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.
Condolences(18)-
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Jim, Michelle & Emily Hughes says
January 1, 2025 at 5:49 pmChristine, Katie & family, Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of your dear father & grandfather. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared and the love of family and friends around you. Sincerely, Jim, Michelle and Emily Hughes
Jan and Tom, Katie and Michael says
January 1, 2025 at 6:17 pmChristine, Katie and families we were so sorry to hear the news of Bus’ passing. We have many fond memories of our times spent together with Bus and all the family. He was a very wise and caring soul. And such a great supporter for Katie and all that she was involved in, we all loved Bus! He was number one dish washer, cheerleader and knew the game hockey so well. We too are comforted knowing that he has been reunited with the love of his life. We extend our heartfelt prayers to all his family and friends.
Rosiland Roberts says
January 1, 2025 at 6:19 pmChristine thinking of you, Katie and your family during this difficult time. Your Dad was such a big part of your life. He will definitely be missed. Always friendly and wearing a smile. Condolences to your family. May the fond memories you shared comfort you. 💕
Rowena and Dale Avery says
January 1, 2025 at 6:22 pmWe’re so sorry for your loss. Always with a ready smile and up for a friendly chat, Bus will be greatly missed.
Sherry and Frazer Russell says
January 1, 2025 at 6:57 pmChristine and Katie,
We were sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Please accept our sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Frank Norman says
January 1, 2025 at 7:57 pmTo Michelle, Christine & Chantal:
Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing a very fine gentleman indeed with whom I always enjoyed having a passing conversation . He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Our thoughts are with you all at this time.
Frank & Daphne Norman
Carol Farthing & family says
January 1, 2025 at 8:06 pmMichele, Steve, Mandy, Shannon and family: Our most sincere condolences on the passing of your dad/grandfather. Your dad’s/grandfather’s amazing smile lives on through you. Sending you love during this difficult time.
Marie Chatman says
January 1, 2025 at 9:38 pmWe don’t always get second chances in life, but I was the Lucky one to have met John & become his special friend. He never asked for anything except kindness and lots of laughs. He loved his life and family dearly and I had the pleasure of meeting some of them. Beautiful people – like their dad. You will always be in my heart ‘John’. Fly high.
Jackie, Ronald & Sabrina Keats says
January 1, 2025 at 9:44 pmI’m gonna miss taking you & mom for rides, that included ice cream. Then We’d fight over who was gonna pay. Lol. I’m going to miss hearing about your wonderful life – you were a great storey teller. I’m so glad we got just a little piece of you , in to short a time. Rest Easy.
Bruce and Wanda McLellan says
January 1, 2025 at 11:51 pmMichelle, Christine, Chantal and families. So sad to hear of your dad’s passing. We were fortunate to know all of you and to have your dad and mom as dear friends since 1975. Your dad was hard to beat in a game of cribbage but we always enjoyed playing. Our sincere condolences.
Sandra & Roy Fisher says
January 2, 2025 at 12:40 pmChristine, so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Sincere condolences to you and all your family from Roy and I.
Jacqueline Norcott says
January 2, 2025 at 7:29 pmChristine we are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing.
He was a very nice man.
Sincere condolences from Neil and I
Tracey (Head) Poole says
January 2, 2025 at 11:14 pmMichelle, Christine, Chantal and families,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I remember him as being a very kind and gentle soul who always had a cheery hello and big smile for all those he met. May God grant you all peace, strength, and comfort as you navigate the challenging days and weeks ahead. Sending you all my deepest and sincere condolences.
Janet LeDrew says
January 3, 2025 at 12:24 pmChristine, Katie and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your dear dad and grandfather’s passing. We didn’t know Bus but it certainly sounds like he was a great person! Please take comfort in all the wonderful memories you have of times spent together. Sending you sincere condolences.
Janet and Carl
Pam Whitfield says
January 3, 2025 at 10:42 pmDear Michele, Steve, Mandy and Shannon; Chantal, Christine, and your families: What a fitting and beautiful tribute to your Dad. I was fortunate to meet your parents a few times over my 40+ years of friendship with Michele and family. Your Dad was exactly as described. What a legacy of love your parents established, that you sisters have continued and passed on to your children and grandchildren. The way your Dad accepted change and enjoyed life is an example for us all. My heart goes out to you as you honour your Dad. I’m thankful to have met him.
Sincerely,
Pam Whitfield
Winnipeg MB
Dianne Baggs-Bursey and Fred Bursey says
January 5, 2025 at 11:20 amChristine and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was always so pleasant and always with a smile. May your many fond and loving memories help you through this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dianne and Fred Bursey
Bob & Carol Medd says
January 5, 2025 at 1:11 pmMichelle, Christine & Chantal & family
We are so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. We met your parent’s through Wanda & Bruce many years ago.The last time we saw your Dad was at Bruce & Wanda’s 50th Anniversary. It was always a pleasure to be in his company. Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Michelle Bennett says
January 8, 2025 at 10:23 pmSending our sincere condolences on the loss of your precious Dad. He always had a smile and a quiet “hello” whenever our paths crossed. May memories of your happy times together give you strength in the weeks to come. Michelle and Roger Bennett
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