It is with a heavy heart we announce the peaceful passing of Frederick Bradford Holmes, who left us on October 21, 2025. Born in 1939, Fred shared his 86 years of life with a loving family and a community of friends who cherished his kindhearted nature and unwavering spirit. Fred is survived by his beloved wife of six decades, Janalee Holmes, his cherished daughters, Kristi and Kim Holmes, his granddaughter, Sally Robson, and his grandson, Ryan Robson. He also leaves behind his dedicated niece and nephew, Cindy and Dan Holmes. He was predeceased by his brother, David Upham Holmes.

Raised in Westwood, Massachusetts, Fred was a classic. He was a good student, loyal younger brother and played many team sports including little league, football, ice hockey and basketball. Raised in Christian Science, he grew to embody their synonyms for God: Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth and Love. He enjoyed summers on the ocean at Gurnet Point,  where Holmes family history runs deep as proud descendants of the Mayflower and lovers of the sea.

Educated at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, Mr. Holmes graduated with a degree in Mathematics in 1961. He met his loving wife Janalee while teaching in Darien, CT.  They married in Indiana on their way to California in 1964. He went on to get a Masters in Math Education at San Jose State University and began a 35 year teaching career at Gunn High School in Palo Alto, CA  where he combined his love of math and helping others.

Alongside Fred's career, he had many lifelong pursuits, most involved his love of beauty, sport and the outdoors. In adult life, Fred's team sports of youth gave way to cycling, running,  playing tennis,  backpacking, skiing, swimming, yoga, and golf.  He was game for anything athletic whether playing, coaching or watching. Fred also loved to be outdoors fishing, taking photographs, gardening, going to Pt. Reyes with the family and walking with Ruby (Kim's dog) while greeting every passerby with his warm smile and hello. Together with Janalee, Fred also appreciated music, travel, and throwing a good party. Their love was often reflected in acts of service that many had the pleasure of experiencing. Fred was a lover of life and saw the beauty in all living things.

His vigorous spirit lead him to many personal accomplishments: Best Dancer in his high school class, a 90-yard high school football punt, Westwood High School All Sports Hall of Fame,  running the Dipsea and Big Sur marathon, climbing Mt. Shasta and Mt. Ritter, backpacking until age 80, skiing at 83, cycling 70 miles on his 70th birthday, and cycling 25 miles as recently as his 86th.

Retiring and relocating to Novato from Cupertino in 2000, Fred became an active member of the community, attending events at SIRS particularly the photography, cycling, golf, fly fishing, gardening, genealogy, and woodworking interest groups as well as organizing the annual holiday dance. Along with Janalee, he was also an active member of the Presbyterian Church of Novato participating in small groups and supper club. 

Fred was a true gentleman as well as a friend to many and the best husband and dad ever.  He leaves a legacy of the importance of love, kindness, family, community, fitness, adventure, and appreciation of nature that will continue to inspire and guide us. We remember Fred as a hero, a loving and soulful individual. He will be dearly missed.

A commemoration of Fred's life will be held on November 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Presbyterian Church-Novato.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/frederick-holmes/obituary/

Copy