WALTER RUSSELL KIRBY

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WALTER RUSSELL KIRBY Walter passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 24, 2003 at Grace General Hospital in Winnipeg at the age of 86 years. Walter was predeceased by his parents, Samuel and Georgina (Shiel) Kirby; his brothers, Art and Bob; his sister Marion Adair, and his wife, Annie (Kingsbury). Walter is survived by his loving wife Dot, his son Keith (Diane) Kirby of Winnipeg, his daughter Joan (Bill) van Wyk of Calgary, his brother Gordon Kirby of Surrey, B.C., and his grandchildren, Colleen and Kevin van Wyk of Calgary, and Colin and Heather Kirby of Winnipeg. Walter also leaves to mourn his step-daughters Donna Hanson of Brandon and Lynne Hyndman of Winnipeg and step-grandchildren Bryan (Sherri) Ferguson, Patricia (Gerry) Gordon, both of Brandon, and Boyd Ferguson of South Korea. Walter was born on the family farm near Fertile, Saskatchewan on April 26, 1917. In 1940 he started his career in the grain industry as a grain buyer in Fertile. Joining the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942, Walter served in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany before returning home in 1946 to marry Annie Kingsbury of Oxbow, Saskatchewan in 1947. United Grain Growers transferred Walter to Carnduff, Saskatchewan in 1959. In 1966 his wife Annie passed away. In 1967 Walter was transferred to Minnedosa, Manitoba as a District Manager for UGG where he met and married Dot Hyndman in 1970. Walter was transferred to Regina (1971) and Winnipeg (1977) before retiring from UGG in 1982. Walter was a long time member of the Masonic Lodge and of the Royal Canadian Legion (St. James Branch). As an avid curler in the winter and golfer in the summer months, Walter enjoyed the company of family and many friends. Walters love for travel took him and Dot on many driving holidays across Canada and the United States. A Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 30 at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. Burial services will be held in Carnduff, Saskatchewan in the spring of 2004. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Winnipeg, No. 10 - 120 Donald Street, R3C 4G2. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff of Extendicare Oakview Place and the Grace General Hospital. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY & CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 29, 2003