FREDERICK "FRED" KIRBYSON

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FREDERICK "FRED" KIRBYSON Frederick "Fred" Alvin Kirbyson of Brandon, beloved husband of Wilda, passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2003 at his residence, Hillcrest Place. Fred was born April 10, 1913, the son of John and Christina (nee Sellers) Kirbyson. He lived on the farm in Fairfax along with his six siblings. Fred received his education at Fairfax Elementary and Fairfax High School. He attended Teacher Training in Brandon from 1931-1932. At the age of 17 he began teaching at Overstone School District near Ridgeville with a class of 53 pupils. Freds career included teaching at Carroll, Crandall, Brandon, Fairfax and 20 plus years in Flin Flon where he met and married Wilda Mitchell on July 9, 1957. Fred was always liked and respected by all his pupils. He graduated with his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Ottawa in 1965, and his Bachelor of Education Degree from Brandon University in 1968 via winter courses and summer schools. Fred and Wilda both retired from teaching in 1973 and moved to Brandon. Fred enjoyed sporting events; attending hard ball games and curling. He very much enjoyed them on T.V. He became a bridge enthusiast, playing Friday afternoons at Valley View Seniors Centre, and also gave lessons in bridge. He also enjoyed rummy and whist. Fred wasnt ready to retire completely so he taught Adult Education sponsored by ACC for two years, then spent six years as the Executive Secretary of the John Howard Society. Fred and Wilda loved their little dogs; Tiffany and Chelsea, both French Poodles and then Scotty, a brindle coloured Cairn Terrier. Scotty relished being made a fuss over by the staff and residents when he went to visit Fred at Hillcrest. He leaves his wife Wilda, to cherish many fond memories; sister-in-law Hilda Kirbyson and numerous nieces and nephews. Fred was predeceased by his mother Christina May in 1949; his father John Richard in 1954; and his siblings Violet, Harold, Emma, Bill, Charlie and Pearl. The Funeral Service was held at Memories Chapel in Brandon on Tuesday, September 16. Rev. Don Hudson officiated. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to memorieschapel@mts.net. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 20, 2003