Christopher H. Holmes, 67, passed away on Sunday, September 18, 2016 in Arnold, Maryland with family by his side after succumbing to a 12-month bout with glioblastoma.

He was born on March 30, 1949, in York, PA, to Russell and Martha Holmes. Chris grew up as the first of five children in Glen Rock and Seven Valleys, PA. He graduated from Spring Grove High School, Class of '67, and the University of New Hampshire (where he was an active member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity) with a Bachelors of Forestry, Class of '71. On June 19, 1971, Chris married the love of his life, Linda "Lynn" Vliet. Together they raised their two children, Becky and Mark, in MN, PA and lastly in Arnold, MD. His love of life, family, friends, fishing, hunting, boating on the Chesapeake Bay, RV'ing around 49 states & 6 Canadian provinces, community and civic involvement, and the good old fashioned "visit" guided him each and every day of his life.

Chris is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 45 years, Lynn Holmes, his two children, daughter Becky Rau (Pasadena, MD), son Mark Holmes (Severna Park, MD), son-in-law Brian Rau, daughter-in-law Kim Holmes, and five dear grandchildren, Sydney (11), London (9) & Roman (5) Holmes; and Kayla (6) & Autumn (4) Rau. Chris also leaves behind three younger brothers: Tim (PA), Peter (OR), Jon (PA); and sister, Debbie (Norway).

Chris dedicated his career to public service for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service for 34 years. He worked in five different offices in NH, WV, MN, PA, and culminated with 19 years in Washington, DC, on three different staffs (State & Private, Communications, & EPA Interagency Liaison) under five chiefs. In addition to his public service at the Forest Service, Chris served as President of the Maryland Forest Association (MFA) for two years, and was a board member up to his passing.

Family and friends are invited to a Visitation & Celebration of Life Memorial Service on Friday, October 14th, 2016 from 1pm - 5pm at the Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway.

In lieu of flowers, Chris's family would like everyone to plant a native (to your area) tree in memory of his dedication to the US Forest Service and commitment to sustainable forestry management and wildlife habitat preservation. This token of remembrance will allow Chris's widespread legacy to live on past his parting day. Please take a picture of the newly planted tree, along with a description of the location, and send it to wife, Lynn. An alternate idea would be a memorial contribution to the Wellness House of Annapolis. It is a gathering place where cancer patients and their loved ones gain support and can learn healthy coping skills while dealing with the effects of cancer. Please visit Plant Native at http://plantnative.org/index.htm

Online condolences may be made at www.barrnacofuneralhome.com