February 1, 1946 - May 24, 2025
In loving memory ~
Linda passed peacefully into the Everlasting Arms of Her Savior (of 50 years) The Lord Jesus Christ, on May 24 2025 at 9:00 PM, after a 10 month battle with cancer came to an end in her home in Courtenay BC, with Sharlene & Trevor by her side.
Linda was born in Gilbert Plains Manitoba, the only daughter of Mark & Edna Cole. She was raised on a mixed farm which had been the Homestead of her Grandparents James & Jane Cole who raised their 8 children there & Mark was the youngest of them.
Her Formative years she attended Glen Lyon 1 Room School, it averaged 20 students Grade 1-8. Beginning Teachers 18-19 years old teaching 14-15 year old children. 5 of those 8 years her parents boarded the Teachers.
In August when Linda was 10 she received her Welsh Pony "Rocky" which became a joy during the year & summer holidays for her, family & friends, hours of horseback riding, cart riding & winter tobogganing.
At completion of Grade 8 she began High School by Bus to a Brand New Gilbert Plains Collegiate, to which the 1st 3 years of the Secretary Course taught by a lady that had never taught but was a successful Business Worker that was a wealth of knowledge. To which at Graduation of grade 12 she moved to Winnipeg to begin her career of office work. During those 4 years Linda met Jim Kirby who would go onto be her Husband of 48 years. On April 20th 1975 Jim, Linda & 4 others publicly declared Jesus Christ as their Personal Savior at a Bible Study they attended. Jim followed him 41 years until his passing May 8, 2016. Linda made it successfully to her 50th milestone Easter Sunday April 20th, 2025. Two of Linda's favorite Scriptures are Psalms 23 & John 3:16.
Linda is survived by daughter Sharlene Bal, granddaughters Shannon & Heather Bal. Only son Trevor Kirby & wife Kristen, grandson Evan 15 & granddaughter Naomi 11 of Victoria BC, and her 13 year old White Cat Molly.
At Linda's request there will be no service. Close family & friends will gather to spread Linda & Jim's ashes together at a later date, to be determined. If family and friends so desire you may honor Linda by a donation to any charity of your choice.
Thank You to All of the caring, compassionate Palliative Care Nurses & Home Support Team that came into our lives April 30th and helped us through a difficult time. Your smiles, knowledge & care will never be forgotten and we want you to know how deeply appreciated you all are.