Bill Kirkup: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of W.R. (Bill) Kirkup. Bill was born on April 14, 1934, and passed away at the Souris Personal Care Home on March 17, 2025 just days shy of his 91st birthday.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Sheila Kirkup (Saunderson), and their five sons and their families: Grant (Sandra), Dwight (Nancy), Dwayne (Maureen), Greig, and David. He also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Bill is also survived by brothers Bob (Lennie), Tom (Lorraine) Kirkup and sister Wilma Clifford, sister-in-law Carolyn Kirkup.
Bill was predeceased by his parents Eva and Cecil Kirkup, Sheila’s parents Bea and Cecil Saunderson, brother Jim Kirkup, sister-in-law Marie Kirkup and brothers-in-law Mel Clifford and Bob Saunderson.
Born and raised in Melita, Manitoba, Bill moved to Souris in 1953. Following his employment with the Manitoba Telephone System and the Canadian Pacific Railway, Bill joined the Monarch Life Insurance Company in 1958 and officially retired from the insurance business in 2022.
Bill and Sheila established Kirkup Agencies on Crescent Avenue in Souris, where Bill managed the insurance and investment side of the business while Sheila established Kirkup Travel.
In a career that spanned six decades, Bill was admired and respected by clients and colleagues alike. He built a remarkably successful career and was honored on numerous occasions for his productivity. Two of the highlights of his career were qualifying for a trip to Ireland in 1995 as one of eleven agents from across Canada and being chosen as a keynote speaker at an insurance convention in Australia in the mid-1970s.
Bill was always active in the Souris community. He served as a school board trustee, past president of the Souris Cougars AAA hockey club, and past Exalted Ruler of the Souris Elks Lodge, where he was a member for over 65 years.
One of Bill’s passions was baseball, and he served in many roles within the Manitoba Senior Baseball League. He was inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000 and will be inducted as an honorary life member in June of this year.
Another passion of Bill’s was hunting, which he enjoyed with his sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons. Bill loved his Labrador retrievers and raised and trained five throughout his life.
Bill’s legacy extends far beyond his family. He was not only a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather but also a cherished friend, mentor, and leader within the community. His passion for hunting, his joy in spending time with loved ones, and his unwavering commitment to the Souris community are a testament to the remarkable man he was.
Bill’s influence touched countless lives, fostering a sense of camaraderie, respect, and admiration that will endure for generations to come.
His spirit lives in the hearts of those who knew him, and his contributions have left an indelible mark on the community he so dearly loved.
The funeral was held at St. Paul’s United Church, Souris Manitoba Friday, April 11, 2025 – which would have been Bill and Sheila’s 72nd wedding anniversary.
Bill will rest in peace in the Souris and Glenwood Cemetery.
In memory of Bill, donations may be made to the Souris Parks and Recreation c/o Municipality of Souris-Glenwood Box 518 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0 or to the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame ~ 111C Gilmour Street Morden, Manitoba R6N 1N9.
Our condolences to all of the Kirkup family so sorry for your loss. Sincerely Clive & Traci.
Our sincerest condolences to Sheila and and the whole family, a life well lived! Wayne & Sheila
Our sympathies to all the Kirkup families on the loss of a very very great man . . Bill was a very respected guy !
Sincere Sympathy, Bill will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. He was such a community builder and well respected businessman. Our thoughts are with you Sheila and all of Bill’s family at this difficult time. We always enjoyed our visits and his wonderful sense of humor.
Dear Sheila and families, who knew, when we were having our daily visits at the hospital that we would lose these 2 special men so close together. We are thinking of you and your families at this time, and also the many little connections we have experienced over the years.
Beth and I extend our sympathy to the entire Kirkup family on Bill’s passing. Sheila and Bill opened their home to two imports back in 1970 and taught me so much about family, responsibility and values. Baseball was a family sport. Great memories of my adopted family. We know there will be many stories shared at his service and will be there in spirit.
Sheila and family I am so sad to hear of Bills passing. Enjoyed talking to him when I saw him in Souris. Cherish the memories.
Sheila and family… my sincere condolences and sympathy on Bill’s passing. Indeed a life well lived!
Shelia and family! Our deepest condolences on Bill’s passing . What a great caring man that gave so much to friends and his large community. As a friend and mentor I will always be thankful and smiling what he taught many young people of Souris. He enriched lives.
Glen and the Williamson family
Our thoughts are with Sheila and the Kirkup family at this sad time. Bill was such a wonderful community person and we enjoyed visits with him at the office. He will be missed by all. Sincere condolences.
Sincere sympathy to you Sheila, and your family.
To Sheila and the family,
Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss.
Keep your memories close.
Regards,
Betty Tanguay
Please accept our sincere condolences to Sheila and the family for their loss. The Kirkups took in my Dad (Doug) in and was like a second family to him. I will never forget the influence Bill had on me. I had a goal to grow up one day and become like Bill. Sheila and Bill treated our family like theirs!!!
Our condolences to the Kirkup family at this sad time . Hold your many memories close to your hearts! Don & Gail Morrison
We Extend our Condolences to the Kirkup Families on Bill’s passing , sorry to hear. Bill was a great person and surly will be missed.We go back many years we enjoyed his humour and his laugh & many great memories.
R.I.P and fly with the Eagles
Hugs
Bill & Bernice Petras
To Sheila and Family, We are so sorry to hear about Bill. He will be missed and Wayne will miss his yearly visits. Thinking of you all.
Sandra and Wayne Moyer
Sheila and family, So sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and difficult time. Many good times were had at the Kirkup household after those Cardinal games. Treasure your memories.
Sincerely,
Dean and Donna Couvier
Fred and Sharon Kelesnik
Sheila and family, So sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and difficult time.
Deepest condolences to all the Kirkup family on Bill’s passing. He will be missed by all and his great sense of humour too . We always enjoyed our visits.
Bob and Wilma Riddle
Sending our sincere sympathy to Shiela and all of the Kirkup family on the passing of Bill. He will be truly missed by family, many many friends and the entire Souris community. Mom thought he was a great business man and did so much for the community. So many great memories!
Bill & Ellen Legge, Hugh & Jocelyn Bell, Harry Bell & Nikki Royer and all the families.
RIP Bill,you were one great person and businessman you will be so missed by so many ,my condolences to Shelia all the boys.
Barb and I would like to offer our deepest condolences to Sheila and the entire family on Bill’s passing. My time with The Cardinals was great and Bill was a large part of that experience more than a few years ago. He was a tireless worker, a Cardinal through and through – but most of all just a really great guy. We are all better because of the opportunity we had to know Bill.
Bob and Barb Leslie
Sheila and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on Bill’s passing. My thoughts are with you
Sincerely,
Elaine Phillips
Our sincere condolences to the Kirkup families. Bill was such a friendly guy who loved his sports. He will be missed by many.
Sincerely
The Seafoots
Aunt Sheila & family – extending my deepest sympathies during this harrowing time. May the caring thoughts support you and the loving memories bring you comfort now and always.
Sending our deepest sympathy to the Kirkup families in the loss of Bill. He will never be forgotten. He was the pillar of the community – well respected and admired by everyone who knew him. Take care and know that we are all thinking of you at this very sad time. Rest easy Bill!
The Turner’s at Carroll
Sending our deepest sympathies to Sheila and all your families, our thoughts, love and prayers are with everyone at this difficult time….Bill was a pillar of the community and he will be missed very much….wishing you peace.
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Auntie Sheila and family. I am so sorry to hear about uncle Bill’s passing. I am glad that I was able to get out to Souris a few times to visit you both this summer. I have always had fond memories of you both and I always looked forward to our visits in Souris. Take care of yourselves. Love always. Lois
Our deepest sympathies to to Sheila and family on the loss of your husband and father. He liked to hunt in our area near Broomhill with my cousin Glen Grierson and would often call in for visits with us.
He was always refreshing to be around and he will be missed.
Dwayne and Naomi Jones.
Bert Peaslee. Our sincere condolences to Sheila and family on the passing of Bill a pillar of our community he will sadly be missed
To Sheila,family and friends-our most sincere condolences to all of you in the passing of Bill. We will be forever grateful for all the wonderful times that we spent with you and your family while living in Souris. We have many great memories of the kindness extended to us.RIP Bill
Just wanted to reach out to say what a wonderful person Bill was!!!! I have been in the insurance industry for 55 years and was certainly respectful for his commitment to his friends and clients. A well respected person in the southwestern Manitoba area. Regards, George Sigurdson ( Winnipeg)
Sheila and Family,
The town of Souris was lucky to have Bill settle here. What a dedicated, hard working community man. It was a privilege to call Bill my friend. He will be missed by all who knew him. RIP Bill.
To the Kirkup family,
Our deep sympathy on the loss of Bill.
We will remember him as a family man, community builder, trusted advisor, sportsman and dog lover.
We are thankful for having known him.
Sincerely,
Ralph Whitfield
Pam Whitfield and family
Sheila and family,
My sympathies to all of you in the loss of Bill. Colin and I always enjoyed our visits with him both professionally and personally. A life well lived!!!
Pat McKay
To Sheila and the Kirkup families
Jack and I would like to send our condolences to each and everyone of you. Cherish your memories. Our memories are ours to keep.
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My condolences to Shelia and family. Bill and I walked many cornfields hunting pheasants in Nebraska and pastures around Broomhill in Manitoba. Bill was a great guy and will be missed.
Prayers to the Kirkup family. Bill was a great man and leader in the Souris community, He was a wonderful friend of our family and especially to my mom and dad, Bob and Joyce Gordon.
To Sheila and all the Kirkup family,
Sincere condolences to all.
We all know Bill was involved in baseball with the Cardinals.
He was also involved with Hockey………
Remember more than one road trip in the Kirkup car……
Lots of fun and learnings…
Sincere Best Wishes to all the family.!!
Tim Fitzsimmons
My sincere sympathy to Sheila, and all the Kirkup family.
Bill was a kind and generous man. He will be missed by all the community.
Rest in peace.
Bill was such an amazing and unassuming gentleman. Always ready to help in anyway that he could. Working with him meant that a smile and a laugh was guaranteed.
He contributed so much in so many ways without fan fare. Helping so many people often without them even realising that he was the person who was making their life better.
He will be missed and he will be remembered.
My deepest condolences to the entire family. Bill and Sheila were cornerstones for our Souris community. If you think of it, a cornerstone to the town itself with gardens that always took my breath away. Blessings upon you all as you navigate the passage through grief. God be with you all. I have informed all of my siblings about Bill’s passing. Your family helped create incredible memories. Thank you.
Huguette (Forest) and Butch Coultry
Fernie, BC. ✝️☮️
Our Deepest Sympathies to the Kirkup families.
Sheila and family
We were saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a part of our lives as a friend, insurance provider, and business partner. Bob will always remember the years spent working at Kirkup Agencies.
Please accept our condolences and know we are thinking of you and your family.
Sheila, thinking of you in your loss of Bill.
Relish the memories, embrace the gratitude, and be kind to yourself.
Our condolences to Sheila and Family on your loss. What a community driver Bill was, always there to help out some one in need making sure Community came first. Souris has lost a true Icon.
Mike and Dianne King
Our sincere sympathy to Sheila and family. Thinking of you all.
Kirkup family:
My sincere condolences on your loss, Bill was a cherished friend and idol. He gave so much of himself to his community, many sports, to the insurance industry and his many clients. When he gave it, I always valued his advice. He will be missed by so many. I wish his statue would be erected in the park in his honour.
Brian Marshall,
Saanichton, BC
Our condolences to the Kirkup family. A life well lived and he certainly made the world a better place.
Leo and Kathleen
Sheila and family. What can I say Super Guy, great community Leader in so many ways and such friendly down to earth guy. Had many visits over the years, respected him and his views. He will be missed in Souris and great legacy he has left RIP. Sincerely Ken and Carolyn Rae and family
My sincere condolences to the family. I did not know Bill, but having worked with David (“DK”) for a few years and hearing him speak of his father, I know he was a great man and will be missed by many. May he live on in your lives through the countless, wonderful memories.
~ Cameron Rennie
My most Sincere condolences to the Kirkup family. Bill was one of a kind and left this world a better place having been here. He contacted me personally when I lost a loved one he had insured years before he had sold his business. He never forgot a client.
He always encouraged me as a sports official in both baseball and hockey and we had several discussions on fair play and being consistent. He never forgot an athlete. He was always kind and happy to catch up on my life no matter how long since seeing him last. He never forgot a friend. Rest easy my Friend till we meet again.
Our thoughts prayers and memories are about Bill this morning. He was a friend, and it was a privilege to know him. Very supportive of his family and community. Enjoyed our conversations and visits. Our condolences to Sheila and the boys.
Dennis & Linda Hogman
Sheila and family. Sincere condolences on Bill’s passing. He was such a great friend to so many. Souris wouldn’t be what it is today without him. I was fortunate to get to know him well over the years and considered him not only a friend but a great mentor. The world has lost a very good man!
My sincere condolences to Shelia and the whole Kirkup family. Bill was such an integral part of the Souris community and will be missed by so many. Mom thoroughly enjoyed living in the condos with Bill and Shelia, and loved renewing her friendship with both. Take care.
Sending our love and condolences to aunt Shelia and my cousins and all their families. Uncle Bill was one of the funniest people I’ve ever known! He always showed interest in his niece’s and nephew’s lives. And we always jumped at the chance to stay at their house without our parents . So much fun there! I cherish my memories of him! All the comments I’ve read about him just shows what a great man he was ! I feel privileged to have him as my uncle! Love you and RIP my dear uncle.