Michael Holmes

Michael Harvey Holmes, 82, passed away peacefully April 5th, 2024, with his sweetheart, Marian, by his side. He was born on April 29th, 1941, in Wichita, Kansas to John Harvey Holmes and Doris Marceil (Catt).

His family moved to Salt Lake City, where he spent his childhood. During those years, he enjoyed playing sports with a particular love for baseball and boxing.

Michael attended West High School. There, he met and courted the love of his life, Marian (Roberts). He affectionately referred to her as “My Girl.” They are a few short weeks away from celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary. In every way they are a team.

They were married on April 22nd, 1959, in Reno, Nevada and later sealed with their three children in the Salt Lake Temple on September 4th, 1963. As the years passed, they welcomed nine more children, bringing the total to 12: six girls and six boys.

Michael’s business career began at the young age of 14. His first job was working as a laborer on his father’s framing crew. From there, he continued the family legacy as a fourth-generation general contractor, building thousands of homes throughout the Salt Lake Valley.

As a dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ, Michael has a zeal for missionary work. Through the testimony of his paternal grandfather, he developed a love for the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Restoration. As a new father who came from a home with parents who were non-participating members of the Church, Michael made study of the gospel of Jesus Christ a priority. His makeshift office in their unfinished basement became a sacred place. There, he was instructed by the Holy Ghost about the truths of the restored gospel.

Michael was diligent in both religious and secular studies. One of his prized possessions is his personal library. He collected thousands of books that still adorn his home. He delighted in studying from The Book of Mormon and never missed an opportunity to share what he discovered from the scriptures. He gained great satisfaction upon discovering new names and titles of the Savior. A particular favorite title was Good Shepherd. Like the Savior, Michael actively sought to serve the one – the downtrodden, the lonely, the sick, the widow, the needy. He taught his children to do the same.

Michael served in numerous church callings, including counselor in a Bishopric, Bishop, Stake President, Regional Representative, Mission President in the Missouri Independence Mission, Area Seventy, Mission President in the Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission, and Patriarch. He had the cherished privilege of giving many patriarchal blessings, including blessings to 13 of his grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Family brought him great joy and fulfillment. As a grandfather to 79 grandchildren and 62 great-grandchildren, he had a special way of making each child feel like his favorite; he had nicknames for them all.

God’s creations were a marvel to him. He loved animals and spending time in nature, especially hunting and fishing with his sons and grandsons. Michael loved listening to uplifting music and recognized the hand of God in musicians’ talents. He humbly noted the gifts of others, the beauty of nature, and considered them divine gifts from a loving Father in Heaven.

As an incredible teacher, he taught his children: “Remember you’re a Holmes.” He encouraged them to be covenant makers and covenant keepers. He never missed an opportunity to share his deeply held testimony of the Savior and the restored gospel. His words pierced the hearts of all who listened. Until his final breath, Michael taught by word and example.

We miss him dearly but believe in a Perfect Plan that will allow us to see him again.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, John and Doris, and his siblings, Janice, John, Ola, Ann, Nedra. He is survived by his wife, Marian (Roberts), and his children: Elizabeth Forrest (Bart), Shauna Condas (John), Michael (Kristine), Carolyn Triptow (David), Sydney Jenkins (Jay), Patrick (Jennifer), Moe Edwards (Rich), Kimberly Arnett (Brad), Spencer (Kellie), Steven (Melody), Brian (Maggie), Bradley (Sunny), 79 grandchildren and 62 great-grandchildren.

A public viewing will be held Thursday, April 11th, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 12th, at 11 a.m. The viewing and funeral will be held at the Draper Stake Center (13085 South 300 East, Draper, Utah). A viewing Friday will be held from 9:30-10:30 am prior to the funeral services.

Interment at Salt Lake City Cemetery