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Herb PIRK Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Herb PIRK
24 Entries
Tina Ferreira
December 23, 2025
Herb Pirk was an inspiring leader and an even better person. His guidance, kindness, generosity, and belief in others left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege to work with him. I worked with Herb when he was the Commissioner of Toronto Parks & Recreation and also head of the Toronto Harbour Commission. Herb and Susan Richardson also offered me a role on the 1996 Olympic Task Force Bid. Herb will be deeply missed and always remembered. My sincerest condolences to Micah, Pat, and all his family and friends.
Rest In Peace Herb,
Tina Ferreira
Dieter Niebler
March 5, 2025
I was really shocked to hear that both Herb and Norm passed away last year within a few months from each other. I first met both Herb and Norm in high school. Herb was 1 year behind me and Norm was on year ahead of me. All three of us ended up working as lifeguards for the Toronto Harbour Police and we were all of German origin with very similar immigrant background. Needless to say that in those early years they both became very good friends and I very much enjoyed their company. In subsequent years I did some legal work for Herb and on a few occasions my wife and I socialized with both Herb and Pat. Then as life went on we lost contact. The last time I saw Herb and Norm was when we ran into them at a Leonard Cohen concert a few years ago. Both Norm and Herb were absolutely great guys and I am truly sorry to hear about their passing.
Dieter ("Ted") Niebler
Bob Shelton
August 26, 2024
Herb will be dearly missed. We worked together for the Town of Newmarket. He was a great municipal administrator, a good colleague and mentor. He had a such a passion for life. RIP Herb.
Bob Shelton
Anne Marra
April 29, 2024
Dearest Pat, Micah, and family.
My heart and prayers are with you.
The written tribute for Herb is beautiful. I can only add that I have fond memories having worked with Herb and you Pat. Herb had such a wonderful influence in many lives and will be forever remembered.
With affection and my deepest condolences.
God Bless.
Anne Marra
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Vince Pagano
April 23, 2024
I knew Herb for many years. I think we both began our Parks and Rec careers at the same time. Herb made a life of it and I went on to other things.
I remember Herb as friendly, funny, empathetic, and a wonderful muse for all things in Parks and Rec. He championed free and accessible programs for years. More Toronto children flourished during his administration than ever before or since. He was absolutely perfect for thousands of young men and women who relied on the Parks not only for recreation, but employment as well. I worked as a Park supervisor for about ten years while I was going to school. Every time Herb came by, we chatted about kids and how to make programs better. Toronto was a leader in community programs under his care and vision. He was a supreme mentor for hundreds of old running shoe clad kids with immigrant backgrounds.
I was later Headmaster for Herb's and Pat's son, Micah, and got to know Herb and Pat from another perspective. Micah was much loved and must still be thriving with a good book and good people around him.
I played golf with Herb at Oakdale a few years ago. He was very proud of the course, his work, and could not have been very proud of my game, but one would never know it. I don't think that in all the years I heard a disparaging word from him.
We recently lost touch, but I will never forget him.
Rest in peace, Herb. You will be missed greatly.
Vince Pagano
Micah Pirk O’Connell
April 22, 2024
Mark and Judy Spurr
April 13, 2024
I often think of Herb and Pat and how supportive, dedicated and wonderful people. Today, again they were in my thoughts and I was so sad to see that Herb had passed this February. Sincere condolences to Pat, Micah, and Family. We will always be grateful for the opportunities that you enriched our lives for. - Mark and Judy Spurr
Elaine Gaber-Katz
March 26, 2024
Micah, Patricia and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending you my sincerest condolences. Herb and I were consultants together on a couple of projects and he stood tall in many ways.
Linda Koehler
March 26, 2024
I remember Herb when I started my career with city of Toronto Parks and Recreation. He was a visionary and an influential leader - he espoused values in public service that have stayed with me.
Darryl Peck CFRE
March 24, 2024
Always looked for ways to make a difference and did!!
Linda Sheppard
March 23, 2024
I am so sad to hear of Herb´s death. Although many years have passed since we have been in touch, I remember so many good times at Limerick Lake with Herb and Patrick S. roasting pigs on spits in the very old days and sharing good times and drinks on the porch of our beloved cottage, destroyed by the May, 2022 derecho (huge storm). Condolences to all of Herb´s friends and relatives, especially Pat whom we knew and liked so much for a few years. Linda Sheppard and family.
Dave Maxwell
March 22, 2024
I got hired in the fall of 1975 and was told to report to Jimmie Simpson a community centre that was just built and they wanted to open a.s.a.p. One area that we had to work on was the main gym and what to offer. Mr. Herb Pirk met us to discuss what to do. We decided on Volleyball as being the main sport. Well we taped out the measurements etc and then found out someone had to come in and paint the lines. Mr. Pirk said I’ll meet you with the paint and we’ll do it. From that day forward I had so much respect for him. He always greeted you with a smile and listened to what you had to say. Was no longer Mr. but Herb. I always wanted to do my best and work for a gentleman like Herb. R.I.P.
Bob & Patti Mathers
March 15, 2024
Bob & I send our sincere condolences to Herb's family at this difficult time. We were privileged to have known Herb for many years & will always be grateful for his friendship.
Bob & Patti Mathers
Lucy Troisi
March 2, 2024
My deepest condolences to son Micah Pirk, partner Karen Glasgow, brother Norbert Pirk, Patricia O'Connell and their families.
Herb meant the world to me. He was my best friend and mentor. He touched the lives of those who were fortunate to work or know him. It was a true honour and privilege to have him in our lives. Herb was a man of great distinction, brilliance and kindness. His legacy of Public Service and many achievements throughout the City of Toronto will hold the test of time. You will never be forgotten my dearest friend.
Troy Ford
February 29, 2024
Herb was always passionate about Toronto's parks and public greenspaces and prided himself on being able to make Toronto's Community Recreation programming free of charge for all! When I was just a Recreation Casual, he introduced himself to me and, 1 year later, I met him again and was humbled on how he still remembered my name. Every former City of Toronto park and community recreation centre I go to, I'll think of him.
Roan Vollmer
February 27, 2024
Herb was one of the greatest leaders, thoughtful mentors, and truest friend a person could wish to have shared time with. I was blessed to have all three and he will be dearly missed by so many.
My condolences to Karen, Micah, and his entire family.
Kindly,
Roan
John Macintyre
February 27, 2024
Herb was an amazing individual, a great leader and a transformational force in Parks, Forestry and Recreation, both in the City of Toronto and right across Canada. His legacy touches every Canadian who adores their greenspace, values their local recreation centre or simply enjoys the tree canopy that we all take for granted. I had the absolute privilege of working along side of Herb for many years prior to amalgamation of the City of Toronto in 1998 --- his legacy and contribution to our sector is legendary, but his personal impact on me and other professionals in our field is both appreciated and under stated. Rest in peace Herb and our thoughts are with your extended family.
Jaroslaw Szaran ( Gerry )
February 25, 2024
I have good memories of Herb being professional, inspiring and caring leader for all people around him ...
Frank Ruffolo
February 25, 2024
The fondest memories I have of Herb are sitting at his home, drinking his father`s homemade wine and his special connection to the St Clair community. He was always listening and sharing, to all their needs. He was truly an inspirational, humble, unforgettable leader, , most gentle giant, no matter what position he held in the city, his door was always open to listen and help out whoever he could all for the benefit of a more beautiful community. He will be missed! Rest gently dear friend,
Terri Pamenter
February 25, 2024
Remember Herb form our time at Malvern...he was a sweetheart then ...such a nice person.
Terri (Faulkner) Pamenter
Debra Herod
February 25, 2024
I am a neighbour of Herb in Niagara ....
In the far too short years, of knowing him , I found Herb to be kind , thoughtful and a Gentleman !!!
It was such a pleasure to have him for my neighbour....
I am very saddened for all ...
Herb Thankyou ... I will always remember, your welcoming smile and your friendship !!
Debra Herod
Ted McDermott
February 24, 2024
Lots of great memories with Herb over so many years . Connie came up with idea for him to change careers to Golf and I headed committee at Y-D that hired him - A real game changer and he did it so well - He will be missed-Ted McDermott
Drew Mathers
February 24, 2024
Herb was there for everyone, including myself. His intellect and guidance made a huge difference in my life and countless others. A true gentleman that will be sincerely missed
Susan and Tom Symington
February 23, 2024
Herb was a truly a gentleman on so many levels. His generosity and kind nature will always be fond memories we´ll share .
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