Obituary of Mary Kirby

KIRBY, Mary Died peacefully on June 5, 2009 at her home in Oak Bay. She was predeceased by her husband, Richmond Hill (Dick) Kirby and her infant son, James. She will be sorely missed by her daughter, Sarah, Sarah's husband Peter, her son Michael, her son Mark, Mark's wife Rachel and her four grandchildren: James, Lizzie, Edward and Julia. She is survived by her sisters Marigold, Julia and Susan, her brother James, and stepbrothers Thomas and David. Mary was born in Lincolnshire, England, on December 13, 1930, daughter of a prosperous farmer. While living in London shortly after the War, she fell in love with a young Canadian Naval officer and moved with him back to Canada and to postings in Victoria, Halifax, Ottawa, and Toronto before they finally settled in Victoria in 1971. Mary's great love of the outdoors made her an environmentalist long before it was broadly popular. In addition to camping, fishing and skiing trips, she and Dick were avid canoeists, exploring the Nahanni, Liard and McKenzie rivers, the Queen Charlotte Islands and others. Trained as an actress at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, Mary developed a fine appreciation of prose and poetry. Canadian verse was a special consolation to her after Dick's untimely death in 2006. She also loved paintings -the discovery of a new artist and the acquisition of new work were more important than personal luxuries. Mary's enduring love was her garden, and her passion and encyclopedic knowledge of plants provided a colourburst of rare and diverse flowers and a bounty of fruits and vegetables. Diagnosed with scleroderma in her 60s, she fought bravely and never complained. Sadly, in her last months, the illness gained the upper hand and she could no longer enjoy her garden and her poetry. She made her decision to let go. The family would like to thank her devoted caregivers Anna and Pauline, and especially Rita who became a good friend. Also thanks to Laurel from Hospice and Dr. Paul Kachan for their excellent care and support. Memorial service will be held Thursday, June 11th at the University of Victoria Interfaith Chapel at 2:00 pm, with a reception to follow at the UVic University Club. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Western Canada Wilderness Committee. 545214