Robert (Bob) Allen Holmes, son of Eleanor and James Holmes of East Meadow, New York passed away peacefully at his Rapid City home in the early morning of November 5th, 2025. His final hours were filled with family, friends, and music—a testament to a life committed to connection, contribution, and bringing people together through song.

Bob built a multitude of meaningful relationships throughout his life, and some of those closest to him were there at the end. The telephone rang with memories and tears: a friend of 50 years called to say that Bob was the one he'd had the most fun with—and the one he was most inspired by. That evening, he was surrounded in love by Bonnie Riggenbach, his wife of 32 years, and the three young people (now adults) that he continuously nurtured over a series of decades. He would often say they were the "closest thing he had to offspring."

Bob was a veteran, a teacher, a therapist, and a dedicated songwriter. He thrived and radiated joy when making music, especially when playing with his brothers Jim and Don Holmes. Bob leaves us with his music, including this song adapted from Warren Zevon:

KEEP ME IN YOUR HEART FOR A WHILE

Shadows are falling and I'm running out of breath,
Keep me in your heart for a while.
If I leave you it doesn't mean I love you any less,
Keep me in your heart for a while.

When you get up in the morning and you see that crazy sun,
Keep me in your heart for a while.
There's a train leaving nightly called when all is said and done,
Keep me in your heart for a while.

When you've got a problem and you haven't got a clue,
Brightly-colored kites may make you smile.
I'll be there to remind you of what you already knew,
Keep me in your heart for a while.

Discover who you are and proudly put it on display.
Express your idiosyncratic style.
That's the way I strive to live my each-and-every day.
Keep me in your heart for a while.

Hold me in your thoughts, take me to your dreams.
Smile at me as I come into view.
Deer and birds abound, and as the sun goes down,
I'll drink my tea while sitting next to you.

Locomotive lumbers on the far side of the stream,
Keep me in your heart for a while.
These wheels keep turning but they are running out of steam,
Keep me in your heart for a while.

Hold me in your heart, take me to your dreams.
Smile at me as I come into view.
Tend the land with love, watch your gardens grow,
and I'll be there to harvest them with you.

Keep me in your heart for a while.