January 4, 1932 - February 4, 2019
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Don (Dr. Don Kirk), in the early hours of Monday February 4th with family present after a brief stay in the Campbell River hospital.
Don, Doc, Dad, Papa is survived by and sorely missed by his wife of 60 years, Patty, his son Don (Tammy), grandson Sam, his daughter Kim (Paul) and grandson David. He is predeceased by his daughter Colleen.
Don was born in Fairview Alberta to Clara and Pastor Joseph Kirk.
Don enjoyed life to the fullest. Starting early with hockey, Don played throughout his medical school years at the University of Alberta, where he won the MVP trophy in 1952/53. He then took a year out from his studies to play hockey in Holland where they won the Western European Cup.
Don returned to the University of Alberta to continue with his studies, winning the Most Outstanding Athlete of the year in 1954/55. He graduated from medical school in 1957. Throughout his education years, Don financed his education playing baseball, pitching as a 'southpaw'.
Don met Patty at the University hospital when she returned to Edmonton from nursing in Hawaii. They were married in 1959 in Edmonton. This was the first wedding at Kirk United Church- named after Don's father.
They immediately moved to the United Keno Hill Mines in the Yukon Territory, 100 miles from the Arctic Circle, where Don was the mine doctor. Six happy years and three beautiful children later, they followed their mining friends Alice and Norm McGeachy to Campbell River where Don had a family practice in the Quinsam Clinic until 2001.
Not being one to slow down, he discovered a passion for golf and was a founding member of the Storey Creek Golf Club. However his love for hockey continued on to the first team of the Campbell River Oldtimers Hockey team until he hung up his skates at the age of 78.
His enthusiasm for life and all it held never left him as long as he was with us and we will remember him for all he contributed.
The family would like to express special thanks to the stroke ward 3A at the Campbell River Hospital. Funeral services will be on February 23rd at 2 pm at the United Church. Following, a Celebration of Life reception will be held at the church.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Campbell River and District Adult Care Society or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
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