KIRBY, Richard Buckley

Richard passed away where he wanted to be the most, outside in the garden under the warm afternoon sun, a gentle breeze, and birds a-chirping with his daughter Sammie by his side at St Joes LTC in Guelph. Best Dad a kid could ever ask for to Simon (Rita), Stephanie (Mac), and Samantha (Codey). Beloved Grandpa to Jacob Kirby, Papa to Lilly Clark, and Grandfather to Caitlin and Emily Sexton. Predeceased by his parents Tressa (1958) & Ernest (1973), wife Roberta (1999), son John (2002), daughter Tressa (2011), and brother Bruce (2018). Richard lived a life of purpose. From working on farms to motorcycles to computer programming (which he did into his 80’s). He had a love of trains from a young age and worked on his model train setup until his 90’s. He was an amazing piano player. He loved going to the racetrack with Simon, Rita and Jacob and to work on the race bike, race car or go cart. Country drives specifically to Perth County where he spent his summers in his younger years became a regular outing with Stephie in the past few years. Just sitting outside observing nature whether by himself or with his children brought him joy. At the age of 65, Richard became a single Father to Stephie and Sammie. If you knew the girls back then, you know they were a handful. We know he had a strong heart as Stephie tested that working on her stunt acting (accident prone). He was never an empty nester nor did he want to become one. He had the joy of having Lilly live with him and watching her grow up. He was a cookie monster and also a cereal monster. He was witty as can be, catching you off guard when first meeting him. We were told frequently by in home PSWs what a sweetheart he is. In the LTC the staff referred to him as an all-star resident. In Steph’s opinion he was and always will be ‘A Fan Favourite’. In our life, we have experienced a lot of loss. Despite those experiences and knowing time was coming to an end for our amazing father, nothing could prepare us for the giant void his passing would leave. He once lived a life without us, we have never lived a day without him. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations in Richard’s memory be made to Alzheimer Society of Canada, ALS Canada, or The Canadian Cancer Society. Cremation has taken place. On Saturday, June 6th, 2026 at 11:00am, family and friends are welcome to join the immediate family as we share memories, and reunite Richard with Roberta at Belsyde Cemetery (400 Thistle St) in Fergus. Arrangements entrusted to Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home.

 www.grahamgiddyfh.com