RICHARD RUSSELL (ROSS) KIRBY

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RICHARD RUSSELL (ROSS) KIRBY Richard Russell (Ross) Kirby, aged 78, passed away suddenly, but peacefully, the morning of March 5, 2002. He is survived by his loving wife Bertha (Bert) of 53 years; brothers, Howard (Lenore) and Jim (Dorothy) sisters-in-law, Joan Schwartz and Florence Schwartz; brother-in-law Walter Henney; nephews, Richard, Gordon and Christopher; nieces, Linda Lurvey and Barbara Weshnowlski; nephews, Donald and Greg Schwartz; godchildren, Paddy Lobel and Julie Loverin. Ross was born in Norwood, part of greater Winnipeg. He attended Tache School in Norwood and completed matriculation at Norwood College Institute in the spring of 1941. After a business course, he joined the Canadian Fire Insurance Company on August 15. His career was put on hold, as in the case of so many other young men, when he enlisted in the R.C.A.F., received his Wings in November 1943 and was a Flying Officer (pilot) until 1945; and remained with the Air Force Reserve until 1957. His passion for flying and planes took flight during this period of his life. Ross returned to the Canadian Indemnity Co. in 1945 to become the companys first outside Staff Adjuster. In 1947 he was transferred to Vancouver and became the Claims Manager of the British Columbia branch of the Canadian Indemnity Co. Over the years he had been affiliated with a number of associations. He was a Past President of the British Columbia Adjusters Association and Charter Member of the British Columbia Chapter of the Canadian Insurance Claims Managers Association. He was also a member of the Wartime Pilots and Observers Association. Ross and his wife Bert thoroughly enjoyed living in "Beautiful British Columbia" and took advantage of many outdoor activities including cross-country skiing, fishing, boating, golfing and especially walking puppies: Maudi, Geordie and Daisy, indeed the puppies became close family members. Many wonderful "family" holidays were spent in their motorhome as well. There will be a memorial service on Monday, March 11. A viewing will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. and a memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Hollyburn Funeral Home, 1807 Marine Dr., West Vancouver, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations to the SPCA (BC), would be appreciated. HOLLYBURN FUNERAL HOME (604) 922-1221

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 08, 2002