Kirkby, Herbert "Herb" James (Died)

Passed peacefully at Woodstock General Hospital on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at the age of 86, with his adoring wife of 41 years, Edith, by his side. Beloved father of Mark (Julie), Steven (Jamie), Valerie Price (Rick Worotny), Marilyn Price (Daryll Leduc), and Tracey Price (Jody Mitchell). Cherished grandfather of Alena, Lexie, Hunter, Tanner, Emily, Thomas, Claire, Emmett, Brodie, Evie and three great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his father Frank Herbert Kirkby and mother Matilda Jane McKay, brother, Douglas Kirkby and his wife Jean, brother-in-law, Leo Fleming, and sisters-in-law, Georgette and Shirley Fleming.

Born in Seaforth in 1938, after finishing high school, Herb went on to graduate from The Ontario College of Art in Toronto, 1960. Herb's early career was in advertising and graphics, where he worked at Huddleston and Barney in Woodstock. Herb then found his true passion, embarking on his teaching journey in 1970, where he taught at College Avenue Secondary School ("CASS"), for 25 years. Herb took immense pride in his job and being part of the team of three teachers that created the commercial art program and facilities. Not only did he share his talents of art and photography, he always, in his modest, soft voice, mentored students with his knowledge and encouraged their talent and technique, giving advice and feedback. Herb continued to teach at night school art classes and private classes after his formal retirement.

To say that Herb was an amazing artist is an understatement, he had a gift. From start to finish, he could create vistas of incredible beauty, sparked from his history and love of nature, rural trails, and the richness of the countryside. His works of art were always engaging with wonderful composition, texture, and depth, pulling several ideas from various sources into one lovely painting. The solid strength of a pile of rocks contrasted with the delicacy of a butterfly, the woodland trilliums dappled with sunlight and shade.

Herb loved travel, music, dancing, Edith's famous pies and to watch his favorite team, the Leafs, play hockey.

Herbie was a kind, thoughtful, generous, and truly lovely man that Edith and his daughters treasured. He was not their stepfather; he was their father. Beloved forever and never to be forgotten.

The family is so very thankful to Dr. Binh Vu and to the entire staff at Woodstock General Hospital, Palliative Care Team, that provided the timely and passionate care to make his final stage of life comfortable.

In keeping with Herb's wishes, cremation has already taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place at the Woodstock Art Gallery, 449 Dundas Street, Woodstock, Ontario on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Woodstock Hospital Foundation or to a charity of your choice. Messages of remembrance and condolence may be shared at www.westviewfuneralchapel.com