Robert E. Bob Holmes

Bob Holmes, an extremely humble and loving man, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 25. He was born in Toledo, OH on January 5, 1956 to Marge and Dick Holmes. He attended Blessed Sacrament grade school and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1974. He married the love of his life, Cathie (Reiter) in 1976. Through the years they raised the fab 5 which grew into their family of 20. Bob and Cathie enjoyed their Friday night dinner dates, Tigers games and spoiling their family; from dinners to vacations at the beach. You could always see the love on their faces anytime they were together. Bob’s hard work ethic began at a young age when he took over the family paper route. He caddied at Sylvania Country Club, became a bus boy at Captain Billy’s Whiz bang where he eventually became the lunch time cook and manager. Bob filled orders at Toledo Pharmaceuticals and in November of 1978 his father and 2 brothers started Lake Erie Medical and Surgical Supply, Inc. where he joined the family business and became a salesman. Eventually becoming part owner. In 1994, Bob and his brothers started Wellness Buy BMR, a Nikken Distributorship. Under Bob’s leadership, at its peak, there were over 3,000 people in their down line. In 2001, Bob and his brother Mike started Quality Care Products which went national in 2008. They continue expanding their business, which currently has over 100 employees. Following their father’s legacy, they continue to provide opportunities for their families and others. Bob believed that their companies were only as good as the people that worked there. Bob never stopped learning, striving to always be better in everything he did, whether it was family, work or play. He is known to many as Coach Holmes, coaching and teaching his 5 children’s many sports teams throughout the years. Bob has always been the #1 fan for his grandkids in everything they do. He enjoyed golfing where you would always hear his nickname “nice shot Bob” echoing from Highland Meadows Golf Club, where he was a member for 15 years, to the links in Scotland. His weekly Thursday game, weekend rounds and on any sunny, over forty-degree day you could find Bob at Highland with his buddies. “Work hard, play harder” was always his motto. He was an active member of St. Clement Parish, where his children attended school. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Cathie (Reiter) Holmes; their starting line-up, Bobby (Amy), Bri (Savanna), Jackie (Drew) Best, Alex (“Buddy” Justin) Byers, Adrianne (Josh Callaghan); their amazing and loved grandchildren; Ryhliegh, Braden, Austin, Natalie, Gavin, Dylan, Ella and Henry. Bob is also survived by his loving mother Marge Holmes and his siblings: Rick (Chris), Mike (Cindy), Mark (Keith Stoyanovich), Carol (Ed) Beers, Jeannie (Joe) Sieren; and oodles and oodles of loved ones. He was preceded in death by his father Dick Holmes, his brother Danny and many loved family members. Bob’s mom said “God took her angel.” He did. We are just thankful that He shared him with us for 62 years. Friends may visit the family at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey) on Monday, April 2 from 12 to 8 pm. Additional visitation will take place at St. Clement Church 3030 Tremainsville Rd. Toledo on Tuesday, April 3 after 9 AM where the Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM. Interment will be private. The family asks that in lieu of flowers please consider a contribution in Bob’s memory to Special Olympics of Ohio 3303 Winchester Pike Columbus, Ohio 43232 or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com