HMCS Venture 1954
Roger H. KIRBY   Cadet
6 March 1937   -   2 February 2008
          Roger passed away suddenly, but peacefully at his home in Mississauga on 2 February 2008 in his 71st year.
          Former husband of Donna Elaine Kirby (nee Wall); very proud dad of Jon (Z'Anne), Michael, and Lisa (Gary); much loved brother of Phyllis (Jack) and 'Uncle Roger' to Christopher, Gregory, Steven and Phillip; beloved brother-in-law to Carol and Ralph, and adored uncle to Gary, Catherine and Lori; brother-in-law to David & Robbie Lynn and uncle to Dawn and Brandon; lifelong friend to many, including Don and Nancy, Bob, Lynda, Terry and Nikki; Roger will be deeply missed by all.
          In keeping with his wishes (and who he was), instead of the usual visitation and/or funeral service, family and friends will gather on Sunday 6th April for a 'good old fashioned Irish wake' to remember Roger, to share all their stories and their love, to laugh and to raise a pint in celebration of Roger's life, his inimitable personality and his indomitable spirit. Condolences to the family can be shared through to his daughter at lnewton@mcmaster.ca
          Remembrances may be made in Roger's name to the Ontario Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or the Canadian Cancer Society.

 

I remember Roger very well. But not from Venture quite so much as from High School. Roger and I attended Rockingham Junior High School together in 1948 and 1949. I was very surprised to see him in the first class of Venture. Some how I couldn’t picture him as a navy type (Pressed pants, shiny shoes, willingly obeys orders, etc.) He was too much of a spirited guy. In High School he was a real ladies man and a real cool dresser. I was wearing my brother’s old Boy Scout shirt and a sweater my mother knitted. Roger was always wearing store bought clothes and I envied him for that. In his own way he was a leader amongst his classmates. Very smart and very sure of himself.  A cut above the rest you might say. He was a likeable guy and I will miss him.
(John Carruthers - HMCS Venture Class of 1956)

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