Obituary of Harold Clyde Kirby

Kirby, Harold Clyde (‘Bud’). Age 94 of Belleisle, Annapolis County, passed away January 10, 2017 in Annapolis Royal Nursing Home, Annapolis Royal. Born in Halifax, raised in Kentville, he was the son of the late Harold and Ethel (Shaw) Kirby. He joined the Canadian Army in 1941 and it was while stationed in Halifax that he met the love of his life, ‘Gill’ (Irene). They married in 1943 and during a long military career, and ever after, they shared a full, loving and mutually-supportive life together until Irene’s passing in 2015. Clyde was always fond of sports. He played hockey and while attending Kings County Academy he was a member of the 1938-39 Nova Scotia senior high school champs. He continued to play in Halifax during his war service. In later years he enjoyed a round of golf. But always there was hunting and fishing; to the end he wondered if the bass would be ‘running’ in the New Year, and was looking forward to ‘giving them a try’. He also enjoyed a game of crib, successfully taking on all comers until this past Christmas season. Clyde was a long-time member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, serving the Annapolis Royal and Lawrencetown lodges for many years as Treasurer. There he was meticulous and known for his attention to detail. This care and dependability carried on to all aspects of his life, whether he was raising a family, building a greenhouse, doing home repairs, planting a garden, wood-carving or wrapping a gift. He will be remembered for his thoughtful Christmas card notes and letters. Clyde was special, and will be fondly remembered by many. During his youth and his military career, and always, he was a warm, personable, giving man, with kind thoughts and words for all. While Clyde served in the Army, during the War and after, he and Irene forged friendships which lasted lifetimes. In the 1970’s he renewed friendships and made many new friends when he took up his second career as store clerk at Cashman’s General Store in Lequille, under the leadership of ‘cousin Lloyd’, his good buddy. More recently he continued his friendly ways as the ‘nice old man’ who sat on the bench in front of the Baptist Church, Annapolis Royal, chatting to or waving at passers-by. Clyde is survived by daughter Barbara Irene Reycraft, Annapolis Royal, and son, John, Belleisle; two special grand-children, Kirby and Emily; one great-grandson, Christopher; several cousins and many nieces and nephews. Clyde was pre-deceased by brothers Joseph and Douglas, and sister Alice. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Kaulbach Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service. A Celebration of Life Service and interment will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank friends and relatives for their visits and support. A special thank-you is given to Dr. Ken Buchholz and the very caring staff at the Annapolis Royal Nursing Home. Donations in Clyde’s memory may be made to a charity of choice. On-line condolences may be sent to: www.kaulbachfamilyfuneralhome.com