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Arthur William Byron Kirkby

Arthur Kirkby Obituary


KIRKBY, Arthur William Byron April 17, 1946 June 17, 2009 Passed away suddenly at home in West Vancouver, B.C. Known as "Byron, " "Kirk, " or "Art. " He was born and raised in Victoria, B.C, and moved to the mainland in 1977. Predeceased by his parents Arthur and Yvonne Kirkby. Survived by his loving sister, Louise Blair; also survived by children, Trevor, David (Susan) and Tracy (Jimmy); grandchildren, Jordan and Tyler; nephew Clint Bell; niece Elaine Lawrence (Doug); grandnephews Andrew and Matthew; grandnieces Danielle, Heather and Rebecca; loving friend Mary; and cousins. Byron worked as a longshoreman in Victoria and Vancouver. He was a foreman for over 20 years, a job he truly loved, until health issues forced an early retirement. He loved golfing, especially at Gorge Vale GC, and looked forward to the annual ILWU Victoria golf tournament which he missed this year by a few days. He loved fishing with his buddy Roy Kirk. He was a real live wire, a jokester, keen minded, quick witted and always ready to help anyone in need. He was a real "Gentle Bear, " to quote Mary. A specialty of his was reciting entire Robert Service poems without missing a beat. In later years when facing serious health challenges, he carried on, never giving up nor giving in. He cherished his wonderful lifelong friends, fellow longshoremen, and neighbours, and took great delight in watching his grandchildren's hockey and lacrosse games. Special thanks to the many who lovingly cared for him and his health issues, particularly all the staff in the renal care unit and dialysis unit at St. Paul's Hospital, dialysis unit in North Vancouver, and the close friends and family whose loyalty meant the world to him. Celebrations of Life to be held in Burnaby and Victoria. Celebration in Burnaby, Thursday, July 2, 2:00 p.m. at Capitol Hill Community Hall, 361 S. Howard Ave, N. Burnaby (Howard & Hastings). Announcement to follow for Victoria celebration. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to B.C. Children's Hospital Foundation or charity of your choice. Then every star shall sing to me Its song of liberty; And every morn shall bring to me Its mandate to be free. In every throbbing vein of me I'll feel the vast Earth-call; O body, heart and brain of me Praise Him who made it all! R. Service (A Rolling Stone) 548209
Published by The Times Colonist from Jun. 26 to Jun. 27, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Kirkby

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7 Entries

Glen Shaw

September 7, 2021

Wish I had searched sooner and met him

Patricia Power

July 11, 2009

To everyone who knew and loved Kirkby, especially Mary and Trevor who were very much in his life when I was. I know he loved you both very much.
I am very said that Kirk is gone and I comfort myself with the fact that he has not gone far.
Kirk and I were VERY close friends and truly shared a brother and sister closeness.
He was funny, caring, compassionate and loved to laugh and help others too.
I miss him and he will live in my memory and heart always.
I am sorry to have missed his memorial in Burnaby and would like to be informed of the celebration of his life in Victoria as it's important for me to go and be among his family and friends there.

Fly high Kirk, I love you
Patricia

July 3, 2009

Kirk, every time you came to our house for a visit with dad(Ross Mckay) you took time to teach me about chess. Now when i play i still think of you..Thank you.Sincerely Keith Mckay

Sherrie Hook

July 2, 2009

Kirk you will be missed and remembered forever

Nancy Veteranyi

June 29, 2009

Tracy, I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Nancy

June 27, 2009

To the family of Kirk we send our sincere condolences. He was quite a character with a brilliant mind and will be missed. Mike and Pat Bacon

Allison Boyd

June 26, 2009

Trevor and Mary, my sincere condolences to you and your family. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Allison

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Memorial Events
for Arthur Kirkby

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