William John Kirkland

December 30, 1927 to February 21, 2018

Devoted husband, beloved father and grandfather, uncle and friend, North End boy, proud Canadian, book worm, curmudgeon, railroad buff, and volunteer who believed in deeds not words, personal integrity, punctuality, polished shoes, crispy bacon and a place for everything and everything in its place.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of W.J. (Jack) Kirkland on February 21, 2018. A man of integrity and strong beliefs, he is mourned by his wife Joyce, daughters Ann (J.P. Robert), Alison (Morris Antosh), Lindsay (Darrin Bizruchak), granddaughters Madeleine and Catherine Robert, stepsons Bruce Surgeoner (Michelle, David, Robert, Olivia and Rebecca) and Darren Surgeoner (Shannon, Ian and Emily. He was the only child of Bill and Lola (Adair) Kirkland.

Jack and Margaret were two kids from the North End who married in 1950. They moved to St. Vital, which seemed like the end of the earth, and spent 49 years together raising their daughters and caring for extended family. Weekend trips to Grand Forks and longer travels further afield to England, Scotland, the Netherlands, Florida and Hawaii were highlights once ‘the girls’ were old enough to manage on their own.

Dad worked for more than 40 years in the transportation industry where he was highly regarded for his professionalism, honesty, fairness and ethics. His passion for transportation carried over into his hobbies. A dedicated model railroad enthusiast, we remember an elaborate train set he built with his own hands in the basement of our family home. On his retirement, Dad dedicated many, many hours as a volunteer at the Western Canada Aviation Museum.

After the passing of his beloved Margaret, Dad was so pleased and excited to find happiness again with Joyce. Wonderful friends and companions, they enjoyed 18 years together filled with travel, friends and family events. In his speech at their wedding, he referenced the Frank Sinatra song ‘Second Time Around’, noting how appropriately the lyrics applied to them.

He was a member of the Masonic Order for more than 65 years and a majority member of the Order of DeMolay. To the end, Dad always had a book close at hand and gave the newspaper a thorough read each morning.

Rest in peace Dad, you are so loved.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD

forever.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Tuesday, February 27 at 2:30 pm at Rae & Jerry’s, 1405 Portage Avenue. Flowers are gratefully declined. Should you wish, donations in his memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 or heartandstroke.ca , Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2 or alzheimer.mb.ca or the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3 or winnipeghumanesociety.ca.