Mary KIRK

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KIRK: With heavy hearts the family of Mary "Myra" Campbell Kirk (nee Harrold) announces her passing on Friday, September 18, 2009 at Fairview Home, Brandon, Manitoba, after a lengthy and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband Scotty Kirk, daughter Yvette (Mike McEwan) of Shilo, son Jeff (Faith) of Coldwater, Ontario, grandchildren Braedon (Missy) and Logan, Kristyna and Jeffrey, as well as her sister Jacqueline Harrold of Stonehaven, Scotland and extended family members. Myra was predeceased by her parents John and Jean Harrold, and brothers Jim and Bruce, all of Scotland. Myra was born May 8, 1937 in Glasgow, Scotland where she resided until her marriage to Scotty in January, 1957 when they were posted to Grostenquin, France with the Royal Canadian Air Force. She gave birth there to Yvette in 1958, herFrench "souvenir". After France, they enjoyed military postings to Langar, England, Winnipeg, Manitoba - her first Canadian home where son Jeff was born in 1963; Edmonton, Alberta, Rivers, Manitoba, Lahr, Germany; and finally settling in Shilo, Manitoba on Scotty's retirement from the Canadian Forces in 1980. A posting to Germany in 1971 allowed Myra the first opportunity to return to Scotland since leaving in 1960, as well as for her children to meet many of their relatives for the first time. During her time in Germany, Myra and Scotty travelled extensively as well as being involved with the international curling community, bonspieling throughout Europe. They also enjoyed camping and put many kilometers on their Mercedes and Sprite camper. While in Germany Myra worked at the Canadian military hospital as a laboratory technician. It was in Shilo that Myra put down roots and became involved in the Shilo community, in particular with the operation of the Shilo Ceramic Club for many years. Her handcrafted gifts were always appreciated by friends and family and still adorn many homes. She was also involved with the Protestant Chapel Ladies' Guild and regularly attended Sunday services at St. Barbara's Chapel, renewing her marriage vows there with Scotty on their 40th wedding anniversary. Myra made many close friends during her years in Shilo and will be sadly missed by all, especially her dear friend Annie McCulloch with whom she got up to much mischief. Myra's long time passion was her membership with the Eastern Star, which began as a young woman in Glasgow. She affiliated in Hope Chapter No. 6, Karlsruhe, Germany on June 6, 1972 and served as Esther Star Point (1972-73); Worthy Matron (1973-74); and Martha Star Point in 1975. She demitted from Hope Chapter No. 6 on February 1, 1977 after returning to Canada. She affiliated with Queen Esther Chapter in Rivers and retained that affiliation until transfer to Queen Mary OES in Brandon. Her travels with the "Star Ladies" took her many places, the highlight being a trip to Atlanta, Georgia. It was with sadness that Myra had to give up her Star work when her memory began to fail. Myra was diagnosed with dementia in her early 60's and resided at home under Scotty's care until September, 2004 when she moved to Fairview Home. While residing on the 5th floor she received excellent care from the compassionate staff until her time of passing. Her family thanks her caregivers for their special care and support to both Myra and her family. A special thanks to all the "Star Ladies" and other friends who brightened Myra's life with their visits. Her son Jeff and daughter-in-law Faith visited in July and her sister Jacqueline visited just weeks before her passing. A celebration of Myra's life will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 1:30 pm at St. Barbara's Chapel, Canadian Forces Base, Shilo, Manitoba. Rev. David Wilson will officiate. Flowers are gratefully declined but donations are appreciated in Myra's memory to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba, 1-613 10th Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 4G6, or Fairview Home, 5th Floor, 1351 - 13th Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 4S6. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com.Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 22, 2009