Browse the obituary of residing in the province of T-N for funeral details
Edward Garland John “Bus” Kirby of Clarenville passed away peacefully with family at his side at Carbonear General Hospital on Dec. 31, 2024 at the age of 86 after a short battle with COVID pneumonia.
He is predeceased by his parents Garland and Clara Kirby, his loving wife Marina (nee Munn), granddaughter Madison Reid, sister Maude Kirby, and son-in-law David Hawkins.
He is survived by his three daughters – Michele (Steve) Walker of Winnipeg, Christine (Blair Riddle) Hawkins of Clarenville, and Chantal (David) Reid of Moncton; five grandchildren – Mandy (Trevor) Slade, Shannon (Barryt) Saunders, Katie (Jordan) Hawkins, Hayley (Ben) Reid, and Kirby (Alysha) Reid; three great grandchildren – Finley Saunders, Jack Cotter, and Ivy Cotter; and his siblings – Peter Kirby, Terry (Mona) Kirby, Gwen (Wayne) Tucker, and Carolyn (Frank) Ralph.
Bus, as he always preferred to be called, was given his nickname by his sister Maude as a short form of Buster Bill. He was born and raised in Millertown Junction where his parents operated a general store. He was proud of his career working for the Canadian National Railway as a telegraph operator sending and receiving train orders using Morse Code. He never lost the habit of checking his watch from his years of keeping track of the train schedules.
He met his darling Marina, who lived in Buchans, on a blind date. That led to their courtship and then marriage. They were devoted to each other and their three daughters to whom they provided a home filled with love, happiness, and security.
When the provincial government announced plans to relocate the residents of Millertown Junction to Badger, Bus dug in his heels and insisted his young family be moved to the then thriving mining community of Buchans which ensured his girls would have enriched opportunities. He worked as the town foreman overseeing a team that provided a variety of services which included operating trucks, plows, and heavy equipment. He and Marina also ran a takeout restaurant. Everyone in Buchans knew and respected Bus.
In retirement, Bus and Marina relocated to Clarenville to live with daughter Christine, her husband David and their daughter Katie. They spent many happy years together taking in a multitude of Katie’s hockey and volleyball games, and ensuring there was always a hot supper ready when everyone got home at the end of the day.
In 2023, eight years after Marina had passed, Bus moved into the Clarenville Retirement Centre where he met new and dear friends, including his roommate Lawrence and companion Marie. Living at the centre brought the shy and quiet Bus out of his shell as he took part in the many activities including golf and bowling, playing the role of Santa, and even mummering just a week before his passing. His candy bowl and his kind heart were always full for the staff and any guests.
Bus was a man of few words but great integrity and a ready smile. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He always put his family first before himself. Never one to complain, his common reply when asked how he was doing was “Not bad, not bad” even when he was in the ER being examined by a doctor.
Hockey was a lifelong passion for Bus. He began as a boy playing on the frozen pond in Millertown Junction then moved on to being an enforcer on the ice as a young man. He was a longtime supporter of the New York Rangers. Bus was also an excellent baker and his fudge and tea buns were always in high demand on special occasions.
Though his family and friends miss him incredibly, they are comforted knowing that he’s been reunited with the love of his life, Marina.
The family wishes to extend deepest regards and appreciation to the dedicated and compassionate doctors, therapists, and nurses on floors 6 (Palliative Care) and 7 (ICU) at Carbonear General Hospital and the ER at Clarenville Hospital. They also thank the fine staff at Clarenville Retirement Centre for providing such a warm, welcoming, and friendly home for Bus.
As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clarenville Retirement Centre recreation fund, the Discovery Health Care Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
2025
Death notice for the town of: Clarenville, Province: T-N
death notice John “Bus Kirby
January 20 1938 – December 31 2024
obituaries notice John “Bus Kirby
January 20 1938 – December 31 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of John “Bus Kirby
January 20 1938 – December 31 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
