Hemlock: At age 85, Ned passed peacefully on July 31, 2020. Ned was born on April 14, 1935 in Syracuse, NY to the late Duane and Ruth (Leiterman) Holmes. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Louise (Derushia) Holmes; daughters, Elin (Jeff) Orman of Hemlock and Alison (Steve) Simpson of Victor; grandchildren, Erika (Thomas) Callahan, Hannah Orman, Sarina Simpson, and Garrett Simpson; sisters, Barbara Hippensteel and Nancy Harrison; several nieces, nephews, and many friends including his Honeoye UCC Church family.
Ned attended and graduated with a BS and MS from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY which led him into a 37 year career with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. After his dedicated career he retired as the Natural Resources Supervisor at the DEC Region 8, Avon, NY. He was involved with the Livingston County Center for Dispute Settlement as a mediator for 25 years, the Genesee Valley Greenway Board, Fiddlers of the Genesee, was a mentor for youth through Catholic Charities, and was also active on numerous church boards and was a past board member for the American Wildlife Research Foundation.
Ned was always on the go and had many interests. He was an avid cyclist, touring North America and Europe. He climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro at age 73 to raise money for cancer research, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. In addition, Ned was a member of the Genesee Valley Aeromodelers Club. Ned enjoyed sharing his passion of nature with others, actively mentoring youth in outdoor activities.
In light of the precautions necessitated by COVID-19, a private service will be held for the family at the Honeoye United Church of Christ, Honeoye, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Honeoye UCC, PO Box 127, Honeoye, NY 14471 or to the Finger Lakes Aquarium & Museum, 3369, Guyanoga Road, Branchport, NY 14418. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
A few years back when I was in-training to become a mediator I was fortunate enough to have co-mediated with Ned. He took the time afterwards to walk through the scenario that developed as well as scenarios that could have happened. We as mediators never know where a session will go and it is our responsibility to let it go in the direction the parties take it, if we listen. Ned and I would bump into each other from time to time at In-Services, or at a conference and the discussion that followed was always enlightening. I am fortunate to have had Ned in my life. A huge thank you to Ned and his family for making that possible.
Dear Louise and family,
Pat and I extend our sympathies over Ned’s passing. I first met Ned when we worked together for New York Depart of Environmental Conservation Department (NYDEC) as Regional Fish and Wildlife Biologists. While we both became career long DEC employees and subsequetly worked in different Regions of NYS, we maintained professional interests and lifelong relationships. Relationships that included many memorable hunting and fishing outings together. These are memories that I hold near and dear and are thankful for. Ned will be missed.
Tom and Pat Brown
My deepest sympathies to you Louise and your family. I feel honored to have met Ned on Memory Lane. I saw the Love between you two when I’d stop in to clean his room and it touched my heart. What a kind man and a beautiful full life he lived. Whenever I drink my V-8, I will think of him. Blessings, Donna Schall, former employee Liv. Co.
Louise and Family, so sorry for your loss my condolences go out to the Holmes Family.I worked with Ned for years at DEC’s Region 8 Headquarters,he was a true gentleman and mission oriented in protecting and enhancing our States Natural Resources. Additionally, I had the opportunity to work with Ned as a Mediator for the Center of Dispute Settlement in Livingston County. He was well respected and an inspiration to many in the mediation field.
May you rest in peace my friend and soar with the Eagles on high ! You and Family remain in our thoughts and prayers.
It was easy to admire Ned – his devotion to his family, his professionalism and his dignity and integrity. Louise, you were his perfect partner.
My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Sharing the Center for Dispute Settlement mediation /training experiences with Ned over the years enabled me to appreciate his kindness, sense of humor, and grasp of the essence of issues. Especially enjoyed our talks about travelling the world. Ned, you will be missed.
Our condolences to the family.
Geraldine and Bob Gobeli
We are so sorry for your loss. I worked with Ned at DEC in Avon for many years and always respected his commitment and dedication to Fish and Wildlife Programs and life in general. Our prayers and thoughts with Ned’s family and friends.
Louise and family,,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We were talking last evening and remembering all the wonderful times we all had at Larry’s summer picnics. Ned was always full of stories and everyone was always eager to listen.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Jim and June Fodge
Louise and Family.
Ned made an enormous difference in the lives of those he met and worked with. He was so dedicated to every facet of his life and so willing to share the very special talents God blessed him with. Ned was an inspiration to me; I never spent time with him that I didn’t learn something. I used to especially love attending mediator training with Ned. He had a knack for asking just the right questions and helping everyone understand the key concepts being explored. The hundreds of families he worked with at Center for Dispute Settlement over the years loved his professional yet unassuming nature; he inspired them to trust in their own ability to make good parenting decisions and work together. I know I speak for our whole CDS family when I say how fortunate we all have been to have known and worked with Ned,
Louise you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Peace, Letitia
So sorry for your loss, a real gentleman and professional. Ned was my first boss at DEC, right out of college in 1975. He inspired me throughout my career and after. His was truly a life well lived. Prayers for his family.
Dear Louise,
So sorry for your loss. May God bless you and your family with peace and warm memories at this difficult time.
With sincere sympathy,
Lou Murphy
My deepest sympathy to Ned’s family on his passing. I so enjoyed working with Ned during my years at the DEC in the Region 8 office in Avon. He was a true gentleman, and a dedicated public servant. May he rest in eternal peace.
Ned was a wonderful youth mentor for many years at Catholic Charities of Livingston County. I organised the program from 2013 to 2016 and Ned was always very dependable and consistent with the kids and supportive to me as I got to know the ropes. His patience with the youth was a wonderful example to us all. When I left CC to return to Legal Aid, I often saw Ned at the Centre For Dispute Settlement (where I share office space) and I loved to chat with him and hear about his cycling adventures. As a mediator he appeared to be wonderfully patient and thoughtful. It was an honour to know you, Ned.
Louise and family, It was an honor to know Ned. He was easy to visit with and always interesting He is missed by all the staff on Memory Lane.
Elon,
My heart and thoughts are with you in this time of loss.
Ned was a wonderful mediator. Center for Dispute Settlement could always count on him. He was compassionate and a good listener. But his sense of humor could come through too. I enjoyed working with him and am sad to know he is no longer with us.
Dear Louise -Today after seeing Ned’s notice, I was filled with sadness and flooded with memories of you, Shirley and I working together in PH out of Fairport 55 years ago. Even then, you and Ned seemed to share so much. 60 Blessed years together! I can only hope that as my memories blended the good with sadness, that your memories will sustain you bringing you peace on the road ahead. My sympathies to you and your family. Love and prayers, Sue Holland
Louise, Elin, and Family,
Kathy and I were saddened to hear of Ned’s passing. Ned was a true Fish and Wildlife icon when we started at DEC, and he was a real influence on both our careers. He was accomplished in so many areas, but above all, he was a genuinely nice man. Our sincere condolences.
So sorry to learn of Ned’s passing. Always remember you and Ned Fondly.
Elin, So sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Dear Louise and family, So sorry for your loss. Ned was a treasure for sure. So smart, and talented and caring; and always welcoming. His love for all things, especially his family will endure forever. Prayerfully, in the Light of the Lord, Donna and Jim Fulmer
Hi Louise and family:
We’re so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ned was a great mentor to me early in my career and I’m grateful to have worked under his guidance.
Louise – he was a wonderful man and such a good friend.
Will miss him and his smile
So very sorry to hear Ned has passed. Thinking of you all and remembering what a great and inspirational man Ned was. So many times I would be driving and would pass Ned on the road, always on his bike. He had a wonderful smile and open heart.
Thank you, Kim. He was a special person in so many ways. I am such a lucky person to have had him in my life. Louise
Thank you. Ned was a special person in so many ways. One day last week, before Ned passed away, I drove by your house (if you are still on Bronson Hill Rd.} and thought about your son. He was on the way to NYC for treatment the last time I saw Kathy. I wondered how he was and hoped he was doing well and the procedure improved his condition. Thinking of you and wishing for positive news. Louise
Elin and family, My prayers and thoughts go out to you regarding the loss of your dad. He seemed to have a very active good life and touched many others.
Louise,
On behalf of all of Ned’s friends at ESF, please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. Ned was a wonderful, energetic supporter of the college. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with you.
Brenda Greenfield
ESF College Foundation
Elin and Family we are so sorry to hear of your fathers passing you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sending lots of love and hugs
With Sympathy
Tom and Mary Callahan
Sending loving thoughts and prayers. I fondly remembering his love for life, genuinely interested in those he was with and his waffle making at family events. His sweet smile will always remembered by me.
So sorry to hear about you and your families loss our thoughts love and prayers are with you all.
Tom and Mary Callahan
God Bless You Ned and condolences to the Holmes Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Ned’s family and friends.. He was a very kind man always wearing a smile. I enjoyed any time Ned played his fiddle in church. May he rest in peace.
Louise, Elin, Jeff, Erika and Hannah,
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Ned was very proud of each and every one of you.
He he helped shape you into who you are and he did a stellar job. May he Rest In Peace with that great smile he always seemed to sport and may you cherish the memories of happy times you shared as a family. Very special family
Dear Louise and family, Ned was a wonderful gentle man. I remember on a trip to Germany our UCC group met in the Frankfurt train station. While waiting for our train we were going to have a group picture taken but suddenly could not find Ned. He showed up a bit later eating a donut . He was always in motion. He had so many talents and was a joy to be around. He will be missed. Our hearts and prayers to each of you.
Sincerely, Bill and Bev Badger
Elin and family: My deepest condolences over your loss.
Louise and kids. So sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest t sympathy.
Louise..my thoughts and prayers are with you
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time-
Sincerely,
Mark, Karen, Jim and Mike Goddard
Always enjoyed Ned and his quick wit! Louise, your years together were filled with adventure and love for each other and your family.
With sincere sympathy,
Sharon Staudinger & Pete Zirpoli
So very sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
We are so sorry for the loss of Ned. He was a wonderful friend. We shared the love of cycling. He was fun to have on the biking trips we were on together. We loved hearing his stories. We were touched by his love of life!
Our hearts go out to Louise and the family who Ned loved dearly! May fond memories lighten your hearts!
Louise I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Oh, so sorry for your loss. Ned was a special man who lived his life to the fullest. Our prayers are with you all.
So sorry to hear about our good friend Ned. Bob has many happy hunting memories. He will be missed so much. Love and prayers to you all.
Louise, Eliin, Jeff, and family-we are so sorry for your loss. Ned was a wonderful man and we enjoyed getting to know him through church and choir. He was kind, quick with a smile, and just a joy to be around. He will be missed. Rest In Peace.
There is sorrow in our hearts for your loss. May you find comfort in
the love he had for you, and the good he gave the world.
Louise and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Ned”s passing. You can be so proud of all of his involvements and accomplishments. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Leigh and Marie Statt
Our sympathy Louise and family, Jack enjoyed being in the airplane club with Ned , Ned liked to talk about his bicycle trips and I remember him coming to Lima Rotary and giving a talk about his bicycle trip across the country. Ned enjoyed sharing his experiences with others
Jack and Maureen Reynolds
Louise, So sorry for your loss. He was truly a great man.