Remembering Lance: Written by his brother, Lonnie Holmes
They asked me to write the obituary for Lance Scott Holmes – well, have we got a story for you. Lance was always telling stories – and most of the time, they were funny as hell.
Our story begins on September 16, 1964, in Columbus, Montana, where Lance was born the first grandchild of Wayne and Frances Abney, and the son of Ed Holmes and Judy Garrison (Abney). I came along a couple of years later. Lance was my big brother, my hero, and an ever-present strength. His influence – sometimes questionable – helped shape me, just as it has shaped so many others.
After our parents divorced when we were young, we mostly grew up in Cody, Wyoming, spending summers with our dad. Those unsupervised adventures took us to places like Tucson, Arizona; Moab and Cisco, Utah; and the Grand Mesa in Colorado. Lance was my “guide” on these journeys, always looking out for me and teaching me how to experience life with unbridled abandon.
During that part of his life, Lance was his own boss. He wasn’t a big fan of authority – unless it was his own. He was young, wild, and free. A cowboy at heart he spent time riding bulls in rodeos and enjoyed many memorable times on different wagon trains with his Grandpa Abney and his Uncle Bill.
With some encouragement from our Uncle Bill, Lance joined the United States Marine Corps. That decision helped shape the man we celebrate today. His MOS was Aviation Electronics, working on F-4 Phantom jets in Japan, in the Philippines, and across the U.S. After his honorable discharge, Lance worked in California for a company called Explosive Technologies – building things, then blowing them up. (To this day, I can’t understand why he ever left that job.)
Eventually, Montana called him home, and he returned to Helena. He worked for Helena Insulation, Helena Sand & Gravel, and alongside friends like Randy Stewart and Sam Lindquist – mostly driving big trucks. The discipline and attention to detail he learned in the Marines stuck with him. He took care of his equipment like it was gold.
At some point, Lance traded the road for a role with Xenergy (now known as DNV), conducting energy audits. It was during this time – some might say by chance or fate – that Lance met Janie. Ask her about it sometime; I don’t think it was just the stars aligning. It was God’s plan. They married on February 18th, 1995.
At the time of his passing, Lance was working for Sparrow Enterprises, Inc. In the short time he had worked for them, had already developed a deep respect and appreciation for the team he worked with and those he worked under. They became more than coworkers – they became people he truly cared about, an extended family.
The Marine Corps may have shaped him, but being married to Janie and becoming a “bonus dad” to Domenic and Cara was Lance’s true calling. He embraced it fully – being a loyal, loving husband and an incredibly understanding father figure. Eventually, he earned a new title: “Papa,” to his favorite little people in the world.
Lance was bigger than life, always ready for an adventure, and someone you could count on no matter what.
He’ll always be a guide for me – a reminder to:
Be friendly and kind to strangers.
Look for solutions.
Be strong when others need strength.
Find the humor in everything.
Know that dogs are a pain in the ass, but you need them.
And that you need kids in your life more than they need you.
The list goes on and on and on…
In a world where you can apparently be anything you want to be, I’d encourage you to pour a glass of unsweetened iced tea, turn on some classic country music, love on your friends and family – and be just like Lance.
Lance is preceded in death by his father, Edwin Holmes;
grandparents, Wayne and Frances Abney, Al and Doris Holmes; aunt, Michele Abney; uncles, Darryl Olson and Don Abney; and great niece Emery Rasmussen.
Lance is survived by his beloved wife, Janie Holmes; his children, Domenic (Laura) Easton and Cara (Cody) Reck; and his cherished grandchildren, Stetson and Sawyer Reck and Taylor, Morgan, and Reagan Easton. He is also survived by his parents, Lary and Judy Garrison and Sharon Holmes; his aunt, Bonnie Olson; his brother, Lonnie (Judi) Holmes; step-sister, Shawna his sisters-in-law, Julie (Doug) Ludtke and Gina (Roy) Rasmussen; and his brother-in-law, Jared DiAddezio.
Lance was a proud uncle (also known as “Aunt Lance”) to Sarah Ludtke, Lauren (Billy) Bannon, Stephanie (Coby) Carlson, Olivia DiAddezio, Abigail DiAddezio, and Ryleigh “Kate” Holmes, as well as to Chase (Annie) Rasmussen, Tucker (Bailey) Rasmussen, Michael (Helene) Kuck, and Matthew Kuck.
Lance shared a special bond with many family members, including his cousins Trevin (Jen) Pappas and Desiree (Dave) Huttinger, who were more like siblings to him. Their children – Shaylin Rossi, Payton Pappas, Carter Pappas, and Justin Huttinger – were his treasured bonus nieces and nephews.
Through Domenic, Lance gained a “pseudo-son” in Scott (Danette) Jenkins, along with their amazing children, Dia, Ryder, and Austin, who became an extension of his family.
Lance was also deeply connected to his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and great-nieces and nephews, cherishing every moment spent with them. His love for family was boundless, and his presence will be profoundly missed.
A memorial service celebrating Lance’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Mount Helena Community Church, 1710 National Avenue in Helena with a reception to follow in the church social center.
Francis Xavier says
Lance will be missed dearly. I had the opportunity to work beside Lance 2018-2022 and treasure many of the memories and laughs we had together. Very knowledgeable and always helpful to others, Lance was always appreciated and loved. I was a newcomer to Montana and Lance’s kindness and generosity stands out.
Scott and Kathy McDonald says
Janie and Family: We are sorry to hear of Lance’s passing. We enjoyed the times we got to spend with Lance and will miss his smile, laughter and his positive attitude.
Susan (Bass) Proul says
Janie and family…my heart is breaking along with all of yours to hear this. Lance was an incredible person, full of life, smiles, the gentle hug when our paths crossed and GREAT love for his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as he truly will be missed. May he rest in peace
Sue says
Janie my friend: All my love and thoughts.
Noelle says
Janie and family, All my love and support to you. I am so sorry for your loss
Brenda Schutz says
Janie and family, I am so sorry to hear of Lance passing.
Sending deepest sympathy to all of your family.
Pam Christensen says
I met Lance many years ago when him and you Jamie came t
oaseoVegas for the National Rodio and it took me a few minutes to realize he was a keeper. I wish you could have kept him longer, he is way to young to leave you and I know this is going to be very hard for you I also know your a very strong lady and will be okay. My heart goes out to you and your family. I love and miss you my dear friend and your always in my thoughts. Take care.
Wendy C. Olson says
So sorry to hear about Lance. May your family and friends keep you strong at this sad time.
Lee Ruud says
Janie, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers to you and the family during the very difficult time.
Marcus R & Shawnae M says
We only knew Lance for a few months. In that short time, he made an indelible impression. He was quick to laugh, quick to joke, and quick to friendship. It was immediately apparent that Lance was a hard-working, smart and interesting man. He talked often about his wife, about horse/pack trips into the wilderness, and about jeeping and exploring with his grandchildren. He clearly had much love for his family, and was very proud of them.
Very sorry for you loss.
Dan Whitaker says
I only saw my friend twice in the last 27 years. Spoke to him a few more times than that. But the year we spent working together, traveling the state of Montana, was one that molded me and helped make me who I am today. I was alone in a far away place when I met my work partner, Lance Holmes. He and Janie made sure I had what I needed and made me feel at home.
They went out of their way last year to come visit me in Ohio on their way back from staying with Dom and his family. It was a short, evening dinner. But it was like we hadn’t gone more than a day without seeing each other, and we picked up right where we left off . . . . a measure of a true friend. I will miss him.
Janie, you and the kids and grandkids are in my deepest thoughts and prayers. I will cherish my memories of him and you all for the rest of my life. Goodbye, Lance. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Lisa Noble says
We loved Lance like family at Sparrow and not just the staff but numerous customer’s who have been missing his big bubbly laugh at the front office. His STORIES will forever remain in our hearts as he always made us laugh. Miss you buddy!!! L
Terry Rosin says
Janie and family. I know Lance is a new place along side my dad Larry driving truck and telling stories.
🙏🙏
Tim Easton says
Janie and Family
So sorry for your loss.
Godspeed Lance
Lane Dyke says
May God bless this man who had such a positive influence on anyone’s life that were lucky enough to be in his. Lance, rest easy my friend, you are missed.