December 18, 1943 – July 14, 2019
at the age of 75 years
A Celebration of Jack’s Life will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at 50 Tomkinson Road, Grindrod, BC. All welcome.
It is with immense sorrow that we announce the passing of Jack Kirby. Jack was born in Nipawin, SK, on December 18, 1943. His life ended peacefully on July 14, 2019, at McKinney Place in Oliver, BC. Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years, Doreen; son John Kirby (Melanie); daughter Gillian Groening (Jody); step-son Tim Herrod (Sharla); step-daughter Angela Hosni; grandchildren Randy, Jaqueline and Karlee Kirby; Evan Groening; Jasmine Dozlaw (Mark), Kaeden, Asher, Gabrielle and Sophie Herrod; Brad Loewen and Reda and Samy Hosni. Also survived by his sister Karen Burnouf and her sons Lorne (Dixie) and Kevin; his mother-in-law Helen Krajci; brother-in-law Glen (Stacey) Krajci and their children Darian and Kennedy; brother-in-law Ernie Krajci and his children Dustin (Janine) and Amanda; and sister-in-law Cathy McKenzie. Predeceased by his father John Stanley Kirby, his mother Audrey Knutson, father-in-law Frank Krajci and nephew Jeffrey Tessier.
This list only begins to capture the all the wonders that Jack was. Jack was a devoted and loving husband, wonderful father/step-father, doting grandfather/step-grandfather, avid and adventurous traveller, enthusiastic camper, fisherman, boater and snorkeler, inspiring mentor, and trusted friend. Jack was an honest and friendly man with an amazing work ethic, which he passed down to the next generation. To Jack, a handshake was a contract or a job well done.
Jack began his working career when he was in high school and living in Regina, SK, pumping fuel at an Esso service station for Fred Hughes. He quickly discovered his interest in the fuel industry and at 18 acquired his Class 1 driver’s license which he put to good use for the next 55 years. An entrepreneur from a young age, Jack owned and operated successful fuel trucking companies in Saskatchewan and British Columbia, before finding his true calling, Okanagan Hot Shot Enterprises, delivering mostly boats and sawmill equipment throughout Canada and the US. He loved the freedom of the road, where he enjoyed meeting and making new customers and friends from all walks of life, as well as stopping in to visit people he knew and often taking them on a Hot Shot deliveries with him. He truly lived up to his nickname “Gypsy Jack”. With his incredibly positive disposition and huge smile, he drew friends to him like a magnet. Everywhere Jack went, in every province, state and country, he knew many, many people and remembered every single one of them with fondness until his passing.
A Celebration of Jack’s Life will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at 50 Tomkinson Road, Grindrod, BC. All welcome.
Dear Doreen – What a pleasure it was to work with Jack over the years when he had his HotShot business. He was always full of stories and always made the day a little more pleasant. I am sure you will miss him dearly, but remember that heaven has gained another angel, and he is in no pain. My deepest condolences. Julie Samson
Very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Jack made many deliveries for Campion boats through the years. He was a great person to work with. Rest in peace my friend.
Jack ,I will always have you in my heart ,and in my daily thoughts. A brother in the truest sense! I’m deeply honoured and forever grateful for you ,taking me under your wings . I love you Gypsy J! Soar with the eagles. Marsha
A true friend he was. We will miss our phone chats with him. He was always so positive about life and we will hold his happy smile in our hearts forever. Rest In Peace dear friend.