April 25, 1960 - November 19, 2019
Surrounded by family, Sharon Anne Kirkbride was peacefully called home on November 19th,
2019 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 59.
Born Sharon Tutyko on April 25, 1960 to John and Helen Tutyko in Nanaimo, BC, she was the third of four daughters and filled their house with the sound of her signature loud laugh and contagious big smile.
Sharon graduated from Nanaimo District Senior Secondary in 1978. She married Brad Kirkbride in 1979 and soon fulfilled her dream of starting her own family by welcoming three children within the next four years. The family moved from Richmond, BC to Corvallis, OR in 1994. Sharon's kindness and energy (and tolerance for noise!) created a home that welcomed a non-stop flow of teenagers, always invited to help themselves to the tub of her famous cookies tucked in the freezer.
As her kids left for college, Brad and Sharon explored the world. She would skip the museum to linger at a rooftop restaurant with a view or wander a cobblestone street. Brad and Sharon were deeply involved in their home church and spent years consistently showing up for the needy in downtown Corvallis and opening their home for countless small groups and parties. Sharon became an avid golfer even winning multiple local championships but she mostly enjoyed the time outside, laughing with friends.
Sharon found a natural talent in designing and remodelling homes, creating beautiful spaces for her family to enjoy. Her love for all things sunny and warm led to an amazing house in Rio
Verde, AZ which she enjoyed with her family and close circle of friends.
Brad and Sharon welcomed one grandchild a year for 10 consecutive years. Sharon became "Nana" and adored each of her grandkids. Still always up for anything, time with Nana meant non-stop fun and laughing along with plenty of snuggles.
Sharon is preceded in death by her father John Tutyko and will be missed until they meet again by her husband, Brad Kirkbride, her children and their spouses Kylie (Chad) Kavanagh, Jennifer (Pete) Kelley, Brandon (Kayla) Kirkbride; her mother Helen Tutyko, and sisters Darlene (Rob) Davis, Dianne (Jerry) Lugrin and Donna (Barry) Smith. Lastly, the 10 grandchildren that had her heart. Tyler, Tanner, and Jaylee Kavanagh, Emma, Moses and Myla Kelley, Ellyse, Bradley, Finley and Fallon Kirkbride.
Donations in Sharon's memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Foundation.