Softball NL Is Saddened To Learn That Derek Holmes Passed Away On Sunday, February 03, 2019.
To Derek’s Family & Friends, Our Thoughts And Prayers Are With You During This Difficult Time.
Softball NL
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Derek Holmes played seven full seasons (1980-81 & 1985-1989) in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League. His career in the Senior League started with 1 game in 1978 with Mr. Jim’s and 8 games with Elm Mercury Monarchs in 1979. He became a full-time player in 1980 with Cabot Street, continued in 1981 with Kelland’s Gulf and after a three year hiatus (1982-1984) he returned to full-time status in 1985-1986 with Labatt Blues and 1987-1989 with Miller Lite and finished off his career with 1 game in 1990 with Miller Lite.
Career Snapshot
Played In The St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League (1978-1981 & 1985-1990).
Named Senior League Rookie of the Year (1980 – Cabot Street).
Captured Junior “A” Men’s Provincial Championship (1980 – St. John’s Pepsi Caps).
Captured Bronze Medal Junior Men’s Nationals (1980 – St. John’s Capitals).
St. John’s Day Tournament Top Batter 7-12 .583BA (1981 – Kelland’s Gulf).
Captured Senior “A” Men’s Provincial Championship (1985 – Labatt Blues).
Represented Province At Senior Men’s Nationals (1985 – St. John’s Capitals).
Named To Senior League All-League Team – Shortstop (1988 – Miller Lite).
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Derek Holmes
Derek Holmes lived and played hard, right up to the buzzer late Sunday night. He was 59.
Born in Brighton, UK but raised in St. John’s, Derek was a family man, a husband, a father of 4, a son, a brother, an uncle, a muralist, a creator, a leader in the arts and film community, a hard-working provider, an athlete, a dedicated coach and mentor, a hardcore Leafs fan, a loyal and intuitive friend, a fun-loving party animal and grown up punk who defied definition.
Derek’s roles in film and television were not always out front, but those with whom he worked will tell you he was a star. A true team player. In the wider St. John’s arts community, his colourful murals connected people with the past through a larger than life sense of presence.
Beyond his artistic genius, Derek was an exceptional and natural athlete. A savage hockey and softball player. Tall, slim and competitive. The silent Captain on every team. He took great pride in coaching and mentoring and his passion for sport was infectious.
The best coaches are those who teach without the student even realizing. That was Derek. He saw hockey as a metaphor for life. In his final competition against the big C, Derek played like it was 1-1, right down to the end of the third period.
How you accept victory and loss was extremely important to Derek. He lived true to his favourite piece of life and game advice – ‘humble in victory, gracious in defeat’.
He will be forever loved and adored by his family: his wife Fionnuala, his 4 children, Krissy, Tracy, Ciaran and Orla, his siblings Brian, Michelle, Ted, and his father Michael. He was predeceased by his mother, Elizabeth (d. 2017). He will be greatly missed by his wider complicated and beautiful family. His amazing cast of friends. Da hockey b’ys. The sports community. His co-workers.
Visitation is open to the public Thursday, Feb. 7th from 12-9 pm at Caul’s on LeMarchant Road. All are also welcome to join and share in a Celebration of Life for Derek on Friday night at The Wonderbolt Space, 72 Harbour Drive, Eastern Edge Gallery entrance after 7pm. His love for family was #1. Those wishing to can help provide for Derek’s junior team, Ciaran and Orla.
