Sad news - Hoghead has passed

[RainMaker]

As many of you know, Matt Holmes (Hoghead) from Kilgore has been battling cancer for the last 2 years.  We have heard today that he has passed and now faces no further battles but is secure in the arms of the Lord.  And probably planning a heavenly ride with LaserPat as we speak.

Join me in sending prayers for his family at this time.

As we receive more details, they will be posted.

RainMaker

[HayHauler]

Prayers from Pearland.....  I pray for him every morning since he got sick.  Sad, sad news.  My heart and prayers go out to his wife and family.

Ride on Matt.

Hay

[Six Guns]

I'm saddened to hear this. I was hoping for a miracle.   

[Timbo]

So sorry to hear, but glad the pains are over
...our thoughts are with the family

[Houdini]

RIP Matt   

[Lil D]

Rip......prayers to the family

[T.P.]

RIP MATT,  Gods speed to meet up with LASERPAT you two have a GREAT ride. T.P.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Very sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

[5_19]

Prayers for his wife and family! The first time we met was at a wrench party at Valkpilot. He was one of those people that made me think , I sure wished we met a lot sooner. All around nice guy who shared a passion for motorcycles, trains, PGR and family! Even when he was undergoing treatment he sounded pretty upbeat most off the time! I really liked that guy and he will be missed!

[V-NAV]

Prayers too his family and friends. RIP Matt (Hoghead.)

[john]

                          very sad to hear
     

[chauffeur]

Rest in peace Matt.  Prayers to his family.   

[Joevalk]

Met Matt at Duane and Phyliss' wrench party one day. He just happened to be staying in the area for a day or two. I believe he had just bought his Valk. Heck of a nice feller. Prayers to his family from Santa Fe,Tx\ North Dakota. RIP Brother

[2-CUP]

RIP MATT..........

[Christbiker]

Met Matt once.  He made me feel like I had known him for a lifetime.  Very gracious.  Ride on Matt.
Many Prayers to the Holmes family.

[Daniel Meyer]

Sorry to hear this. Our thoughts to his family.

[RainMaker]

From the Patriot Guard Website:

This is the final itinerary for the

Patriot Guard Riders

Mission to Honor

MATTHEW "MATT" HOLMES (53)

PATRIOT GUARD RIDER

NOVEMBER 12, 2012







Born:  SEPTEMBER 19, 1959

Deceased:  NOVEMBER 8, 2012



His family has requested that the PGR attend his services.  The mission is a 'go' and all contacts have been made.  Matt was Mike "Chief" Latham's son in law and a loyal Patriot. He was also a member of the Patriot Guard Riders for the past three and a half years. He attended missions and events even when he was going through treatment.



Services:  10 AM Monday, November 12th at the First Baptist Church, 210 Forest St., Hawkins, TX 75765.  Instructions regarding movement to the cemetery at Ash St. and Blackbourn (Hawkins, TX), after the service will be given by the Ride Captain.




Staging: at the church from 8:15 to 8:45 AM with a riders meeting at 9:00.  All new members are requested to sign a PGR Release of Liability prior to Flag Line.  Please remain flexible as to the requirements of the mission (SEMPER GUMBY).



Map link to staging area:  http://tinyurl.com/aovae4g



Ride Captain:  Mike "Chief" Latham  mandmlatham@sbcglobal.net  903-245-9886



Ride Captain:  John Bradberry  bberrys2@aol.com  903-539-2473



Flag Captain:  Ronnie Goss  ronniegoss1947@yahoo.com  903-646-3636



Weather Report: Partly cloudy, temperature at staging 45 degrees.  Please check the weather and dress accordingly.  Come in the cage if necessary. 



ALL GROUPS, CLUBS, INDEPENDENTS, ETC. ARE WELCOME.  The only prerequisite is RESPECT.  Also remember, you do not have to ride a motorcycle to join in.  The flag line is open to all who wish to participate. 


Stand tall and silent as you honor this fallen Patriot Guard Rider and his family.  Please ride/drive safely and defensively.  And thanks again for your participation.

Mike "Chief" Latham

Ride Captain, East Texas Area

Mineola, Texas  USA

[john]

   " He made me feel like I had known him for a lifetime.  Very gracious. "
                                                exactly ....     

[WDAN]

I instantly liked Matt and had a short rapport with him.
I have my permanently  mounted lift adapter (last one he had) he made to remember him.

[RainMaker]

Anyone want to ride down to Hawkins on Monday to pay their respects?  I'm planning on going.

RainMaker

[5_19]

I am plan on going

[Baron]

This is sad news.  I met Matt at a wrench party and enjoyed his company.  He will surely be missed but not forgotten.  I bought a chrome stand mount for my Interstate from Matt.  I will keep Matt and his family in my thoughts and prayers. 

May Matt rest in peace.

[godfire]

What a loss! 

[Hollyday]

Prayers for his family during this sad time.  Sorry I did not know him.  Sounded like a nice guy.

[RainMaker]

More info.  Visitation is tonight.

http://www.croleyfhgilmer.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1815435&fh_id=12243

[Disco]

The way he touched us in such a short time, I can only imagine what a great loss this is for his family and friends who had him longer. 

Matt, I'm comforted to know your struggle is over, but I sure wish I'd known you longer.  Ride in peace, friend.

[Red Diamond]

Pleasure to have met Matt, Peace be with Him and his family.

[BnB Tom]

Rest in peace my friend.

[flamingobabe #44]

Prayers for the family

[RainMaker]

TJ and I went to the funeral today and rode with the Patriot Guard.  If a funeral could be called "great", then this was one.  The church was full.  The Patriot Guard was there and was invited inside for the ceremony after posting a flag line for the attendees.

We stood along the walls during the ceremony as there were no seats left empty.  Hawkins turned out to say goodbye to Matt in impressive fashion.  They had his Valkyrie there, on a trailer, with the large Patriot Guard flags flying from it.  It was trailered to the cemetery as well and represented the riderless horse, key in the ignition, ready to go but for it's lost rider.

Dr. Bill Holmes, Matt's older brother, conducted the ceremonies. He told stories about Matt, the Holmes family and spun biblical verse into his talk.  It was funny, sad, touching and perfect.  I've never been so moved or impressed at a memorial service.  After the graveside service, Bill came around and shook every rider's hand, expressing the thanks of the family for our attendance.

A sad/happy day as we are sad in our loss but happy for Matt as he has gone home.

RainMaker

[john]

                                 

[Disco]

I know many of us were there in spirit.  Thank you, Mark & TJ, for being there in person. 

[lucky_1_chris]

 

First I've seen of this thread, and I'm saddened to read it. I only met him once, but I know he was a good man and will be missed by many. My thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP.

[Stormrider65]

A very sad day.  I met Matt at a wrench party at his place.  He was the one to help me go darkside and gave me a lot of tips on the Valk.  May his family find peace in his passing. 

Walt

[bigguy]

Sad day. I never met him in person, but we exchanged quite a few PMs about a year ago. Then we just lost touch. The way he fought this was an inspiration. RIP.