Then and Now

Dick and Carole Holmes, class of 1955
They were sweethearts THEN...and Now?

Carole came to North Hollywood via Rio Vista Elementary, North Hollywood Junior High School, and a year at Hollywood high. Dick attended Van Nuys Elementary, Van Nuys Junior High, and Van Nuys High School, where he was dismissed "without honors". So, Dick and Carole showed up at North Hollywood as juniors, and their paths first crossed in the "newcomers assembly" where a mutual friend introduced them—love at first sight.

Dick Holmes and Carole (Pabian) Holmes, class of 1955. Taken at the Levi and Lace dance in the old gym -- 1954.

First things first; Carole was rushed by the Vagabonds, and was accepted that semester. Dick joined the Esquires, and both were caught up in the North Hollywood "quad" scene.

Half way through his senior year Dick was once again considered for rapid advancement when Mr McLeod, the Boys Vice Principal, made him an offer he couldn't refuse. So, along with several other "exceptional" performers, he enlisted in the Air Force. Carole graduated with her class—S'55.

Dick spent four years enlisted in the Air Force and upon separation, entered Valley College; later transferring to Valley State. After graduation, and a stint at Valley, Carole spent a year in France with her parents. Upon her return she attended University of Colorado, and UCLA.

In August 1959 Dick and Carole married.

When Dick finished at Valley State he re-enlisted in the Air Force—at Carole's suggestion—and was off to commissioning school, and flight training. While Dick was in training, Carole graduated with "Honors" from Sacramento State.

The Viet Nam war years meant a lot of family separation, and for Carole, raising four kids in the cold snowy Massachusetts winters on her own. After the war the family settled down during assignments to Strategic Air Command Headquarters in Omaha and the Pentagon. The four kids—two of each—were in school, and Carole went back to work as an accountant and Realtor.

Carole and Dick with their granddaughter, Hannah.

Dick retired from the Air Force in 1990 after a final Pentagon tour.

Since retirement Dick has been an independent contractor involved in Defense related activities. His most recent work was supporting the United States Joint Forces Command in planning and execution of military exercises. Carole is CFO for the Richard E Holmes Corporation; she has the account numbers—the secret to a long relationship.

The Holmes' "spare" time is spent enjoying the wonders of the desert, exploring Arizona's canyons and old mines, and Geocaching—while adding new pin stripes to the Jeep. And, of course, spoiling their seven-year-old granddaughter, Hannah, who lives in the Phoenix area.

Don Fricke (1954) with Pat Ferguson (1955) and Dick Holmes with Carole Pabian at Levi and Leace in 1954.

Carole and Dick - New Years at Tookies 1955.

Dick off to Vietnam with Carole and daughter, Heidi.

Dick and Carole from 1991.

Carole at Lake Arrowhead 1955.

Carole and Dick on the Quad 1955.