GEORGE ROBERT KIRK

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GEORGE ROBERT (BOB) KIRK May 11, 1935 - July 21, 2015 Bob Kirk passed away peacefully in Winnipeg with close friends by his side on July 21, 2015. Bob is survived by his sister, Peggy; son, Allen (Becki); grandchildren Jack, Cooper and Charlie; and daughters Sheri and Camilla (Ken) and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was born to George and Ann Kirk (Peet) on May 11, 1935. He spent his first 14 years in Saskatchewan and moved to Winnipeg in 1949, just in time for the flood. Bob graduated from the University of Manitoba as a professional engineer (electrical) in 1957 and started working for the Manitoba Telephone Services (MTS) in May 1957. He worked in a variety of departments and was involved in high level discussions with the federal government regarding fees and licenses that benefitted MTS. He worked for MTS for 33 years until his retirement in 1990. Bob was married to Beverly Haigh in 1962 with whom he had three children, brought up by Beverly. They were divorced in 1986. Bob married Mima McDiarmid on July 4, 1987 in Scotland. In this marriage, he acquired three step-sons, Ian (Sharon), Alistair (Fiona) and Philip (Elaine) as well as numerous grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all of his overseas family. Bob enjoyed cross country skiing, golf, curling, camping and cheered on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at many games. Bob also completed many DIY projects, including an undertaking of five years to build the upstairs of his Nightingale house which included three bedrooms and one bathroom, as well as a recreation room and fireplace in the basement. He also rebuilt the basement in his current house. He was an avid outdoorsman. Bob and Mima travelled extensively around the world and spent many happy times with friends and family in Scotland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. In his travelling repertoire Bob spent a total of two years in Scotland. He maintained many friendships and was known for his good humour, generous hospitality, kind heartedness and the "occasional" enjoyment of a glass of good scotch, more enjoyable when shared with loved ones. Bob was also the "presidential gopher" for the Teachers' Exchange Society as Mima was the president for three years. Bob was an active member of the Anglican church throughout his life and contributed greatly to his last parish, St. Andrew's, in various roles. Bob will be missed far and wide and the emails sent in from around the globe are a testament to all the lives he has touched. Bob's last six weeks were spent at the Grace Hospice where he was cared for by the excellent and caring staff which made his last days a little easier. Many thanks go out to all of the staff at the hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following charities or any charity of choice: Primates World Relief and Development Fund, 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, ON M4Y 3G2 or War Amps, 2827 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1V 0C4 A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew's Anglican Church at 2700 Portage Avenue at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2015. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 25, 2015