KIRK DAVID RYAN

KIRK DAVID RYAN August 24, 1954, Toronto - November 26, 2015, Burlington It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Kirk following a long illness. Kirk was the beloved best friend and husband of Eunice, who met him when she was 15 and cannot imagine life without him; devoted and proud father of Jamieson, faithful companion of Jasper dog and Dany cat. Kirk was predeceased by his mother Katherine and father Paul. He will be forever cherished by his sisters Linda (Karl Heinz) and Donna (Billy) and brother Moe (Anna May). He was a much loved uncle to Peter, Sonja (Robert and Magdalena), Donna and Darren and great- uncle to Amanda, Brandon. He was a loving cousin to Joanne and many others, lifelong friends of the Mazza, Walther and Coulson families and so many others young and old. Kirk was born and raised in the Beach and in his growing up years could be seen riding his bike, canoeing, windsurfing, playing tennis, skateboarding along the boardwalk or loading his skis on the airport shuttle. Kirk worked as a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor for Toronto Parks and Recreation, manned the Silver Birch boathouse, was a tuxedoed usher at the classic Loews movie theatre on Yonge Street with his good friend Lou, the manager of the Donald D. Summerville (Olympic) pool and could be seen at the Goof, the Grover, dancing at the Benny or going to movies at the Fox. Kirk studied radio and television journalism at college, completed a degree in political science at Carleton University, studied industrial relations and after being a Parliamentary Assistant and Speechwriter on Parliament Hill in Ottawa had a long and successful career as an Employee Benefits Consultant. Kirk was a hard, tireless worker, a perfectionist who enjoyed meeting, serving and befriending clients all over the province. He was an early champion of same sex-benefits and other innovations in his industry. Kirk was a man of deep and endless interests in art, architecture, antique clocks, photography and travel. Kirk really came into his own when he became a husband and father; he embraced the simple comforts of home life, the search for the perfect butter tart, school councils, T-ball and soccer coaching, Beaver and Cub leader roles with Scouts Canada, falling asleep reading bedtime stories and attending every sports event that Jamieson participated in where his distinctive cheers could be heard throughout the venue. He loved the AGO, ROM, the theatre, hosting street barbecues and fabulous themed birthday parties. Kirk was beyond kind, thoughtful and generous to those he loved. Those who knew and loved Kirk will miss his sometimes outrageous unfiltered statements, how he would flip open his wallet (unbidden) to show you the latest picture of Jamieson or brag about his wife's work, his charity work, his quick wit, his focused attention on what was going on with you and yours, his strong commitment to justice and fairness, his faith in God, his belief in doing at least one good deed a day, the spark in his beautiful blue eyes, his personal style, funky glasses, great ties, huge heart, his protective nature, his political opinions and love of a good debate or lengthy conversation. Kirk was a feminist at heart, a fiercely loyal friend and relative, who knew the difference between ships passing in the night and people you hold onto for your whole life. Kirk would surprise people with the perfect little personalized gifts, with well-written and heartfelt letters and e-mails, with his ability to chat up any stranger anywhere and put people at ease and of course ultimately with the grace and courage that he exhibited throughout his illness. He will be missed by so many for all of this and so much more, a million stories, special moments and memories will sustain us in the terribly hard days and years to come. Friends will be received at DODSWORTH & BROWN FUNERAL HOME, 2241 New St., Burlington (905-637-5233), Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, December 2nd, at 11 a.m., at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2265 Headon Rd., Burlington. Cremation to follow. If desired, memorial donations may be made to The Salvation Army, The Humane Society, your local women's shelter, or the charitable organization of your choice. Until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of His hand dearest Kirk