Obituary of Sharon and Doug KISBY-BRACK

Sharon Leah Kisby
September 21, 1961 – July 3, 2017

Douglas Charles Brack
January 23, 1952 – July 3, 2017

Douglas Charles Brack and Sharon Leah Kisby of Calgary, Alberta, passed away together on Monday, July 3, 2017.

Sharon arrived on September 21st, 1961 the second of three Kisby kids. In the time since, she brightened each life she touched- even after a brief encounter with Sharon, people were left smiling.

While growing up, many summers were spent piling into the family car and driving to holidays at Shady Rest in Westbank with the extended family. Sharon would spend her time playing with her sister and brother,  running around the family acreage, and many cousins in the water, the field, or the barn at the West family farm east of Strathmore- wherever the fun was found.

Sharon loved to play sports, and was always looking for new ones to master.  Volleyball, broomball, and slowpitch were all favourites,  but it was when she took to the ice for hockey that she found the sport she was most passionate about. “Kisby” played with a smile, heart and 110% effort.  Team mates marvelled at her ability to give each shift as much drive as she could. Her joy for hockey continued even as the effects of a concussion left her sidelined.  She put the same amount of heart into cheering for her team mates as she would if she were still on the ice. Her team mates meant the world to her; they shared wins and losses, but also their lives- getting together for drinks and laughs off the ice.

Sharon was known as Auntie Sharon to every kid she ever met.  At family gatherings she was always at the kids table, playing games with the kids and making all the kids laugh.  She knew how to make each occasion special- by making birthday banners, or painting her own cards.  She upgraded her title recently to “Great Aunt” because she really was the greatest Aunt.

Not only did she get along with every kid, Sharon never met an animal she didn’t love.  “Dr. Doolittle” was kind to all creatures.  It wasn’t uncommon for Sharon to pause a golf game to let an insect play through, or have an in-depth conversation with a Kookaburra. She was able to speak to any animal, and come away with a new friend.

As a talented maker, Sharon was incredibly gifted at drawing, painting, woodworking and just about anything else she tried. She loved tinkering and building her skills- EXCEPT for cooking. If cooking were up to her, Doug and Sharon would be eating popcorn and pancakes every night.

We rarely mentioned Sharon without Doug.  They spent 30 plus years together chasing the sun, golfing, and laughing. Their relationship was based on kindness, generosity and caring. Together they volunteered to help others every chance they got.

Sharon is survived by her parents Barb and Bill Kisby; sister Gail (Earl) Robins; brother Kevin (Amanda) Kisby; niece Stacey Robins; nephew Robert (Nikki) Robins; great-nephew Chase Robins; and aunt Gail Kisby; as well as many loving relatives and friends.

Sharon was predeceased by her uncle Don; her Grammie Kisby; grandparents West and nephew Tyler.

Doug was born in Outlook, Saskatchewan and spent his early years at Gardiner Dam before moving to Calgary in 1968. He graduated from William Aberhart High School and was employed for many years with Norseman Structures.

Doug was a prairie boy at heart and loved spending time in Outlook and on the sandbars of the South Saskatchewan River. Doug was a man of few words but it was evident that he loved his family, a good card game, reading, sports, cats, cookies, Cuban vacations and of course his Sharon. His quiet gentle presence and chuckle will be forever missed.
Doug volunteered for many years with the Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers and with the Lake Louise World Cup races.

Doug is survived by his mother Marion; siblings Lorne (Marilyn), Jean (Bill) and Murray (Tracy); nieces Amanda (Bobby), Samantha, Katie (Liam), and Sarah (Jona); nephews Alexander, David (Rochelle), Jason and Caleb; sister-in-law Janet; as well as many loving relatives and friends.

Doug was predeceased by his father Gordon, and brother Robert.

Celebration of Life will be held at Temple Community Hall, 167 Templegreen Road N.E. on Sunday, July 30, 2017 at 1:00-3:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made Kamp Kiwanis, Sharon Kisby & Doug Brack Memorial Fund, 241001 Range Road 42, Calgary, Alberta, T3Z 2X5, telephone 403-686-6325, website http://www.kampkiwanis.ca/sharon-kisby-doug-brack-memorial-fund, or to the Canadian Association For Disabled Skiing, Canada Olympic Park, 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 5R5, telephone:  403-286-8050, http://www.cadscalgary.ca/doug-brack-sharon-kisby-memorial-notice