This Friday is the lead in to the three-day Christmas weekend and while most local citizens will barely take note of the day’s passing as they prepare for the coming holiday Friday will mark the end of an era for longtime UPS driver Bill Holmes.

For nearly 30 years, Holmes has delivered packages to the residents of central Grand County as a route delivery driver for United Parcel Service, more commonly known as UPS. Holmes, who calls the Breckenridge area home, has been a driver for UPS since 1982.

In 1990, he took over a Grand County route covering outlying areas near Parshall, Hot Sulphur Springs, Granby, and sections of Highway 125 and Highway 34.

“It has been a lot of fun,” Holmes said as he looked back on his many years working to deliver packages to the residents of Middle Park. “The best part about this job is the people up here. They are very nice.”

During his tenure with UPS Holmes has covered innumerable miles down icy snow-covered high country roads. He said Grand County’s long cold winters were the biggest challenge he has faced during his career. Despite the danger though Holmes has managed an impressive feat and has gone all 35 years of his career without a wreck. His exemplary driving record earned him a spot in UPS’s Circle of Honor, an elite group of package delivery drivers who have logged at least 25 years with UPS without an avoidable accident.

Originally from Iowa Holmes graduated from college in 1980 and came out to Colorado for a weekend trip.

“I’m still here,” he said with a chuckle. “I was hired in 82. I told myself I would do this job for three years. Three years later I was married, I had a mortgage and the first of two kids on the way.”

Holmes said he plans to take things a bit easier in retirement and hopes to spend time with his 18-month-old granddaughter. He said he also plans to indulge two of his favorite hobbies, car tinkering and fishing.

“I’m going to spend more time with my family and maybe do some traveling,” he said.