Cole James Kirby

Welcome. Today we are gathered to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Cole Kirby. We are here, reminded of his incredible journey and what that journey has meant to each of you. Cole created a lasting impression on everyone here today, and also the lives of many, many others. We are here to share in the beautiful memories. I would like to thank you all for being here today to encourage and support Cole’s family- and each other.

Candle Lighting Ceremony

Cole’s wife, Marie; son, Tanner and his wife Lynsie; daughter, Kristen and her husband, Jon-Michel; and granddaughter Kinley Martens will light a candle in memory of their cherished husband, father and grandfather.

The light of the flame has always been symbolic to the human world; the eternal flame stands for the remembrance of those gone before; the light of a candle has come to represent rebirth and renewal. Let this light signify the ever-present love and memory of Cole, which will always live on in your hearts. Let it also be a symbol of the hope and healing in the days to come.

A second candle is lit for Cole’s parents Jim and Ellen, brothers Clay & Rod, and sister Michelle.

A final candle is lit for all of those who shared in Cole’s story- those with fond memories of working with- not for- him; those who were touched by his years in education and sports. Everyone who was fortunate to have this incredible man in their life.

Cole Kirby was born in Duncan, BC and grew up in Victoria. The oldest of 4- the “tough guy”, with a big, soft heart. He would later meet Marie, and later still begin to date her- eventually leading to 35 happily married years and 2 very loved children.

I would like to invite Cole’s siblings forward to share their memories.

A quote from Soloman Ortiz reads “Education is the key to success in life, and teachers make a lasting impact in the lives of their students.” Cole certainly made an impact. His 30 years in education were filled with many accomplishments. He worked in schools across Saskatoon as a teacher for elementary students and high school students, as a vice principal and 10 years as a principal, and on the school board specifically in a hiring capacity. He was more than a teacher. He was involved in the lives of students. It is an admirable and unique ability to be able to relate with students, to know how to speak to people and to be able to truly help kids, especially at risk youth. Perhaps it was his ability to read people that drew others to him, made everyone like him- he was great with the kids. Cole was an integral part of many programs and initiatives in the schools as well. He went on canoe trips, coached the girls curling team and helped in other sports- including the Pom Squad. It is sometimes the case that one is either a sports person or an arts person- Cole helped with both, including being responsible for constructing a theatre and a greenhouse, and having the greenhouse moved to another school when there was a threat that it would be shut down.

It is perhaps the greatest compliment to a teacher, to have your students become teachers- some of Cole’s students would later work with him. A card received by the family was filled with messages from those who had worked with Cole. The reoccurring theme- Cole was a great boss who would stick up for you, he had your back and would make you feel valued, he was empathetic and true leader. A man to be admired, and who set a standard for those to follow.

A quote reads, “my father didn’t tell me how to live, he lived and let me watch him do it.” Cole was a great dad and very proud of his children. Not all lessons are formally taught, and Cole passed on many wonderful traits to his children as he helped to guide them through their years. Cole helped at an Elementary School that Tanner attended, and was heavily involved in the sports, hockey and soccer, that Tanner and Kristen participated in. When coaching Tanner’s soccer team they won the city championships. He was encouraging, and before every game said “work hard and have fun”. Perhaps the quote from “The Hockey Sweater” sums it up best, “The winters of my childhood were long, long seasons. We lived in three places—the school, the church and the skating rink—but our real life was on the skating rink.” This was the same theme with soccer in the summer months. He would help with homework, and wouldn’t let you drop a highschool class. Sometimes he seemed strict, but he knew how to guide his children in making their own decisions. There is so much to be learned from just watching someone with such a strong character.

Cole had a laid back attitude, the “pick your battles” philosophy. But he also had a sense of humour, and a quick wit that exemplified his stubbornness, opinionated nature and intelligence. He certainly loved to tease Kristen as well as give his two cents freely.

Some of Cole’s favourite interests of course included sports. Whether it was playing football when he was younger, or competitive curling, striving to compete at the Briar- even achieving the world’s longest curling match at the time in the Guinness Book of World Records. He loved watching football and hockey, especially the Habs, and was involved in hockey drafts yearly. In the summer, he would play golf. The family enjoyed camping, going every summer, when the kids were younger, and travelled through the United States (enjoying it, even though it rained nearly the entire time), and going to Meadow Lake (where the grandparents were). They also enjoyed trips back to Victoria, and even a trip to Disney World. He also loved his dogs (named aptly after Rocky Characters), Rocky and Apollo were also extensions of the Kirby family, and Rocky in particular would follow Cole everywhere.

Cole wasn’t necessarily a handy man, but he certainly tried. Recently he did successfully help to paint Kinley’s room, and assist Jon-Michel in building a new deck. Although meeting the in-laws can be a bit daunting to some, both Jon Michel and Lynsie agreed that it was easy to get along with Cole, and he loved them too. Sunday suppers were a family favourite, a time just enjoy being together. Kinley was the newest addition, and Cole was proud to take on the new role of Grandpa.

The poem “if-“ by Rudyard Kipling is found on the back of your service card. It was a poem that Cole particularly liked, had on a poster in his office, and told Kristen to read when she was a teen. If you take a moment to reflect on the words and meaning to this poem you will see why it is so fitting to Cole and why he felt it so important to pass on to others.

There are a lot of “ifs” and “what ifs” in our minds as we make our way through the journey of grief for the loss of someone who meant so much. He will be missed. But there are many special moments to cherish as you begin a process of healing. And it is ok to smile when you think of him as you watch a Habs game or pass by the schools he was such a part of. The bond you shared and all the things Cole taught you whether in school or life leave an incredible legacy. Continue to share and reflect on those times, knowing that he is still in your hearts and in everything you do. He has given you those happy memories, expectations to strive to, and a lasting love to cherish forever.

As you came in today, you were given a pencil. Pencils are synonymous with teachers, and for good reason- a pencil symbolizes creation, considering all the potential for what can be written and drawn with it. Cole recognized potential in his students and his family. On the pencil is a tag with his saying “work hard and have fun.” Two of the most valuable, seemingly simple, but total truths of the world that he has passed on to many people. Keep this token as a reminder of these things, and of Cole Kirby. If you can help someone in any way, reach out to those that need it, that will continue to shape the world as Cole would have, and marks a continuation of his story. In the days to come share with each other and take comfort in each other- grateful for the time you had with this amazing soul, forever touched by having been able to share that time with him.

Everyone is invited to join the family for a lunch and time of fellowship downstairs in McKague’s Hall. There is an elevator and staff located at the back of the chapel for anyone who so needs. Photo’s the family have provided are also set up there so please take some time to take a look at those captured moments.

It is said Life is 10 percent what happens to us, and 90 percent how we respond to it. In Cole’s memory, let us never take a moment of our lives for granted, and may the lessons he taught help to remind us every day of the person to strive to be.

Go now in peace.

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Cole James Kirby January 19th, 1957 – February 20th, 2015

Cole passed away in his home in Saskatoon, SK, at the age of 58.

Cole was born in Duncan, BC and spent his years growing up in Victoria, BC, where he met the love of his life, Marie. Cole and Marie moved to Saskatoon at the age of 23 where Cole took his B.Ed at the U of S. He began working for the Saskatoon Public School Board shortly thereafter.

He spent a lot of his working days involved with extra-curricular activities within the schools he worked at as a teacher, vice-principal, and principal in both the elementary and high school systems. Cole went on to further his education to receive his M.Ed from the U of S in 1993. He was a very talented and competitive football player in his younger years, and was also an avid curler. Cole was in the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s longest curling match. He loved sports and enjoyed watching both football and hockey games. Cole was a die-hard Habs fan. He was involved in hockey drafts, including the Alberta Pool and the Couch Potatoes for 25 years. He loved watching his daughter and son play soccer, hockey, and many other activities during their lives growing up in Saskatoon.

Cole is loved and remembered by his parents, James (Jim) and Ellen Kirby, his wife of 35 years Marie Kirby, his son Tanner (Lynsie), his daughter Kristen (John-Michael) and 6 month old granddaughter, Kinley Martens. Also by his brothers, Clay Kirby, wife Patty; and Rod Kirby, wife Michelle; and his sister Michelle Whitman, and husband Dave.

Please join us in the Celebration of the life of Cole James Kirby at 2:00pm on Friday, February 27th, 2015 at Acadia McKague’s Funeral Centre at 915 Acadia Dr., Saskatoon, SK.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, www.heartandstroke.com.