Gary Andrew Holmes, Sr. left his earthly life unexpectedly Saturday, August 6, 2011 . He spent 67 years here, after being born July 29, 1944 , the third child of five, to Richard J. and Ruth E. (Buzzell) Holmes. After his schooling in Montpelier, he worked with his father for 19 years at ERCO as a refractory mason, enjoying his Dad's companionship and "wise words of wisdom" while traveling to different jobs sites around Vermont, and at times, New Hampshire and Maine. Later he worked several different jobs, ending last Friday with 12 years of service at Lamoille Trash & Lamoille Kennels in Morrisville, a job he loved because of the interaction with his many customers. Many may remember seeing him frequently "thumbing" a ride to work from Morrisville to Johnson, and back. He really enjoyed visiting with different people. The family would like to thank all whose kindness helped brighten his day! Everyone loved Gary 's stories and his joking around! Especially when it came to his beloved NY Yankees, and the rival Red Sox fans! He was also an avid New York Giants fan! Gary enjoyed family outings and swimming at Crystal Lake, Christmas gatherings, riding Vermont back roads, watching old John Wayne movies, playing cards, listening to the older country music of Johnny Cash, Johnny Horton, etc. He loved hanging out with friends. His memberships included the VFW, American Legion, and at one time, the Moose Club. He and his first wife Dolly had three children: Gary Jr., Adrian, and Crystal. Later he married and divorced Joyce Emerson. Gary's "belly laughs" and joking will be greatly missed by all especially, his family: Gary Jr., his wife Christina, and children Patrick and Peter, all from Johnson; son Adrian Sr., his wife Rebecca, and children Adrian Jr. and Marcus, also of Johnson; his daughter Crystal (Holmes) Bresette and her husband Joe of Washington, VT; and his friend, and former wife, Dolly Bisson of Barre. He also leaves behind two brothers, Ronald (Diane) Holmes of Texas, and Francis Holmes of East Montpelier; two sisters, Sandra Holmes of Graniteville, and Ruth A. Holmes of Montpelier; nephews Rick, Randy, and Rodney Holmes and their families, all of Texas; Michael Holmes and family of Montpelier; and niece Emily Holmes of Montpelier; his aunts, "Evie" Holmes, and Norma Velander, as well as many cousins. Gary had many other "family" members and friends, from childhood to the present, including the Dalton family and Walbridge family of Barre-Montpelier, and the Clark family from Middlesex; as well as his many friends from the Morrisville-Hyde Park area. Calling hours will be Wednesday, Aug. 10, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street , Montpelier , VT , with a graveside service on Thursday, Aug. 11, at 11 a.m. at Berlin Corners Cemetery . In lieu of flowers, please send a donation, in Gary 's memory, to the VT Humane Society, PO Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601.