Thomas Raymond Earle Kirkham

1931 ~ 2012

With great sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of our Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather, Thomas Raymond Earle Kirkham (Ray).

Dad was predeceased by the love of his life, Simone, in 2003 – his wife of 49 ½ years.  He was also predeceased by his parents, Marian and Norman and his sisters Norma and Helen.

He leaves behind his five children and their families. Raymond (Debbie) and his sons: Richard and Ryan. Yvonne (Ted Jeninga) and their family: Adam (Whitney), Aaron (Heather), Nick (Nicole), Mark and Joel. Paula (Ulrich Seggewiss) and their family: Erich (Haley), Barrett (Stephanie), Michael and Nathan. Janine (Tom Harding) and their family: Chelsey, Jordan and Chris. Tim (Vanessa) and their family: Denzel and Hilary. He was Grampa-Grampa to Carter, Levi, Nathan, Adelade, Finn and Elliot.

Dad was born in Lethbridge on November 1, 1931. He was raised in Lethbridge but moved to Edmonton with his family after graduation from high school. Dad graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Soon after, Mom and Dad were married in December of 1954 and made their first home in Deep River, Ontario, where Dad started his career with Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. In 1963 they moved half way home to Alberta and landed with their young family in Pinawa, which was home for Dad until his passing.

Dad was a quiet and private man but he enjoyed coffee time with his friends at the Pinawa Club every morning. He was always a dedicated Edmonton Eskimo fan and enjoyed bantering with the Bomber fans in the family.

In his earlier years he was an avid curler and competed in the Alberta Collegiate Championships as a young man and then in various leagues in Deep River and Pinawa including mixed curling with Mom. He coached hockey when his family was young and once he retired he became an avid golfer. We remember his yard and gardens were always immaculate and he lovingly tended the sweet peas Mom so loved.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Pinawa Hospital for their compassionate care. They went above and beyond trying to keep our Dad with us just a little longer.

At Dad’s request, there will not be a formal service but the family will have a private internment at a later date.

Donations in honour of Dad can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Lung Association or a charity of your choice.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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