team of the moment was doing. Fred knew how to make connections and hold on to friends, as we found when we came to Novato and were fortunate to be included in his always-expanding circle. He was a gentle man in all ways, and radiated content with his life and love of his family. He was a treasured friend. Rest in peace, Fred.

My gratitude for Fred ("Mr. Holmes" -  to me for the first 10 years of our relationshp) is beyond words.  When I was young, there just couldn't be a beter, more positve role model.  I have early memories of his genuine interest in me.  Wow! What a gift!  He has always exemplified the kind of person I wanted to be - smart, interesting, kind, generous, patient, athletic..... really too much to mention.  I'll also remember backpacking and our families sharing special times together.  I treasure those memories.  

Janalee, Kristi and Kim - wishing you peace in the knowledge of how much he loves you all.

I will remember Fred for his kind and patient nature and his energetic love for bicycling.  He stopped to say , Hi,  on McClay Road the week before his diagnosis. That's the way I picture him, smiling, happy,  with one foot on the curb as he rested on his bicycle and chatted with me. That's the way I'll always remember him, peacefully pedaling. Carry on, Fred! Until we meet again.

Fred very kindly took me under his wing when we arrived in Novato in 2022 and actively introduced me around and even sponsored me into the men’s group (SIR). He was an easy-going, soft-spoken person with a smile and a firm handshake and always happy to see me. Fred was always up for outdoor exercise and I got to cycle with him quite often and also fish (two great loves of his) and whenever we were moving around town, he had a story about the local neighbors or the history of the location. If I was missing some piece of equipment, he would pull it out of that packed garage and give it to me. From what I saw there was always a lot going on in the Holmes household and Fred had a loving family and many friends around him. I’m going to remember him as the fastest and most generous friend I’ve made.

I met Fred when I was in middle school at Presbyterian Church of Novato, and I remember him always walking his dog Ruby in front of my parents house and always stopping to say hi and ask how we all were. I always thought of Fred as a really nice guy but I only knew him through church. As I got older in high school in passing I got to know him a bit better and once I started getting into making college decisions I told him I was going to the University of Montana-Western in Dillon and he was thrilled to hear, not necessarily because I was going to college but because of the fly fishing. Fred and I both shared a deep passion for fly fishing and we talked for very long periods of time about the fishing in Dillon where he spent many many years fly fishing all the rivers in the area. Before I left for college he gave me a box of flies he used in Dillon and told me to report back with my results. I fished with those flies in Dillon and caught quite a few fish with them. As the years went on I would see Fred in passing on my breaks and we would talk extensively about our fishing adventures in Dillon and I always had pictures to show him. The last time I saw Fred I was home around Christmas time and he had told my mom that he had a few flies for me and wanted to talk fishing for a while, I ended going over and spending 5 hours in the garage with him exchanging fishing stories and talking about life and hearing about all of Fred’s adventures over his lifetime. Something I will never forget to this day, is leaving his house with a box of flies for the beaverhead river and telling him that I’d report back with fish pictures the next time I was in town, and thinking to myself “Man Fred has lived an incredible life and he has so much energy for his age and has so many stories to share, one day I hope to be his age with as much energy and as many stories he does”. Fred was an inspiration to me and an incredible fly fishing mentor, I will dearly miss our fishing conversations and hearing about his adventures. But I know the next fish I catch in Dillon I will dedicate to him and his legacy. Thank you Fred for being an incredible mentor to me. 

We’re so sad to learn of Fred’s passing. While we’re so grateful to have known him, and we know we’re better for it, we wish for more time with him. More time to learn and laugh and be ensconced in that good feeling that Fred brought to every interaction. 

Fred remembered everything! He asked about our kids, our travels, our dogs, and always asked after our son’s fishing escapades and life in Montana and generously shared flies and stories. We always marveled at his memory, fitness, and kindness. Talking to Fred always made us feel good about ourselves and life.

We know we’re not alone in saying that we’ll miss Fred. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share memories and condolences. 

Much love and respect,

Erika, Erik, Peder and Sonja Fish

I was really saddened to stumble onto Fred's obituary. He and Janalee lived a few doors down from us in Cupertino. When I decided to investigate teaching as a second career, Fred invited me to spend a few days observing in his classroom. I was subsequently hired at Gunn High School and so Fred and I would ride our bikes to school (about 8 miles, up hill in both directions!) a couple times a week. (Fred often rode solo more often.) He was practical too. On one ride home I had a blowout on one tire. Although I had a replacement tube, the hole in the sidewall would have made it impossible to repair. Fred unwound a piece of duct tape from his handlebars and plugged the hole which was enough to get me home. He invited me to play doubles tennis (heaven only knows why) once a week after school. His cat-like reflexes made it almost impossible to get one by him when he was at the net.

He was always willing to help out, whether with a home project or in the classroom. His gentle sense of humor was always a delight. When he took up fly fishing and brought pictures of his catches, I'd rib him and ask him how he managed to become so skilled with Photoshop. That was always good for a laugh. 

I certainly remember Fred with great fondness and love.

Fred was a kind, considerate friend and wonderful fishing companion. I will miss him dearly.

Janalee, Kristi and Kim,

We are very saddened to learn of Fred's passing. What a wonderful  man and extraordinary life. Please accept our condolences and know that you are in our prayers.

Sara, Debbie, Doug, and Vicki

Dear Janalee and family,

I was deeply saddened to hear about Fred's passing. It’s hard to put into words all the wonderful memories of his kindness, humor, and unwavering friendship over the years.

He will be immensely missed.

I was working at Novato Presbyterian a few years ago and met Fred and Janalee. Not long after meeting them I come to find out that their daughter, Kristi and husband, live just down the street from my brother-in-law in Berkeley. We moved to Oregon a few years ago and Rod MacKenzie sent me the obit. I am so sorry to hear of Fred's passing. He will surely be missed by family and friends. I am keeping the family in our prayers. 

Fred with yellow snapper

I'm so sorry for the loss of Fred. (Mr. Holmes to me) he will forever hold a special place in some of my childhood core memories! Backpacking and Summers at Cupertino Hills.  And anytime I stir anything I will be reminded of the figure eight method…… and think of him.  Adios Mr. Holmes. And my deepest condolences go out to Janalee, Kristi and Kim.  You all are in my thoughts and prayers. 

So sorry for you and the family. At least Fred and jay are up there together. They both will be busy seeing all of their friends and family.  They will have to plan for a home for us  we will all be together in the future.  Love to you all. Connie Tracy 

I remember the first time I met Fred. I was walking for cancer at San Marin Hi. and we walked together for an hour or two talking. He would always greet you with a smile and a shake of the hand. I will miss him for sure as will many others.

A wonderful obituary. I didn’t know him well but he sounded like a wonderful man. So sorry for your loss. 

Vicki Mc Dill

Dear Janalee,

I am so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing.

May your many shared memories sustain you in the days ahead.

With peace & love,

Kathleen Freitag

A wonderful obituary!  It so perfectly describes who Fred is.  A special final memory of Fred is when he recently went over to pick a beautiful bouquet of flowers from your garden to give to us before we left your home.  Bud and I send our heartfelt condolences and LOVE to Janalee and the family.  

Janalee, I am so sorry for your loss of Fred. You had many happy years together with him and your daughters. I hope he passed peacefully with all of you with him.

Charlotte Getz

It was an honor and a pleasure for Ginny and myself to have known Fred for most of our 50 years in Novato. He was an all around person who did all things earnestly and well with attention and care for his true self his family his community and for the greater good. He is and will be missed by all who knew him and his memory will long be a blessing. He is still fishing hiking biking swimming and being Fred in my mind. 

Fred lived life with passion and love! He was Blessed with great faith and gave honor to God with his positive light. We are honored to call him a dear friend and will miss him as a role model. Sending care and love to Janalee and family.

Fred was so deeply and dearly loved! May we lead a life as inspiring and commendable as the one he lived! A great man in all aspects of the word! And spreading that greatness around, and sharing his kindness with all who came into his orbit! I loved Fred dearly and will miss him so much! I’m filled with gratitude for having known him for over 40 years! Love to all the Holmes family!