Advanced Search:


Regular Search
❮ Go Back to Listings
KIRBY EWAN MCFADYEN  Obituary pic

KIRBY EWAN MCFADYEN

Date of Passing: Jun 10, 2013

Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

KIRBY EWAN MCFADYEN July 23, 1952 - June 10, 2013 After a short, hard battle with cancer, Kirby passed away June 10, 2013 at St. Boniface Hospital. He was predeceased by his mother Doreen and father Ewan, and is survived by his wife Wendy, son Kyle and daughter Caitlin, sisters Dori (Dar) and Del (Chris) and brothers Cam (Linda) and Kent, as well as nieces, nephews, and his aunt Verna. Kirby was a lifelong Winnipegger. He attended Grosvenor, River Heights and Kelvin High schools and then went on to attain a BA Honours in Geography from the University of Winnipeg followed by a teaching certificate from the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba. Most of his teaching career was spent at Gordon Bell High School. He also taught at Argyle Alternative High School before retiring in 2009. Some of Kirby's fondest memories were of his times at the family cottage on West Hawk Lake. He really loved his childhood summers there and later teaching his own children to drive a boat and water ski. He had an enduring passion for music and it was a major part of his life. For over 35 years he was the drummer at weekly rock jam sessions with Randy, Rob, Bill, Craig and Patrick (a.k.a The Adults'). He also enjoyed playing his many guitars, writing music and singing or just listening to the music of his favourite bands or attending a concert. Kirby and Wendy have been long time residents of Norwood and they, along with Kyle and Caitlin, have enjoyed many wonderful friendships and activities in the community. The family wishes to thank the staff at the St. Boniface Palliative Care Unit as well as homecare nurses Germaine and Kelly and Dr. Christian La Riviere for their care and kindness during this difficult time. Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Kirby's life will be held on Wednesday, June 19 at 2:30 p.m. in the Coutu Funeral Chapel, 680 Archibald Street. Flowers are gratefully declined. Those wishing to do so are asked to make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation or the St. Boniface Hospital and Research Foundation Palliative Care Endowment Fund. You are finally out of pain and we wish you peace. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com
Publish Date: Jun 15, 2013

KIRBY EWAN MCFADYEN After a short hard battle with cancer Kirby passed away on June 10, 2013 at the St. Boniface Hospital. In keeping with Kirby's wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. in the Coutu Funeral Chapel, 680 Archibald Street. A longer obituary will follow in Saturday's edition. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086
Publish Date: Jun 13, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 15, 2013

Condolences & Memories (19 entries)

  • There were 4 of us; Kirby, Lou, Booky and myself. We finished high school together, went to U of W together, misspent our youth together, and grew up together. Despite the miles and distance time has created between us all, those days are never too far from my thoughts. Kirby was an intelligent and loyal friend who was the bond between all of us. His humour, his musical talent and considerate friendship will always be remembered. Bless his memory and bless his spirit. - Posted by: Ken Kram (Friend) on: Oct 09, 2013

  • kirby was the best world issues teacher i had in high school and i was sad to hear of his passing. many condolences to the family. - Posted by: sarah-anne hazeu (former student at argyle alternative high school) on: Jun 22, 2013

  • Many years ago Kirby was a regular at our Thursday night volleyball group. He always had a smile, and made those around him smile. He will be missed. - Posted by: Bruce Sewart (Friend) on: Jun 21, 2013

  • I was a new teacher at Argyle 8 years ago and Kirby was in the room next door. He kindly showed me the ropes and was very patient with all my endless questions. He was one of my favorite people. He had a fantastic and sarcastic sense of humour and I loved his oddball take on the world! He will be missed but will be fondly remembered! My condolences to your family. - Posted by: Barb McDougall (coworker at Argyle Alternative High School) on: Jun 19, 2013

  • Kirby.....I have a life time of fond memories from years past. 60 Yale, Lou's, Peanut Park, Tubby's, VB and West Hawk to name a few. Kirby's wit, sense of humour and kind heart made people smile. Wendy and family, please accept my heartfelt condolences. I know he was loved by many, and will always remain in my heart and not be forgotten. Pattie - Posted by: Pattie McLean (Friend) on: Jun 19, 2013

  • Wendy and family and McFadyen family. With great sadness, I extend my condolences. So many great memories of traveling in Mexico, biking, camping with the gang, ball hockey, and just hanging around. You will be missed brother. Bruce and Val Murray - Posted by: Bruce Murray (friend) on: Jun 17, 2013

  • Wendy, even though I didn't know Kirby well when we were younger, I always admired him. He was the kind of guy everybody liked. I am so glad I had the chance to spend some time with you both these last three summers. My admiration for him continued to grow as I got to know him better. My deepest condolences to you and your children, Kirby's family and his many friends. - Posted by: Jim Friesen (Friend) on: Jun 16, 2013

  • Wendy and family: I was so saddened to hear this news. We are moving and I recently came across some photos of both our families together from a long ago trip to Wpg. I have so many fond memories of sharing cabin time with you and Kirby at Winnipeg Beach and Westhawk, along with all the good times I spent with Kirby up in "Lou's" room. Such a fun guy to be with and a great friend. Our deepest heartfelt sympathies. Hart and Brenda Searle. - Posted by: Hart Searle (Friend) on: Jun 16, 2013

  • Kirby ... it's been many years since those wonderful weekends of "camping", boating, motorcycles ... from West Hawk to Kenora, and CWB in between ... what a great time we had in College ... almost like the Big Chill > we all grew up and went separate ways ... we both miss you and best wishes to Wendy, Kids, and the extended family ... TR & Lynda - Posted by: Tom & Lynda Bulloch (Friends) on: Jun 16, 2013

  • Kirby was a great guy and welcomed me into the family back in 1989 when I married Wendy's sister Barbara. Kirby spoke at our wedding reception and gave a wonderful toast to the bride that I will never forget. He was a ham when he had a microphone in hand. I can remember a really corny joke he told about two Ukranian carpenters building a house, and one of them throwing nails over his shoulder if the nails came out of the pouch in the wrong direction. The other carpenter was upset and said you idiot, instead of discarding the nails and throwing them over your shoulder they should have been used on the other side of the house. You had to be there to really appreciate the joke. :-) Kirby and I also shared a bond of music. I always enjoyed talking music and playing guitars with Kirby either in Minneapolis or Winnipeg. I regret that I was never in town on the right day to hang / play with the Adults. Would have been fun. Kirby taught me how to play 'Willin', by Little Feat. One of my favorite songs and one that will always remind me of Kirby. My heart goes out to Wendy, Kyle & Caitlin and the rest of the McFadyen clan. I will miss Kirby very much. Much Love - Bob MacIntyre - Posted by: Bob MacIntyre (Brother in Law) on: Jun 15, 2013

  • Wendy, my thoughts are with you and your family. Kirby was a great guy and a good father. He will be missed but not forgotten. - Posted by: carl bauer (friend) on: Jun 15, 2013

  • Wendy, Kyle and Caitlyn, We are so sorry for your loss. May your happy memories help you now and in the coming months. Kirby was a great person. Our thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Giselle and Dave Brunel () on: Jun 15, 2013

  • Peanut Park, Stanley's, Tubby's and U of W seem like a long road back. Kirby was a good man. Sorry to hear he left this world far too soon. - Posted by: Bruce Bookbinder (old friend) on: Jun 15, 2013

  • You taught me grade 9-12 at Gordon Bell High School. He was a excellent person and teacher. My condolences to his wife and family..God Bless You..till we meet again. Leon J. Formela Former Student Gordon Bell High School - Posted by: Leon J. Formela (Student from Gordon Bell High School) on: Jun 15, 2013

  • Wendy, Kyle, & Caitlin, We are very saddened to hear of Kirby's death. Our continued thoughts and prayers will be with you during this most difficult time and in the weeks ahead. Our deepest sympathies to you all. Maryth, Chuck and Erin Maxner - Posted by: Maryth Maxner () on: Jun 15, 2013

  • We remember Kirby as a kind, gentle and fun loving guy. He will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him as we did. Wendy our deepest condolences to you and the family. Jx - Posted by: Jacquie and Robin Nagy (Friends) on: Jun 14, 2013

  • Wendy; I am sending most heartfelt condolences to you and your family. You will be in our hearts and our prayers. Betty - Posted by: betty neufeld (friend) on: Jun 14, 2013

  • Wendy & family, our hearts are with you. Jaye & Rick - Posted by: Jaye Cadzow & Rick Rebeck (Friend) on: Jun 14, 2013

  • I have known Kirby since elementary school when he attended Grosvenor, and I went to Queenston Elementary. Wendy, please accept our sincerest condolences, as Kirby was a great guy and a good friend, Chris and Donna Emeno - Posted by: chris emeno (friend) on: Jun 13, 2013

❮ Go Back to Listings