Obituary of Albert Allan Kirkham

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Albert Allan Kirkham, at sunrise on Friday, November 24, 2023 in the Shawville Hospital at the age of 84.

Albert was the last of a very special generation of Kirkham brothers, born and raised in Clarendon, Quebec by parents Albert and Delta (Walsh).  He grew up hunting, fishing and living off the land, which were such fond memories for him; he shared many stories from those years!  He is predeceased by brothers Harold (Jean), Frank (Lou), Donald, Dougie (Sharon), Jack (Loretta) & sister Mabel; and his wife Wiletta and son, Mike (Dyane).

His was a life well-lived, rich with experiences and life lessons both good and bad.  He lived in a time of opportunity in which he worked in logging camps, fought forest fires, delivered milk, worked in mining, joined the Navy, farmed out West, worked for Canada Post, and was a Commissionaire.  His Naval service allowed him to see many many parts of the world, and he came to realize that there just wasn’t a place like the Pontiac for him.

He was a listener, a helper, a problem solver, a handyman who built things to last.  As his health and abilities declined, he fretted about the things he could no longer do, but did enjoy feeding the birds through winter and watching in the spring for the arrival of the hummingbirds.

Our thanks to Manoir St. Joseph in Campbell’s Bay, where he was for a short time, but was looking forward to a longer stay. Our sincere gratitude for the care, support and professionalism from the CLSC Pontiac Team - the nurses, support workers and social worker who did home visits and checked in on him so regularly over the past several months. We are grateful for the kindness of the nursing and support staff of the Shawville Hospital who helped make Albert’s final hours comfortable and peaceful.

Albert leaves behind his son Patrick (Ardeth) and loving grandchildren Aidan, Lena, Cedric and Stephanie; and his sisters Rita (Francis) and Diane (Vernon), as well as many loving friends and family members.

Thorne Lake will miss you, Albert!

Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, December 15, 2023 at St. Mark the Evangelist Church, 160 rue Principale, (Aylmer), Gatineau, Quebec at 11:00 a.m.  followed by a reception in the church hall.  The service will be livestreamed at; 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l5Ee28WkgU

Donations to the Heart and Stroke foundation would be most appreciated.