

In the hearts of those who loved you, you will forever remain. Your memory will be cherished, and your presence will be felt in every cherished moment we hold dear.
Obituary
Don, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025, at the age of 80.
Born on October 5, 1944, Don lived a life full of love, kindness, and integrity, leaving behind a legacy that will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Don shared a beautiful marriage with the love of his life, Clasie. Together, they built a warm and nurturing home, raising three children who were his pride and joy. Don's family was always at the heart of everything he did, and his devotion to Clasie and their children was evident in every aspect of his life.
Throughout his years, Don touched the lives of many with his genuine spirit and unwavering kindness. He had a remarkable ability to make those around him feel valued and respected, and his infectious smile brightened even the dreariest of days. Don was not just a good guy; he was a remarkable soul whose compassion and generosity extended far beyond his family to his friends, neighbors, and community.
Don's memory will be celebrated at a memorial service held in Boksburg on January 30, 2025. Friends and family will gather to honor his life, sharing stories of the joy and laughter he brought into their lives. While he may be gone, the love he shared and the lessons he imparted will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched.He leaves behind a family who adored him and countless friends who treasured his companionship. In remembering Don Holmes, we honor a life well-lived and a man who exemplified what it means to be truly good at heart. Rest in peace, Don, knowing you were loved deeply and will be missed profoundly!!
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Ons ouers verhuis na n klein dorpie Welkom en ons pa Eric Leslie Holmes begin by Vrystaat Geduldmyn te werk. Donald begin sy skoolloopbaan by St Helena laerskool en matrikuleer in 1963 aan Welkom Gimnasium. Gedurende sy skoolloopbaan het Don uitgeblink in rugby en was in 1963 kaptein van die eerste rugbyspan. Hy was ook die kadetorkes se tamboermajoor.
Na skool het Don sy dienspligopleiding in Boemfontein begin en in Ladysmith voltooi. Hy het ook in die Burgermag gedien en verskeie kampe bygewoon en grensdiens verrig. Hy beeindig sy weermagpligte as Sersant Majoor AO1 by Generaal de Wet Regiment. Donald is na sy weermagopleiding Johannesburg toe en bly by tannie Mona en oom Willie Compion. Hy begin by die Vaderland koerant werk en speel rugby vir Diggers Rugby Klub. Hy verander van beroep en begin werk by Westelike Provinsie Kelders. Dit was gedurende die jare wat Don Klasiena van Rooyen ontmoet het.
Donald het in die laat sestig sy beroep aan verkope gewy en die wereld deur gereis. Hy was vir al die maatskappye n groot aanwins.
Donald het gelewe vir sy familie, werk en vriende. Hy het sy lewe noukeurig beplan en ek glo werk was sy stokperdjie. Sy 3 seuns, skoondogters, kleinkinders en sy vrou Klasiena was sy alles.
Don het nooit gekla of gunste gevra nie. Hy het net gedoen.
My broer Donald jy was 8jaar ouer as ek en my hero. Jy het altyd vir my n voorbeeld gestel. Baie dankie wat jy vir my en jou familie gedoen en beteken het. Ek gaan vir seker jou oproepe en geselsies mis.
Liefde
Tokkie, Suzette, Anthea en Bill
It was with great shock and sadness that I received the news of Don’s passing, especially as I had spoken to him not long ago. The thought that he is no longer with us is truly difficult to accept.
My memories of Don go back not only to his time with our company but even further, to his earlier days with Ronnie Norwitz. I can still vividly recall the day Don joined our team – a moment that feels like it was just yesterday. Having someone of Don’s caliber with us was a privilege we never took for granted.
Don’s knowledge and business acumen were renowned across the country. He was not only an expert in his field but also a true gentleman – respected and loved by clients and colleagues alike. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, generously sharing his vast experience with our junior staff. His passion for special projects and assignments was unmatched, and once Don set his mind to a task, nothing could deter him until it was accomplished.
His ever-present smile, positive attitude, and unwavering dedication were an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of working with him. Don was truly our “Mr. First” – the first to arrive at the office and often the last to leave, always available, whether it was a weekend or a holiday. He was someone you could depend on, no matter the circumstances.
Don, I have no doubt that you are already bringing your sense of order and dedication to those around you in your new home, just as you did so effortlessly in life.
Rest in peace, my dear friend. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Fred Bengsch
Ex-Director, Diesel Electric Rand
Don was not just a colleague but a dear friend, a man whose principles and laughter left an indelible mark on all of us.
He lived by his values - steadfast, unwavering, and committed to doing what was right, no matter the challenge. His integrity shone like a beacon, guiding those around him to aim higher, to do better, and to never compromise on what mattered most. Yet, he carried these principles not as a burden but with a lightness that brought joy and hope.
His laughter was his signature - a rich, contagious sound that filled the room and lifted spirits even on the darkest days. He had a gift for finding humor in the everyday, for reminding us not to take life too seriously, and for showing us the power of a smile.
He was the heartbeat of the workplace and the glue that held our friendships together. Whether he was cracking a joke, sharing a kind word, or simply being there to listen, he made every moment brighter.
Though the world feels quieter without him, his legacy is alive in each of us. We’ll carry forward his dedication to truth, his love of laughter, and the memories of countless moments where he reminded us of what it means to truly live.
Rest well, Don, You will be missed, but you will never be forgotten.
Beryl Branthwaite
Uncle Don, your memory we'll find.
Through laughter shared and stories told,
Your presence warmed, a love untold.
For Mom, a brother true and dear,
Through thick and thin, you'd always cheer.
Your gentle hand, a guiding light,
Through darkest days, you made things right.
Now you're at peace, a journey done,
Your loving spirit, brightly shone.
We'll hold you close, in hearts and minds,
Until we meet, where love binds.
Party keer het ek gesien oom het seer maar oom het nooit dit gewys nie ,
Dit was n groot voorreg gewees om oom ook as n vriend te kon beskou , en nie net as n klient nie .
Rus sag oom Don

Ons was vir meer as 40 jaar geseend om Don as deel van ons stories te kon hé. Don se deel is nou gedoen en dit is swaar en baie hartseer om finaal te groet.
“I must go in; the fog is rising. Because I could not stop for death - He kindly stopped for me.. “ (Emily Dickinson US poet)
Rus in Vrede Don.
Charles & Haniki

Ek sal graag baie dankie wil se vir jou, Oupa, vir die jeug wat jy my gegee het. Nooit was oupa teleurgesteld in my nie.oupa het eerder altyd in my geglo. Ons deel ‘n paar onvergeetlike herinneringe wat niemand kan wegneem nie. Ek wens daar was meer wat ek kon doen. maar ten minste kan oupa nou pynloos voor ons ewige vader voort leef, sonder pyn & swaarkry.
ek is baie lief vir oupa … ❤️🩹❤️

My deepest condolences to the family. I knew Oupa for short period of time he showed me love, care&welcomed me to his house with warm hands. May his soul rest in peace.
Lebo
Rest well Uncle.
A real Mensch of a man and a Legend in the diesel and turbo industry.
Don’s infectious laughter and sense of humour was ever present during our years at Parts Incorporated.
I’m sure Waterbottle has forgiven you for his nickname.
RIP my friend.
Jy was n absolute Gentleman en goeie vriend. Jou heengaan laat n groot plek van n great mens. Dankie vir jou vriendelikheid altyd.jy was die toonbeeld van hoe n man moet wees met sy Werk, Kinders, Kleinkinders ,familie, kliente en die liefde van jou lewe. BULLLY, AKA Klasina.
Baie sterkte aan die Familie en aan Tannie Klassie.
Liefde
Die du Plessis's
Parow- Dupdiesel


My hart is seer, maar die memories van my kinderdae op die plot, maak my hart weer bly, die lekkerste Sondae kuiers by die swembad, Kersfees ń hoogtepunt. Dankie vir dit wat oom ons geleer het, familie eerste en die voorbeeld wat oom gestel het. Rus sag by Jesus en sê asb hello vir Baardman.
You will be missed by all of your Diesel Electric colleges.
RIP
❤️
Don baie dankie vir die voorbeeld wat jy vir ons almal was.
Ek groet jou tot wedersiens.
Tok

Loving memory from Koos Boonzaier
Pa, het my altyd aan Joshua 1:9 herinner: "Wees sterk en vol moed." Pa se voorbeeld het ons geleer om nooit terug te staan vir 'n uitdaging nie, en altyd oplossings eerder as probleme te sien.
Hierdie jaar het sy deel van uitdagings gebring, maar ek kies om die negatiewe agter te laat en dit te vervang met 'n positiewe uitkyk. Pa se lewenslesse en deursettingsvermoë wys dat ons sterker is as wat ons dink en dat daar altyd lig na elke donkerte is.
Dankie vir Pa se liefde, harde werk en al die kosbare herinneringe. Pa bly vir my 'n bron van inspirasie.
Met liefde en dankbaarheid,
Jou Meisiekind
Lucelle
My Liefste Pa
Nou dat Pa nie meer naby is nie mis ek die noue band wat ons gehad het.
'n Band van liefde en sorg... Tog op die een of ander manier sê iets vir my Pa waak oor ons almal.
Ek mis Pa só baie, en my trane kan ek nie wegsteek nie,
Tog diep in my hart voel ek PÁ sal altyd aan my sy wees.
Die lewe sal nooit meer dieselfde wees sonder jou nie!
Tog vertroos dit my om te weet dat ons eendag weer sal ontmoet
Ons sal mooi na Clasie kyk.
Al my liefde
Stephanie.
Ek weet Pa is veilig, pyn vry en in die hemel by ons Hemelse Vader, soos ek Pa belowe het - ons sal Ok wees en sal baie mooi na Ma kyk, rus nou lekker! Baie lief vir Pa, sien Pa weer in die ewige lewe.
Pa se meisie kind xxx
Lucelle
Service
We'll also cherish the moments we shared and the joy he brought us. Your presence would mean a lot to us during this time of reflection and remembrance.
17 Williams Rd, Beyers Park, Boksburg, 1459