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PAUL "KIM" HOLMES

Paul Kimball Holmes, "Kim" passed away on March 30th, 2022, in Grand Forks ND after a life lived full of enthusiasm, travel, family, amazing friendships and a love worthy of the history books. His youth was spent learning about etiquette, good food and the first inklings that he was born to be magnificent, enjoying the company of celebrities while visiting his grandmother, author of a cookbook and a known hostess.  Kim's ability to be a consummate host was learned at an early age.

Kim was born March 22, 1944, in Hagerstown, Maryland, the son of Linda (Schoen) and Paul Mills Holmes. He was the eldest of four children. He was confirmed into the Episcopalian Church at Trinity Episcopal Church in Ohio.  He graduated from Palo Alto High School and then attended the Lewis Hotel and Restaurant Management School in Washington, DC.  After he completed his education, he traveled to Europe where he toured extensively and worked in Florence, Italy and Weigen, Switzerland. While in Europe he found his passion in restaurants and food and brought back inspiration that he used at the Blue Parrot in Townsend, WA, and ultimately Sanders 1907 in Grand Forks.

Kim would brag that he was a hippie for the 60's and he never got over it.  He preached peace and love, and in his travels through the US and Europe he made friendships that lasted his entire life.  He was honored with Godchildren and namesakes, and anyone loved by Kim was loved big. Kim wrote, "People say if you have 2 or 3 friends in life that's great. I've made many, many friends, we started on the Campbell Ranch, VA Beach, The Fly Inn, the Boston crew, Weigen, Levenworth Way, finally Grand Forks and Sanders 1907."

In 1985, Kim moved to Grand Forks to work in Sanders 1907 with his friends Bob and Lynda Evenson, eventually purchasing the restaurant and taking the helm.  On February 26, 1990, Kim married Beth Hoekstra and their love would create amazing things. Kim and Beth worked at keeping Sanders 1907 a dynamic eatery in their tiny location. The flood of 1997 pushed Sanders out of its original location and Kim and Beth dreamed of a new version and made it a reality with blood, sweat, tears and some help from the City of Grand Forks.

Kim had profound impact on the dining scene in Grand Forks, the state of North Dakota and beyond.  Members of his Sanders crew have opened restaurants of their own, with the Toasted Frog, Sky's and Helix providing additional fine dining experiences in Grand Forks. The little spot on Kittson is home to Rhombus Guys, the beloved Sanders has evolved into Ely's Ivy.  Kim spent many happy hours in his last two years with Hal and Kathy Gershman consulting on Harry's Steakhouse.

Kim was a patron of the Arts, covering the walls of his restaurants and home with pieces from various artists. He loved music, and brought live music to Sanders regularly, giving local musicians a place to play and share their talents. He gave back to the community of Grand Forks, serving on the CVIC board for 10 years, was a member of the North Valley Arts Council, coordinated amazing meals for the North Dakota Museum of Art fundraisers, fed lots of Sioux Hockey players and was a member of the Sioux Boosters.

But above all…he loved Beth.  In his notes, he wrote the following, "It's been a great run for me.  I've had a blessed life. My greatest accomplishment was finding my wife Beth.  We had 32 years of loving each other - what a treat!"

Kim is survived by his wife Beth, his sister Casey Newton, brother Paul "Pad" Holmes, brother-in-law Don Moore, nieces Nora and Merrill Daniels, his dear friends Bob Evenson and Chad Caya, beloved nieces, nephews and many, many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Ginna Moore.

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to: CVIC, 211 S 4th St, Grand Forks, ND 58201 and Altru Health Foundation, PO Box 6002, Grand Forks, ND 58206.

Celebration of Life: 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 2022, in the Historic Norman Funeral Home Chapel.
Family Greeting: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home on Saturday.