Obituary of William Joseph Kirk

William Joseph Kirk (1937-2023)

William Joseph Kirk, of Quispamsis, known as Bill or Billy to his friends, died peacefully at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Sunday, September 17, 2023. He was 86. He was the loving husband of Nancy (May) Kirk who predeceased him in 2019.

Born in Saint John, he was the son of the late William and Marian Kirk. Besides his best friend and wife Nancy, he was predeceased by his brother John Kirk of Mississauga and Uncles John F., and J. Daniel Kirk and Aunts Mary Delvallet and Ita Turner. He is survived by his Sister-in-law Mildred (Milly) (John) Kirk of Oakville, his two nephews - John Michael (Mike) (Leanne) Kirk of Burlington, Ont., and Daniel Kirk of Orangeville, as well as great-nephew Riley Kirk, and great-nieces Gillian & Kelly Kirk. He is also survived by many Kirk, Delvallet and Turner cousins, many of whom live in the Rothesay area.

While Bill and Nancy did not have children, they were very involved in the lives of many of their nieces and nephews on his wife’s side who lived nearby. He was a favourite Uncle to Kim Hunter, Tracy Isaac, Thomas Isaac Jr. , Shelly Hunter Rupp, Heather Hunter Murphy, Pam Hunter, John Isaac, Merle Hoben and Tammy Hoben Seely. Bill was a graduate of St. Malachy’s Memorial High School (Class of 1956). His early working years were spent doing general labour and construction, in the Saint John area, however, he spent his prime years working as a driver for Century Taxi. He had many loyal customers who would wait for his availability. He met so many people who became friends.

Among the accomplishments of which he was most proud, was the successful completion of his pilot’s license. He loved to tell the story of his first solo flight. Bill was always an avid reader, and visitors often bought new books for him to devour. He was fascinated with history and always wanted to know more. A student of genealogy, he and his cousin J. Dan Kirk updated the Kirk family tree dating as far back to John Kirk in 1800.

He learned to make wine when wine kits sprung up in the ‘80s and loved to gift his creations when they fermented. After his retirement, he became a regular at the Quispamsis Tim Horton’s where he spent most days for lunch. Billy and Nancy loved to travel and took annual vacations to the sunny south of Florida. They met a group of regulars at the same resort and kept in touch for decades. He went on a religious pilgrimage to Medjugorje with Nancy and his sister-in-law Ann, which was one of the highlights of his life.

He was a devout Catholic and an active member of his parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rothesay. Bill resided at Concorde Hall at Parkland in the Valley for the past seven years. Bill’s family would like to send our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff for the love and care Bill received. He was spoiled by the staff and so enjoyed his nightly chocolate milk and cookies and

the odd “extra piece of dessert” they would save for him.

Resting at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road in Quispamsis, with visiting on Sunday, September 24, 2023, from 4-7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, September 25, 2023, from Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 31 Gondola Point Road, Rothesay at 11AM. Reception to follow at the church. For those unable to attend, the Mass will be livestreamed by the link provided on Bill’s obituary at www.kennebecasisfh.com. Burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 327 Westmorland Road on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 11AM, for any friends and family who would like to attend.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Saint John Regional Hospital - Palliative Care or charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.kennebecasisfh.com