1942 ~ Harry Dirk ~ 2021

Harry Joseph Dirk passed away on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at the age of 79 years, beloved husband of Patricia Dirk of Cypress County. He also leaves to cherish his memory two children, Marty Dirk (special friend Nadine) and Corinna (Robert) Wirges; five grandchildren, Brennon (Cymara) and their son Jaxon; Brittany, Bailey, Gavin and Owen; three brothers, George (Thelma) Dirk, Don (Janis) Dirk and Larry (Alice) Dirk; one sister Bernice (Bruce) Creighton and one sister-in-law Julie Dirk as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Theresa and Michael Dirk; his daughter-in-law Kim Dirk and brothers Samuel, Andrew (Joan) Leonard. Cremation has taken place. Harry Joseph Dirk (Dad, The Old Man or Ole Man, Grandpa or Papa and Great Grandpa) was born March 13th ,1942 in Empress Alberta to Mike and Theresa Dirk. He was second oldest of 8 children that were raised on the family farm. Harry went to school in Empress and worked on the farm until meeting a nurse at the Empress Hospital. Harry and Pat were married in the fall of 1963 and their children, Marty and Corinna came along in the years to follow. Harry was extremely proud of both of his children and spoke of their accomplishments often. In the early years the Dirk boys played a lot of hockey and Harry continued to play into the late 1970’s. He was a Defenseman and let’s just say he was often the first one in the thick of things when the opposing team needed to be set straight. Farming and ranching was a huge part of their lives and raising Registered Quarter Horses for over 47 years. Harry was always so proud to see their horses perform in the rodeo arena, working a cow, spinning and sliding in a reining pattern, standing beautifully at halter or pulling a calf to the branding irons in the spring. In the 80’s he worked under a Saddle smith- built a team roping saddle and numerous pieces of tack. He thoroughly enjoyed working with leather. Although Harry never had any formal training as a Mechanic, the mechanical aspect of practically anything came very naturally to him. So when Marty started his business in Dunmore, Marty’s Engine and Compressor Services, Harry was on board to help and because of his knowledge and personal relations skills he soon became indispensable. He was Marty’s right hand for over 20 years. Ole Man was still working there up until about a year ago. At this time the Parkinson’s had made it impossible for Harry to drive. He still came in to The Shop for visits just to make sure things were going smooth. For many years Harry liked to don the blaze orange for November hunting season and loved to share his experiences, especially about the great non-typical buck he harvested. Papa and Gavin were just exchanging hunting stories on his last birthday. Fishing has always been a staple in our family. Where ever and whatever we were fishing for, Dad would always catch the first fish and somehow it would always be a Jack fish. So, it came to be that on any fishing expeditions he was known as Jack fish Harry. Harry professed to play the accordion and pulled it out at least once or twice a year to serenade us with “You are my Sunshine”. Oh how he loved to visit and was always able to strike up a conversation with anyone. He loved their Yorkies, loved going for coffee, playing cards, driving, travelling, loved a great home cooked meal but also loved eating out. Some of Papa’s favorite treats were Kentucky Fried Chicken, a bologna sandwich, wieners or tube steaks as he affectionately called them, chocolate bars and room temperature Coca Cola. Harry loved his family and will be sorely missed by all. If family and friends wish to pay their respects, the urn will be present at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on March 26 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to remotely attend the funeral service by searching for the Pattison Funeral Home youtube page where the video will go live 10 minutes prior to service time. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Harry Dirk, or you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and leave a message of condolence.

• Date : 2021-03-14
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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