Christopher Gordon Kirby

Christopher Gordon Kirby of Drumheller, Alberta beloved husband of Pamela Kirby, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on March 11, 2026 at the age of 64 years. Besides his loving wife Pam, Chris is survived by his Son Shaun Kirby (Partner Marissa & her two boys), two Grandchildren Addyson and Jaxson Kirby and Daughter Carla Reinhardt (Husband Kyle). Also, by his Mother-In-law Mary Schneider of Medicine Hat, AB as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, sister and brother in laws and their families. Christopher Gordon Kirby was predeceased by his parents Gordon & Nona Kirby and sister Cheryl Hamelin of Strathmore, AB.  

Chris was born in Calgary, Alberta on June 5, 1961. He was raised in Lethbridge Alberta and attended LCI Vocational School then went back to Calgary and graduated from Winston Churchill High! Chris then attended SAIT for Auto Mechanics which lead to working for various large auto mechanic companies within the Calgary area!

He then met his loving wife, Pam of 43 years and started a new life in Medicine Hat, Alberta. They married in 1983 and had two incredible kids, Shaun & Carla! There are countless amounts of memories and fun times over the years! His love and support for his family were like no other!

Moving also brought a complete change in careers and started his Oil & Gas industry journey. His career in the early 1980’s was working for ERCB which led to 13 years in the drilling & service ops sector and also him becoming the first ERCB Provincial Coordinator of Drilling & Service Inspections. He then moved deeper into the industry as Safety Manager starting at Artisan, Champion Drilling and Safeway Well Service in 1995. Chris did many years on the CAODC and PSAC well control training committee! Which he then expanded into Technicoil Well Service & Drilling to become part of other oil & gas ops (Cancoil). Taking a break from Corporations, Chris became an independent consultant (CPSC Safety) for Drilling & Service Rig Inspection, throughout BC, AB and Saskatchewan. Which also lead to a change in home location, being Strathmore, AB. After this he decided in 2011 to join the STEP Energy Services Team! Which he retired from in 2024 as Director of Quality Health and Safety! He was a proud member of the Step team and enjoyed working with all his colleagues. Chris has a VIP Safety Bursary Program called (ASAP-Always Safe Always Professional) in his honor at the University of Calgary for people training in Occupational Health & Safety. He was a man, very passionate and committed to safety!

Although most of his life and career involved the oilfield industry, Chris had many other Hobbies and passions! His son and him loved being involved with Tae Kwon Do for many years which resulted in a world champion title (for Shaun) and Pam and Carla dabbled in it, but not for long!  He was an incredible musician and singer! Loved playing guitar and various other instruments! He was a man of many talents! He loved his 1957 chevy and many other rebuild projects over the years! One very important passion of his was motorcycles! Nothing compared to being on a bike riding around feeling the air and freedom all around him! Chris loved his family and family gatherings! He enjoyed going to weddings, hangouts and dinners! Chris provided his family with anything and everything they ever needed & more! He was a joy to everyone he met and his level of humor was out of this world! All around funny guy!

Thank you to Drumheller Cancer Center, all doctors involved and especially Tammy & Wendy! You all made a very difficult time more positive and comfortable. Thank you to all the care givers in the Acute Ward at Drumheller Hospital for your heart and comfort during a very heartbreaking time for his family!

A Memorial gathering will be held at a later date for Family & Friends! Chris did not like winter and requested a gathering with the sun shining and snow long gone!

In Lieu of flowers those who wish to send memorial donations in Memory of Christopher Gordon Kirby may be made to Drumheller Area Health Foundation, online, in person or by mail. Details as followed:  

Online: Visit the CanadaHelps donation page for the Drumheller Area Health foundation, where you can select “Community Cancer Clinic” under the fund option and indicate “In Memory of”

By Mail: You can send cheque or money order with details about the person you are remembering to: Drumheller Area Health Foundation, 351 9th St NW Drumheller, AB T0J-OY1.

In Person: The foundation office is located within the Drumheller Health Centre, next to Cancer Clinic.