Arthur "Art" Kirk

Art was born on March 15, 1949, in Glasgow, Scotland, to James Kirk and Isabel Kirk (née McCabe). At the age of eight, he, his parents, and his older brother Jim, immigrated to Canada and established their home in Oshawa, ON. Growing up he had a plethora of pets.

In grade nine, he met the love of his life, Susan (Sue) Kirk (née Neate) and they became high school sweethearts. He was lovingly welcomed into the Neate family. He shared fond memories of their early days of being together, particularly sitting around the family table at dinner, too small for the family of nine, but they always had a seat for him. Upon completing grade twelve, Art asked Sue’s father, John Neate, for her hand in marriage. John said yes on the condition that Sue finish teacher’s college, which Art honoured. Of course Sue said yes and they married on June 29, 1968, at the young age of nineteen and have been inseparable since.

As their next chapter began, they moved to Toronto. Art started his career in accounting with the Toronto Star and Sue enrolled in teacher’s college. After a few years they moved back to Oshawa and started a family. They were blessed with three girls: Angela, Brenda, and Heather. A job opportunity in Calgary, AB, came up in the Payroll department at the University of Calgary. They decided to make the big move with their three young girls and headed west in 1975.

Art and Sue made their home in Calgary for the next 37 years. Art developed a love for the mountains, always taking the opportunity with Sue to go hiking, backpacking, cross country and downhill skiing. Later he and Sue took up golf and enjoyed many rounds at a variety of courses. For several years, they called the Bearspaw Golf Course home. At the age of 55, Art retired from a successful career as a chartered management accountant (CMA) in his final position as the Director of Finance at the university.

In 2012, Art and Sue moved to Parksville, BC, where they made their last home together. He loved living on the island, enjoying the golf courses, many restaurants, and the view of the ocean. He lived in Craig Bay and served on the strata board for several years. He also volunteered for the Parksville Parkinson’s Society as the treasurer.

He is survived by his spouse Susan Kirk (née Neate), his daughter Angela Pinette (Wayne) and his grandchildren Ryan and Andy, and his daughter Heather Kirk and his grandchildren Sarah and Joseph. He is preceded by his daughter Brenda Finch, and is survived by his grandchildren Matthew and Cecilia Dobrovolny (Jackson).

He will be remembered for his love of his family and his infectious upside down smile.

A private celebration of life will happen at a later time.