Obituary of Lois Gwendolyn Kirkby
Gwen Kirkby
With hearts full of cherished memories, the family of Lois Gwendolyn Kirkby (nee Stevenson) announce her passing on October 18, 2021 at age 93.
Gwen was born on August 26, 1928 in what was then the village of Melfort. She was the first child of Eldridge and Edith Stevenson. Her parents bought a quarter section of land in the Melfort area replete with a 3-room cabin, and all the modern facilities 1928 had to offer. With the joy of a baby girl in their arms and hard work in their bones the future looked promising. Then came the Great Depression and three more siblings, Merrill, Jean and Deanna.
When Gwen was 11 years old, WWII broke out. Her father told her: “You are now equal to half a man and you will need to pull your load”. This experience instilled in her the value of duty at a very early age.
Education was strongly stressed in the Stevenson home. Gwen and her siblings were diligent students. After attending the one room school in Ethelton, Gwen realized she had to make a decision about her future. There were few choices for women in those days. However, with the loving support of her parents (who pinched every penny), Gwen entered the University of Saskatchewan College of Arts and Sciences in September of 1946. She was 18 years old. She chose a nursing degree, a 5-year program which required rigorous exams and 2 ½ years of clinical hospital experience to become a Registered Nurse.
Gwen excelled at both the academic and practical elements of nursing. Her intelligent mind, professional bearing and kind nature made her a gift to the medical community. Upon graduation, Gwen took a job with Saskatchewan Public Health. This required her participation in field work with the Saskatchewan Tuberculosis rural summer surveys. It was on one of those assignments that she met Gordon Kirkby Sr. who was crew leader of the Tuberculosis Mobile X-ray Truck. He was the son of Dr. Robert Kirkby, the medical superintendent of the Prince Albert Sanitorium. Gwen and Gordon Sr. were married in 1954.
After she married, Gwen went to work as a nurse’s instructor at the University of Saskatchewan. Over the next 3 ½ years she was proud to be part of a new and exciting challenge in nursing education. This venue allowed students to be exposed to highly qualified science lecturers and afforded them a more thorough background in the structure and function of the human body. Consequently, it made the care and treatment of patients all the more meaningful and productive. It was an exciting time in the field of Medicine with the large-scale introduction of antibiotics, and upgrading of a great variety of treatment techniques.
In 1960, Gwen moved to Prince Albert with her husband Gordon Sr. so he could open a Law Office. They had three children: Gordon Jr., Lynne and Duncan. Gordon Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps and became a lawyer. He was Mayor of Prince Albert from 1988-1993 and Member of Parliament from 1993-1997 for what was then the riding of Prince Albert-Churchill River. After getting a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work, Lynne worked at the University of Saskatchewan. Duncan obtained his Ph.D. in Neuropsychology and is Dean of Student Services at St. George’s Medical School in Grenada.
Gwen supported many community causes and participated in countless volunteer commitments. She was the Sunday School teacher and director of the church school at St David’s Anglican Church. She served on the boards of the YWCA for 3 years and the Prince Albert Music Festival for 5 years. Gwen was vice chair of the JM Cuelenaere Library and Wapiti Regional Library Board for 6 years. Her most enduring tenure was her 54 years with the University Women’s Club, including 3 terms as president.
Gwen was a life-long learner and never shied away from challenges. She learned to downhill ski at age 40 because her kids loved it. She wasn’t about to sit in her hotel room while her family hit the slopes every year in Banff. She took up chess when her grandson Levi (“her treasure”) began to enter tournaments in grade 3, so that she could play with him. At age 88 she took a history class from the University of Saskatchewan and became a poster girl for continued education.
Gwen is survived by her son Gordon (Mary-Ann) Kirkby, and grandson Levi; her son, Duncan (Brenda) Kirkby; Gordon Hein (Sue Schmid) who remained a son to her after Lynne’s untimely death, and whose daughters Meagan and Alyson Hein became her granddaughters. Gwen is also survived by her sister Jean McCloy, brother Merrill (Carol) Stevenson and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Gordon Kirkby Sr., her daughter Lynne Kirkby (Hein), her sister Deanna Wright, her brothers-in-law Lloyd McCloy, Harold Wright and Duncan Hutcheon, and her sister-in- law Jean Hutcheon.
The love Gwen has given to so many throughout her life returned to her in her golden years. She passed peacefully on October 18, 2021 after breakfast. She was in her wheel chair looking out of her window at Mont St. Joseph Home in Prince Albert and remarked, “what a beautiful day!”. A bird sat briefly on her windowsill seeming to beckon her before it flew off. Fifteen minutes later she passed away.
The Family wants to say a heartfelt thank-you to the wonderful staff of Mont St. Joseph Home for their kindness and care of our mother. We extend our gratitude to Good Shepherd Villa, as well. Special thanks to Dr. Gordon Surkan for his devotion and support. A particular thank-you to Gwen’s neighbour at the Waterford Condos in Prince Albert, Nancy Woods. You are an angel. We also express appreciation to Father David Butorac for his support and officiating at the service.
Due to Covid, a private family service will be held Saturday, October 23rd, at 2pm at St. Alban’s Cathedral. If you wish to celebrate Gwen’s life with us, it will be live-streamed at https://youtu.be/pVq7GXbNtuA
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mont St. Joseph Home - 777 28 St E, Prince Albert, SK S6V 8C2. Condolences to the family can be sent through the Beau “Lac” Funeral Home – www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. We are so grateful to them for their exceptional and professional service.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Lorne Adams, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK (306) 763-3322.
