WILLIAM HENRY ‘BILL’ KIRK

William “Bill” Kirk, 89, of 422 Second St. E., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away at La Verendrye General Hospital here Thursday, Dec. 20, 2001.
He was born Jan. 9, 1912 in Dayton, Mn. to the late William “Blutch” and Ora Kirk.
Bill moved to Fort Frances during his early years, and attended Fort Frances High School. He then worked as clerk and scaler in bush camps in the winter, and spent his summers as a logman on the George Mak and later on the Hallett on Rainy Lake.
On May 5, 1941, Bill was united in marriage to Leona Peloquin.
During WWII, he served as navigator with the R.C.A.F. overseas. Following the war, Bill returned to Fort Frances, and was happy to stay home and raise his family.
In Fort Frances, he worked as a logging supervisor in care of wood storage and river operations until his retirement in 1976.
Bill enjoyed the outdoors, whether fishing or gardening. He also was very active in his latter years, and loved visiting family members, volunteering within the community, walking, and attending St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church.
He was predeceased by his wife, Leona Kirk in 1978; two brothers, Earl and Everett Kirk; and one sister, Nellie Kirk.
Bill is survived by his children, Oralee Kirk and husband, Tim Weiss, of Minneapolis, Mn., Randy Kirk and wife, Debbie (Taylor), of Fort Frances, Ont., and Nancy and husband, Greg Goodridge, of Kenora, Ont.; seven grandchildren, Michelle McFarland, Kirk McFarland, Kristin, Stacey, and Ashlee Goodridge, and Ryan and Kim Kirk.
Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 24, 2001 at 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances. Father Eugene Whyte O.M.I. officiated, with interment in Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort Frances.
The Royal Canadian Legion Br. 29 provided a military tribute during the service.
Vigil prayers were held Sunday, Dec. 23, 2001 at 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church.
Pallbearers were Jim McLeod, George Tucker, Greg Goodridge, Tony Kirk, Robert Kirk, and John Kirk.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, P.O. Box 444, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.