KIRBY, William Thomas “Bill”

With great sadness we announce the passing of Bill William Thomas Kirby on Friday, April 12, 2024. Bill took a seizure and infection. He had great care at IMCU and Palliative Care unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. A special thanks to the caring doctors and nurses. Bill lived at the Northside Community Guest Home for 8 years. Born March 2, 1939, in Collins Cove, Burin, NL. He was the son of the late John and Daisy (Mayo) Kirby. Coming to Cape Breton, he resided most of his life in North Sydney and later in Sydney Mines. He was a mechanic by trade. Surviving relatives are his son, Chris (Cindy); three grandchildren, Matthew, Christina and Laural. Also, a son, Thomas Johnstone. He was predeceased by his brother Clive, his sister Jean (Garnier) and his brother-in-law, Alonzo Garnier. Also, his nephew, Kirby Garnier, his best friend for years. Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Violet Kirby and his four nieces and six nephews. He will be greatly missed by his faithful friends, Betty and Joe Bernon who looked after him since 2011. A special friend Colleen Jones predeceased Bill in October 2011 where they lived on Shore Road. Bill will be remembered for his gardening and Christmas decorating. Bill and Colleen won first prize for five years. In 1971 Bill was hit by a train in the King Street Crossing in North Sydney. In Halifax they put plates in his head and had to repair one of his eyes. Bill was in a coma for three months; however, he recovered and went back to work. His mind was great to the end. He was called the Miracle Man. In his early years Bill attended the Salvation Army and attended many meetings at the Gospel Hall in Sydney Mines. Bill lived at Cara House overlooking the water at Munro Park. He loved doing word puzzles and Bill took part in everything from music, church bowling, gardening, painting and cooking. He did many paintings with his friend Tina. Bill’s best friend at the Home was Dorothy Bun say who he thought highly of. He loved playing cards and eating meals with her. Bill loved the van rides to see the town of Sydney Mines, Groves Point, and have a coffee at Tim Hortons and Robena’s. Bill never stopped, he loved everyone and was kind and caring to all. Bill will be greatly missed. A special thanks to Kelly Carter, Michell Keeping, Diane, his nurse, Mary and Tena. The Therapy staff and Fred over the years. To all the nurses and staff at Joseph Hall, a special Thank you. Bill’s wishes were to have no wake or funeral. He wanted his body to be sent to Dalhousie for the advancement of Medical Education and research. A plaque with his name on it at Dalhousie will be placed on the wall at Dalhousie. Each year Bill’s name will be called out when a memorial is held to honour all the ones who donated their bodies to science. His as hes will lay at rest there.