Obituary of David William Kirkham

September 27, 1931 – Alex, Alberta

June 30, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

David William Kirkham, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, June 30, 2023, at the age of 91 years.

David was born September 27, 1931, in Alix, Alberta, the eldest son of Norman Kirkham and Marjorie Kirkham (nee Smith), who were British immigrants.

He retained a lifelong affection for Red Deer where he grew up and the boyhood adventures he shared with friends and his younger siblings Peter and Sheila. He married a Red Deer girl, Marilyn DeChenne; they were together for 70+ years until his death.

David’s professional career began with repairing business machines, a good fit since he could build and repair anything. Having a sharp, incisive mind, coupled with a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility, he was able to transition into working with the newly emerging computer technology and became the Systems Analyst and Vice President for Western Union Insurance, until he retired after 28 years of service.

David was generous and supportive of his family, even when he did not necessarily agree with or understand their decisions. The joy of his life was his relationship with his two grandsons, Matthew and Craig. Craig’s words say it best; “he was someone that I could talk to about anything in a very honest and open way, and always managed to leave the conversation feeling confident and more certain of myself. He always seemed so proud of me no matter what I was up to. He was also so positive and proud of me, unconditionally. I always knew how much he loved me.”

David was an honorable man who in his quiet, reserved way always balanced his sense of responsibility with listening to his own inner drummer. Although he was not conventionally religious, he was always honest about his doubts and lived by his credo “don’t worry about dying, always be honest and do the best you can while on earth.”

He is survived by his spouse Marilyn, children and families, Cathy and Gary Adamson; Brian and Lynn Kirkham; Susan Benlevi; grandsons Matthew Adamson, Craig; Julianne and Amelia Adamson; and a brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Terry Kirkham of Kingston.

In living memory of David Kirkham, a tree will be planted in the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.