Although we didn’t know him ourselves, we heard that someone who’d touched many peoples’ lives on the Island had passed away today.
A couple of VB readers wish to share a few words about a man who inspired generations of Islanders during his work at schools and with the Music Service.
If you’ve got your own words or memories, feel free to add them too.
From Jonny Hartley
Grahame Holmes, you may or may not know, was the music teacher at Cowes High School for about a thousand years. He died today.
He came up with the idea for Level 42, probably, inspired me and a billion of my contemporaries, antecedents, and subsequents to play music and enjoy it, and enjoy the life around it. Nothing on Earth has ever been or will ever be quite as splendid as him.
Deeply missed, I know that a significant number of ex-pupils from Cowes, as well as the thousands of members of the Isle of Wight County Wind Band that he conducted and amazed, will feel greatly saddened by his shuffling of his magnificent mortal coil.
From Jackie Hawkins
Grahame Holmes was a great man who inspired many generations of young people with his enthusiasm, loyalty and humour. He was much loved by everyone that had been taught by him or who knew him.
From Cowes High to Music Centre and Platform 1 and the College. He had so much pride in his pupils. He loved teaching young people music and he touched the hearts of so many who knew him.
As well as being a very knowledgeable man, a gentleman and an excellent musician, he was so much fun with his stories and his mischief.
His passing leaves a big hole in many of our lives and he will be sorely missed. I will miss Grahame hugely; he never failed to make me laugh as he did so many of us.
Music Centre certainly won’t be the same without him. My heart and condolences goes out to his family. RIP Grahame you’ll never be forgotten.
Facebook tributes
We’ve had many more who knew Grahame add their comments on Facebook, so we’ve copied them over here for all to see.
Samual Grieve: Absolute legend. Used to tell us about how he escaped a sinking Titanic by getting in/hanging onto a violin case, never can remember which. I remember having a brilliant discussion once about Lennon vs. McCartney and who wrote the better songs. One of the greatest teachers I had the privilege of learning from.
Moana Kane: He taught me music at Cowes ….. amazing man RIP Mr Holmes :(
Rachel Day Austin: I remember him for allowing me to take refuge in the music room from the storms of Cowes High, for bowing to me every time he passed me in the corridor, and for permitting me to untangle his Cardigan when he somehow managed to put it on inside out, upside down and back to front. Fond memories of an amazing man xx
Ian Sue Boyd: A truly inspirational man.
Fran Perkins: He was an amazing man, full of so many stories. rest in peace Mr Holmes x x
Angela Janus: Oh that is so sad – we will all miss his fantastic wit and great knowledge :-(
Izzy Fahey: R.I.P. Mr Holmes – a very special man. x
Nikki T Harwood: What a legend…a long and fantastic life…cheers to Mr Holmes x x
Sarah Kearns: Ah how sad, I remember him teaching music class, he was probably the most interesting teacher i ever had and remember.
Wendy Varley: Rachel’s comment really made me smile – he was so chivalrous, so respectful of young people (but also would make them blush at awards ceremonies by paying them compliments). I will play the Radetzky March right now in his memory.
Rachael Sturges: What a character, zooming around in his sports car and shuffling round Cowes High, possibly the strangest yet most brilliant music teacher ever! he gave me a merit once, for having a nice straight tie :) RIP Mr Holmes
Dawn Wilkinson: R.I.P Mr Holmes
Frances Kirby: R.I.P Mr Holmes ~ you amazing, funny, mad, quirky, hilarious and lovable little man. We would never leave one of your Music Centre concerts without a grin from ear to ear after listening to your wonderful stories and jokes. And what a master… of music too! x
