In Loving Memory
Bradley “Brad” Leroy Holmes, a lifelong resident of Artic, Washington, lost his life in a tragic accident on Jan. 17, 2022.
Brad was born in Aberdeen, Washington, on June 19, 1968, to Cecil and Billie Rae (Sholes) Holmes. He was a hard worker and started working in the woods with his family at a young age. At 16, Brad began logging and doing road maintenance for his family’s business, Cecil Holmes Construction. While in high school he worked as a machinist for A & B Machinery and Harbor Hydraulics. After graduating from Aberdeen High School in 1986, he joined Cecil Holmes Construction full-time, eventually acquiring the business in 1995. Work was his passion and he took great pride in a job well done.
Brad married Gina Poukkula in Hoquiam, Washington, on Nov. 23, 1996. They wanted to start a family right away and welcomed their three children, Mitch, Sam and Kate, over the next four and a half years. They raised their family on the farm they built together. As a young family they often worked together in the shop on machinery maintenance and other projects. When the kids got older, they often did building projects as a family, such as making a clubhouse for the kids, a corral for Kate’s horse, a chicken palace for Gina’s chickens and goats, and eventually fencing in the property for horses and cows. He loved cattle farming with his mom. With the boys’ help Brad built a beautiful garden for Gina and Kate’s flowers. He enjoyed almost all the animals Gina brought home, although he was never overly excited for them to join the farm. Surprisingly, most of the animals loved him back.
A proud dad, Brad delighted in his kids and always supported them in whatever activities they pursued. He could be found in the stands at youth football and baseball games, junior high and high school basketball games, track and field events, dance recitals, and 4-H and high school equestrian events. He would often be seen helping the kids by playing catch or holding a lead rope and giving horse pedicures. He taught each of them how to work hard. At a young age, Mitch began working with Brad learning the trade. Brad loved working alongside his eldest and sharing his passion with Mitch. He was always beaming when he would tell others about his daughter, Kate, who was almost finished with college and would be teaching soon, or his youngest son, Sam, who was doing well at his new job. Brad truly loved being a dad and thought his kids hung the moon.
Brad was well-known for his love of speedy driving. In 2001, he began a nine-year stint as a sprint car driver. The family spent many Saturday nights cheering him on as he raced his beloved 5H sprint car, predominately at the Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, Washington. Even after his racing days were over, he continued his love of fast cars as an avid NASCAR fan. To celebrate Brad’s 50th birthday, the family attended a NASCAR race in Bristol, Tennessee.
Brad will be remembered for his great sense of humor and always having a joke up his sleeve. He loved to tell a good story — the longer the better.
Brad is survived by his wife Gina; children Mitch (fiancee Kalia Wilder), Sam and Kate; mother Billie Rae Holmes-Black (Jon); sister Debbie (Steve) Miller; brother-in-law Kyle (Danae) Poukkula; nephews Scott and Tom Miller, and Rivers Poukkula; and bonus daughter Taylor Coker. He was preceded in death by his father and best friend Cecil Holmes.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, at the North River Cemetery on North River Road in Cosmopolis, Washington. A celebration of life will follow at Shiloh Bible Camp, 2812 North River Road, Cosmopolis, Washington 98537. All are welcome to join us.
