MARKHAM, ON—Douglas Holmes, who started a career in binding in 1950, passed away peacefully with family by his side Thursday morning. He was 81.

Holmes's son, Bob Holmes, was reached at Holmes The Finishing House in Markham to speak about his father. "He was an incredible leader in the industry," he said.


Douglas Holmes


His father "started small" at Brookers Bindery, then formed his own business known then as Holmes Graphics Services in Toronto, building the business up over time. "It was hard to keep track of it all," said Holmes about his father's accomplishments.

Doug Holmes was still consulting with customers up until his illness, eventually passing away from kidney failure. His son officially took over the business in 1990. "Since then we enjoyed working together," said Holmes.

A funeral service for Doug Holmes will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home at 5295 Thickson Rd. N. in Whitby. Visitations will be on Friday, Feb. 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

Donations can be made in Doug's name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Canadian Cancer Society, in honour of Bob's mother who passed away from cancer three years ago.