Arthur William Byron Kirkby

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