DAVID GREGORY HOLMES
Builder/Coach – Class of 2021
Physical Education Specialist P.P.H.S 1975-2011
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Literature, Philosophy, Religion & Art History (Mount Allison University) Health & Physical Education Degree (McGill University)
David Holmes was born in Montreal and grew up in Pointe Claire, where he attended Lindsay Place High School. At Lindsay Place, Holmes, nicknamed, ‘Tiny’, excelled in sports, particularly, basketball and football. David was also an active member of the wrestling team at Lindsay Place and was also a strong swimmer, completing and receiving certification for the Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program. In his final year at Lindsay Place High School, David broke the Island of Montreal’s existing track and field records for shot put and javelin. His outstanding ability as an athlete was encouraged by his coaches, who suggested that he train and try out for Canada’s National Basketball Team, and to consider a career in football. In 1973, David graduated from Mount Allison University, in Sackville, New Brunswick, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English, Philosophy, Religion, and Art History. He went on to study at McGill University and in 1975, received his second degree, a Bachelor of Education in Physical Education. In the fall of 1975, David began his teaching career as a Physical Education Specialist at Pontiac High School where he taught for 36 years, finally retiring in 2011. Passionate about all sports, David coached basketball, badminton, track and field, archery, football, wrestling and soccer. He coached continuously, while simultaneously organizing trips for student athletes. He was active in the Outdoor Education Program where he organized and participated in annual canoe trips and wilderness camping excursions. As a teacher, David was an exceptionally active member of the PHS staff supporting the annual Graduation & Remembrance Day ceremonies, carnival activities, the 30 Hour Famine and various other school initiatives & fundraisers. David was also passionate when it came to raising awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving. Although first and foremost a Physical Education Teacher, there were different periods in David’s career, when he also taught Agriculture, Music and Drama. He was stage crew manager and set builder for several musicals performed by PHS students. He was often available to supervise school dances and always attended school trips to the opera. Dave was recipient of the Outstanding Leadership in Athletics award in 2009-2010.
David had a tremendous impact on PHS students. His legacy is well-described by a former student and colleague,
“David was one of those special forces in my life, who changed my life profoundly. He had many wonderful qualities, and one of his best was the ability to make people believe in themselves. David was first an amazing teacher to me, then an instigator in my ability to find myself as a coach, then as a colleague when we worked together on many different fronts. I always enjoyed my time working with David. Our bantering, and his challenges always made me smile. David made me a much better person. I know that I am one of literally hundreds that can say that. Mr. Holmes, you did so many amazing deeds and helped many people find their voices, and for that I am forever grateful.”.