ORRINGTON - Ralph D. Holmes, 75, died Jan. 31, 2012, at his home. He was born June 18, 1936, in Lewiston, son of Earl F. and Gwendolyn L. (Brown) Holmes. Ralph graduated from Portland High School, class of 1954. He proudly served as a technical sergeant in the U.S. Air Force as a jet mechanic. After honorable discharge from the Air Force, he attended the Maine State Police Academy and graduated in 1960 and began a 20-year career, retiring as a detective in 1980. After his retirement, he was employed as general manager of Malley Detective Agency, a private investigator for Buchanan Associates, a dispatcher and constable for Penobscot County Sheriff Department and prior to his last retirement, was employed with University of Maine Police Department. Ralph was a founding member of Blue Knights and a member of Retired Maine State Police Officers Association. Ralph was a former selectman in Orrington - having served two terms, a prior member of Orrington Volunteer Fire Department; and a life member of Orrington Historical Society, and Rod and Gun Club. He was a life member of Star in the East Lodge No. 60, AF & AM of Old Town and Ralph J. Pollard Lodge No. 217, AF & AM of Orrington, the Maine Consistory, 32 degree. Ralph was a kind and gentle man, who enjoyed gardening, birds and dogs, particularly the boxers that he bred and showed with his wife and her children. He was predeceased by his first wife, Agnes Moreshead; and two infant daughters, Catherine Ann and Katherine Marie. Surviving are his beloved wife of 30 years, Lois-Ann Holmes of Orrington; two sons, Michael Holmes and his wife, Debbie, of Old Town, and David Estes and his wife, Allyson, of Bangor; one daughter, Rebecca Estes-Francis and her husband, Charlie Francis, of Indian Island; grandchildren, Amara, Andi, Elizabeth, Seth and Chad; great-grandchildren, Maddie, Hailey, Allie and Nathan; and a brother-in-law, Joseph Moreshead and family. A service in celebration of his life will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments after the service at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor. Gifts in his memory may be sent to Maine State Troopers Foundation, 28 Meadow Road, Augusta, ME 04330 or a charity of one's choice. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.