Ward Allen Holmes 74, died July 16, 2015 at home after a long battle with cancer to finally join his wife Patricia, whom predeceased him 16 years ago. He is survived by his daughters Jill Holmes Brown of Hebron, Vicki Mrosek and her husband Nicholas of Manchester, and his nephew Christopher Holmes of Maine who was his son in all the ways that matter. "Grumpa" leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Jack and Molly Brown of Hebron, Avery Mrosek of Manchester and Ethan and Leah Geiger of Andover. Ward also leaves behind his brother and best friend Randolph Holmes of Vernon, his brother Gary Holmes and his wife Shirley of Florida, his sister Linda Martin and her husband Robert of Florida, and sister Judy Pantaleo and her husband Louis also of Florida, and many nieces and nephews. Ward was born in Fort Fairfield Maine and spent his childhood in Caribou Maine, before moving to CT in his early 20's. He truly believed his stories of walking to school both ways, uphill in 3 feet of snow with no shoes. This is the basis of the tough guy mentality that he literally held on to until the very end. He served in the US Army from 1966 -1968 and was stationed in Vietnam for almost 2 years. Ward worked his whole life as an Iron Worker with his father's company before owning his own company, GREW Steel Erectors of Manchester as well as working for Orlando Annuli and Manchester Country Club for many years later in life. Ward was an avid golfer and member of Manchester Country Club, and Tallwood Country Club. Ward participated in many leagues and tournaments throughout the years. He was club Champion at Manchester Country Club in 1991 and a past club President. Ward was a man of great pride. He was a hard worker with an eye for perfection and dedication. He expected this from all that he knew and worked with and was not afraid to tell someone of their shortcomings. He especially took great pride and told endless stories of his prowess as a "former athlete". He believed that hard work was very important and had little patience for those that didn't put forth a 100% effort. Calling hours will be Monday July 20th from 5-8 at Tierney Funeral Home located at 219 West Center Street Manchester CT. Burial Services with Military Honors will be graveside at St. Bridget's Cemetery located at 195 Oakland Street Manchester on Tuesday July 21stat 11:00 A.M. Donations made be made to the CT Hospice Association. 110 Barnes Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.