David Holmes left this world on November 29, doing what he loved the
most — skiing down the slopes of Sugarbush.
David
was born in Rutland, Vt., on March 16, 1942, and was educated abroad
in Frankfurt, Germany, and Tokyo. He graduated from Suffield Academy
in Connecticut.
He
was a three-sport athlete and captain of the football team at
Middlebury College. He earned his master’s degree in international
affairs from Columbia University and his PhD in education from the
University of Denver.
David
was a professor of Higher Education Administration at the University
of Vermont and a grants administrator at the U.S. Department of
Education in Washington. He served as headmaster of his alma mater,
Suffield Academy, for 13 years. He was then appointed director of the
Community School in Ketchum, Idaho. While at the Community School, he
helped found the Sun Valley Ski Academy.
David
was an outdoor enthusiast who liked skiing, mountain biking, hiking,
and canoeing on Lake Champlain, often with his Jack Russell,
Carolina, in tow.
David
leaves behind his beloved wife, Toni; his two cherished sons,
Christopher and Caleb; his lovely daughter-in-law, Allison; hisadored
grandchildren, Penelope, Sebastian and Madeline. He also leaves his
sister, Carol; his brother-in-law, Jim Shattuck; and his niece and
nephew, Megan and Matthew Shattuck. He leaves 17 Kiley nephews and
nieces, all of whom he was very fond.
This article appears in Dec 7-13, 2022.
David also served as Executive Director of the Character Collaborative, raising the importance of character in our schools across the globe. He was an amazing man; he will be sorely missed. What a legacy he has left. Much love and condolences to his family. David Made a difference in so many lives! Can’t say enough about this man!
David accomplished so much for education. I’ve only known him at the Character Collaborative, and I have been mightily impressed. So sorry to hear about his passing. He will be remembered fondly and with great respect.
David was a treasured friend whom I first met on the football field when Suffield Academy played Loomis School in 1957. We both played three sports at Middlebury College, served together in the military and the government, worked together at Lewis Universty in Illinois and collaborated over the years on multiple projects. David was a gifted athlete, visionary educator, and one of the smartest, compassionate and fun individuals I’ve ever known. He lived a full life and loved his family and friends fiercely. I miss him greatly.
Craig Stewart
Port Townsend, WA