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Kenneth KIRSCH Obituary
Kenneth Robert Kirsch died on April 7, 2012 at Edmonton, Alberta. He was born on April 17, 1935 in Vegreville, Alberta. Ken obtained a degree in education from the University of Alberta and taught school in Edmonton for 35 years, retiring in 1995. He was a wonderful teacher, mentor and friend.
Ken will be forever loved and remembered by the wife of his late brother Al, Anne Kirsch, and their family, of Mayerthorpe; the Secord family, of Edmonton, Spruce Grove and Calgary; the Garry and Cathy Hurd family of Wiarton, Ontario, St. Jacobs, Ontario and Halifax and many special friends he was grateful to have had in Canada, the United States - Arizona, and elsewhere.
A Memorial Service will be held at All Saints' Cathedral, 10035 - 103 Street, Edmonton on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with the Very Rev. Neil Gordon officiating. Cremation has taken place. A private family interment of the urn will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Alberta, Gift Services, 3rd Floor, Enterprise Square, 10230 Jasper Avenue N.W., Edmonton, AB, T5J 4P6, Attn: "Teachers of Tomorrow Fund" or on their website.
To send condolences, please visit:
www.fostermcgarvey.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
11 Entries
Robin Elliott
April 5, 2013
Ken was a wonderful human being. Full of kindness and compassion. He lived his life to the fullest! He was a brilliant teacher and great friend. He was also very wise and understanding always eager to help others. I shall always remember his positive approach to the world. I only learned the news of his passing and will miss him.
Sandi Hurd-Bromberg
April 21, 2012
Many, many of the fondest memories of my childhood summers are with Uncle Ken. Summer after summer, as the "Broken Oar" called him to Ontario, and "I'm a Keeper" called him to the waters of Georgian Bay, the times spent were special and significant. A repeated rendition of "Little Boy Blue" and many "teachable" moments seem such a distant memory.....and I laugh because you just could take the teacher out of him. It was so obvious he had a passion for his career and his students....and during his summers in Ontario with us, he brought his "classroom" and we were his students:) I will truly miss his wise and worldly advice. I will miss his depth, his warmth, and his compassion.
Ove Grotrian
April 20, 2012
It with great sadnes that we heard about Kens passing ,he was a good friend. We met many years ago where we live in Arizona. He said that he was in a lot of Pain ,as I spoke to him last a few days before we left Arizina at Easter.We will mis him . Ove and Marjorie .
Shannon Secord-Giasson
April 20, 2012
Uncle Ken was a wonderful man- so thoughtful, patient and intelligent! He was such a special part of our family and a role model for me and all of his other nieces and nephews!
We will miss you very much!
With love,
Shannon Secord-Giasson, Mark & your newest little great niece Grace xox
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Sally Neal
April 18, 2012
Mr. Kirsch was ny homeroom teacher in Grade 6 at Braemar Elementary. Thanks to him, I witnessed (in real time) a legendary moment in Canadian history: Paul Henderson's winning goal in the 1973 Canada-Russia hockey series. He decided that we could put school work aside for one afternoon and brought in one of the school's large black and white TVs. I still remember the joyful mayhem that erupted in our classroom!
I also remember that Mr. Kirsch had a passion for grammar. As an adult who spends a large part of her working day writing, I regularly use the things he taught me.
And while he may have driven my 11-year-old self a little crazy at times, he is remembered most warmly and with gratitude. He leaves behind a tremendous legacy. God bless.
Ross & Bev Secord
April 12, 2012
It has been a great comfort this week reminising with all of Uncle Ken's friends near and far, he always said how lucky he was to have such special people in his life, we will miss the ambrosia salads, kind words, great conversations, his remarkable memory of people, places and events and his wonderful laugh. We love you Uncle Ken....Ross, Bev, Paige and Richard Secord
Travis Coulter
April 12, 2012
I was also one of Ken's students at Westglen in the fall of '67 thru spring of '69. I also remember the Red Mustang,the fastball team and Coach Kirsch! Ken was by far the best teacher I had thru my years in school. Ken loved teaching, he loved his students and he was a very good friend to everyone who knew him, including my Mom who had a very close friendship with Ken for nearly 40 years. Ken had a great impact on many many people, far greater than he probably ever realized! He will be truly missed!!
James & Alice Musson
April 12, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Ken was a good friend and colleague of ours. We spent many suppers catching up on Ken's travels. We visited Ken in Arizona where he proudly showed us around his winter retreat and we had a most delicious supper which he insisted he cook. A Great Friend. We will miss you Ken. James & Alice Musson.
Blaine McGillivray
April 12, 2012
Ken was my teacher at Westglen for grades 5 and 6. His teaching style was so supportive yet disciplined. If you were struggling he always had time, ususally after school, to help you learn. I credit his teaching for much of the success I had in my remaining school years and life. He was also the fastball coach and I remember we would all rush to get a seat in his red 64 Mustang to get to a game. Many more piled in that was probably allowed. A very cherished memory for a 10 year old. For never playing fastball he was an excellent coach and of course teacher. We were always competing for city championships. To the family I am sure you are feeling this tremendous loss but find happiness that he postively touched so many people in his life.
Gerald Mancini
April 12, 2012
Condolences to all who were close to Mr. Kirsch's heart, he was a good friend, mentor and I am grateful to have been a member of his family of Westglen students. "And so it stood, a warm and vivid patch in his life, casting a radiance that glowed in a thousand recollections....", Good Bye Mr. Chips.
Sylvia Hoffman
April 12, 2012
To Ken's Family,
We are saddened by Ken's death and feel his loss. Our thoughts are with you.
From The Athabascan neighbours.
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