On April 30, 2024, surrounded by his three girls, we lost the lost the love of our lives, husband, father, step-father, Papa, Kirby Francis Stapleton, age 70, following a brief but hard-fought battle with cancer.
Kirby was the son of the late John and Annie Mae Stapleton of Mira Road.
He met and married the love of his life, Pat, over 30 years ago. Besides Pat, Kirby is survived by his daughters Amanda (Brian) Walker and Jocelyn Stapleton and two step sons Jimmy (Brenda) DeLeskie and Jean Marc DeLeskie. Kirby adored his seven grandchildren Finn, Isla, Rory, Cashton, Clara, Kaleb and Jean Patrick, and he lived for every minute he was able to spend with them. He is also survived by his siblings Joan (Leo) MacLeod, Lorne, Allan, Carl (Alma), Vernon, Cheryl (Kevin) and Rick (Amanda), sister-in-law Kay as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Joseph "Bucky", Gerald, Thomas, Dennis and Leo.
He had a varied career and always brought his best self to each role. In the 70's, he was the owner/operator of the Big Dipper Ice Cream stand in the Sydney Shopping Centre. From there he worked for JW Rudderham Ltd., while also owning and operating James Pizzeria in Sydney with his brother, Allan. After Rudderham's he worked as an agent and manager at London Life Insurance in Sydney. Kirby then took a job with Comstock Canada in Halifax before finally landing his dream position as the Operations Manager at Advanced Glazings Ltd. A position he held right up until his recent illness. Kirby had a love for nature and the outdoors and would enjoy getting out for a walk, going fishing with with his grandson or just enjoying nature. He loved spending time at home with family, listening to an eclectic array of music, and his absolute favourite holiday was Christmas; Kirby is well-known for his perfectionism in finding and decorating the Christmas tree every year. He was never without his camera and enjoyed seeing the world through the perfect lens. Though small in stature, Kirby loved to eat. He particularly loved ice cream, trying new cuisines from around the world, and he thoroughly enjoyed Pat's cooking at home. Following a major surgery and subsequent treatment for cancer 10 years ago, his doctors deemed him the "miracle man" and he started a new lease on life, traveling with Pat. They visited many places, and Kirby especially enjoyed travelling to Europe.
A visitation for Kirby will be held Monday, May 6, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 7:00 to 9:00pm at TW Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George Street, Sydney. A funeral mass will occur Tuesday, May 7, at 11:00 am at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church, 40 Cabot Street, Sydney. To share a memory of condolence with the family or to view the service online, please visit www.twcurry.com. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kirby's memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
