John Archie Kirbyson

November 2, 1941 – October 20, 2021

John (Jack) was born in Edmonton to Howard and Letha Kirbyson of Mayerthorpe, AB, the oldest of 4 children. He worked with his dad operating heavy equipment after he finished grade 11. He then apprenticed as a meat cutter at the Red and White Store in Mayerthorpe. He moved to Bowden in 1961 to cut meat at Walter Sick’s grocery store.

He met the love of his life Victoria Henderson through a blind date arranged by Vicky’s friends. They were married in Edmonton on January 17, 1962 at the University Chapel. They lived in Bowden until April of 1963 when they moved to Calgary where John was employed as a meat cutter at Canada Safeway. Four children were born into this union from 1963 to 1970. The family later moved to Granum for a few years before relocating to an acreage near Eckville.  John and Vicky moved to Duchess in 1996 and then to Lacombe in 2005.

John had a very strong work ethic and instilled this trait in his children. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping. Through these activities he taught his children the love of the outdoors. His sense of direction and time were amazing. John tried his hand at farming, running an apiary and was a “Jack” of all trades.  He also loved to watch hockey, football and curling. His sense of humor was delightful and he could recite riddles and rhymes that were down right embarrassing. John enjoyed building puzzles and made beautiful frames for them, many of which are hanging at the house.

John was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Letha Kirbyson and his sister-in-law Val Kirbyson. He is survived by his wife Vicky, siblings George Kirbyson (Val), Janie Bion (Paul), Kathy Bent (Lowell), his children Howard Kirbyson (Nyla), Letha Maddox (David), John Kirbyson (Heather) and Gordon Kirbyson (Jessica). 14 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.