Robert D. Holmes
Robert Denison Holmes (May 11, 1909 – June 6, 1976) was an American politician and journalist from the U.S. state of Oregon. A native of the state of New York, he worked in newspapers and radio before entering politics. Though a Republican early in his career, he served as a Democrat in the Oregon State Senate and as the 28th Governor of Oregon. He was governor from 1957 to 1959.
Robert D. Holmes
May 11, 1909
Canisteo, New York, U.S.
June 6, 1976 (aged 67)
Seaside, Oregon, U.S.
Wilhelm's Portland Memorial Portland, Oregon
Marie Hoy Holmes
Broadcaster, Politician
Early life[edit]
Holmes was born on May 11, 1909, in Canisteo, New York, to a family with five other siblings.[1] His parents were George and Amy Holmes (née Crary), and his father was a stockbroker.[1] Holmes graduated from high school in 1925 from West High School in Rochester, New York.[1] Following his graduation the entire family moved west to Oregon and settled in Portland.[1]
Holmes then worked for several newspapers in Portland for a short time before he enrolled at the University of Oregon in Eugene.[1] He entered in 1928 and graduated in 1932.[1] Following college he returned to the newspaper business, working for the Oregon Journal and The Oregonian, both in Portland.[2] Holmes then moved to Astoria along the Oregon Coast in 1937 where he was involved in advertising and radio broadcasting, serving as general manager of KAST from 1943 to 1957.[1]
Later life and family[edit]
He and the former Marie Hoy were married on May 1, 1934, and they had two sons, Robert Jr. and George. Following his governorship, Holmes hosted a television public affairs program on Portland's KOIN, and served on the Oregon Board of Higher Education from 1969 to 1974.[2] From 1961 to 1962, Holmes also was on a commission that hoped to revise the Oregon Constitution.[2] A one-time Christian Scientist, Holmes attended the Episcopal Church. Robert D. Holmes died on June 6, 1976, in Astoria of cancer.[1]