Robert George Quirk

Following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s, Robert Quirk passed away peacefully on October 17th 2025 at Riverview Health Centre, his home for the past two years.

Born in Fort William (Thunder Bay), Ontario on April 24, 1949 to George and Muriel Quirk, Robert spent much of his childhood moving across the prairies, first to Weyburn, Saskatchewan and then to St. James, following his father’s railroad job. He would return each summer to the family camp on Pebbly Beach, near Thunder Bay, where he was always happiest.

Robert acquired degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Manitoba (BSc) and the University of Waterloo (MSc) and spent much of his life working for the provincial and federal governments. He met his wife of 48 years, Judy, at a holiday party held by mutual friends, where she was immediately struck by his unique last name. They married on August 26th, 1977, moving immediately after to Waterloo, Ontario, so he could begin his Master’s studies. Though companies from all over the continent were interested in hiring Robert after he finished his degree, they chose to move back to Winnipeg to be near their families.

Throughout his life, Robert was a passionate historian. His interest in history was encouraged by his aunt, Mabel Hykaway (nee Quirk), who was well known at the Manitoba Historical Society. He in turn passed this love on to his daughter Catherine, whose PhD in nineteenth-century theatre owes much to his constant encouragement. Throughout his life he spent countless hours with microfilm and in archives in Canada and England, documenting otherwise obscure information about RAF and Commonwealth squadrons during WWII. He will be fondly remembered by many across the world who were able to access material about their relatives’ air force careers because of his research.

Robert also had a great love of music, though his family will continue to insist that he could never carry a tune in a bucket! From singing in the church choir as a boy, to constant soundtracks on family road trips to Thunder Bay every summer, to his appreciation of Riverview’s excellent music events, Robert was always surrounded by music.

Robert was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Sharon Troniak. Left to honour his memory are wife Judy (nee Dean), daughter Catherine, and oldest friend John Davidson (Elaine), along with sister and brother-in-law Susan and Mike Gauthier, sister-in-law Vyrna Dean, brother-in-law Neal Troniak, nephews Kevin (Sheila), Cory, and Ian (Christine), and many great-nephews and -nieces.

The family would like to thank the staff at Riverview and at Beacon Hill Lodge for their care of Robert in the years since his diagnosis. At both places he was made to feel at home, and he was kept constantly entertained by the extensive recreation opportunities.

Robert will be cremated after a private family viewing. A public Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, October 27, 2025 at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.