Mr. Harry Thomas Kirk, age 82 years, a life long resident of Thunder Bay, passed away unexpectedly at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, on Friday, October 23, 2015.
Born and raised in Fort William, Harry attended Francis Street and Fort William Collegiate schools prior to joining the Royal Canadian Air Force. Following his service, he went on to pursue his dream of working for the City. He was a third generation employee as his father and grandfather both worked for the City as Cemetery Superintendents.
He began working with Public Works but went on to serve in the Social Services, Utilities and Treasury departments before beginning his career in the City Clerk's department in 1965 as Deputy City Clerk. In 1980, he reached his life long dream of becoming City Clerk where he continued to work, up until his retirement in 1993. During his tenure in the Clerk's department, he was instrumental in the amalgamation of the cities of Fort William and Port Arthur, as well as, the development of the City of Thunder Bay Coat of Arms and flag. He was Secretary on the Police Commission and played a key role in numerous elections and royal visits.
Harry was a gentle, humble man who outside of work, dedicated more than 20 years to the sport of figure skating. He started in 1972 and continued his devotion as the Fort William Club President and as a board member. He was involved at all levels, working in several different capacities for the Ontario Winter Games, Divisional and Canadian Skating Championships as well as the local, regional and Northern Ontario Sectional levels. He later Co-Chaired the 1988 Skate Canada International Competition and then continued in a consultant capacity to the local and area skating clubs. In 1994, he received the City of Thunder Bay's Citizens of Exceptional Achievement Award for his many years of dedication to the sport of figure skating at the local, provincial, national and international levels.
Harry was a member of the Fort William Kinsmen Club, the Thunder Bay Museum Historical Society, the Herb Carroll 55+ Centre as well as a volunteer for the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. He also dedicated his life to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in many capacities and was an Elder of the Church.
He will be sadly missed by his daughters, Allyson & Alyssa Kirk and families. He is survived by sister Shirley (Rob) Shaw, as well as in-laws, Donalda and Norman Galloway, Rosalind MacPhail, Roddy MacPhail, nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was predeceased by his wife Sophie, parents Thomas and Florence Kirk and in-laws John and Svea MacPhail.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. when family and friends will gather in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church on Brodie Street, with Rev. Joyce Yanishewski officiating. Interment to follow in Mountain View Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday, 6:00-7:30p.m. in the Blake Funeral Chapel on 200 May Street South.
As expressions of sympathy memorials to the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund would be appreciated.
Harry Kirk will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 12, 2016.
