Laurie Ramon Dirks
January 10th, 2021
Dirks, Laurie Ramon
September 22, 1932 – January 10, 2021
Biggar, Sk Calgary, AB
It is with deep regret we announce the passing of Laurie on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at the age of 88 years. Laurie will be lovingly remembered by his family, wife of 66 years Elaine, children Donna Lynn, Darrell (Dawn) and Blair (Michelle), 4 grandchildren, Stacey (Rob), Stephanie (Randall), Emily and Amy, and 4 great-grandchildren Eric, Larissa, Taylor and Logan. Laurie joined the Reserve Army in 1948 at 16 years of age in Regina, SK. In 1950, he joined the regular army where he served for 30 years; mostly with the famous Black Watch Regiment of Canada, he was promoted to the Chief Warrant Officer and posted to 3 RCR in CFB Petawawa as the RSM (Regimental Sergeant Major). Laurie served in several operational and peacekeeping missions in Europe and the Middle East. Laurie was decorated at the Government House in Ottawa in 1973 with the Medal of Military Merit (MMM) for his outstanding service to Canada and the military. He retired from the military in 1978. He then worked for Public Works Canada for 15 years before fully retiring and moving to Calgary, AB. Laurie was a member of the Masonic Order of Freemasons for more than 55 years. He was a Royal Arch Mason and a Knight Templar. Laurie was also a member of the Al Azhar Shriner's of Calgary.
Laurie's family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for the professionalism and love shown to Laurie and his family by Dr. Brad Davies and Margaret from the HomeCare Senior's department.
No service will be held due to COVID-19 restrictions.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Veterans Association Food Bank https://veteransassociationfoodbank.ca.
Messages:
Sincere condolences to Laurie's family. I worked with Laurie at PWGSC for many years. He was inspirational and such a wonderful mentor. I think of him often. The first time he called the office before I had met him, he left a message for my Director to call him. He said his name was Laurie Dirks. Automatically I assumed this man was calling on behalf of Laurie... I soon learned that Laurie Dirks was a man and soon became my mentor.
VWBro Dirks was a mentor to me and countless others with the Freemasons. I considered him a friend, a brother, a teacher and a confidante. He’s the toughest nice-guy I’ve ever met. He spoke highly of his family - please accept my condolences to all of you.
Elaine we are very sorry to hear of Laurie's passing.
RIP Pops. You will be dearly missed with your solid advice and story telling.
Very sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Dirks. I had not seen him since my youth but believe me he was the type of man that left an impression and I have a few fond memories. In particular my very first meeting, won’t forget it. Darrell kept me up to date from time to time. Condolences to all family members. He may not be here physically but will always be with you.
Laurie was one of a kind, as a boss he always had your back, and as an employee, he always told it like he saw it, no game playing from him, he didn't have time for it. Laurie left a lasting impression on all who knew him, he was fun, he was funny, he was honest, and he was fully devoted to his family. Speaking with Laurie over the years, he never failed to mention how much he owed Elaine for keeping him going, he said he couldn't manage without her, she was the jewel in his crown. Laurie would talk proudly about his family, his kids, his grandkids, and his great-grandchildren. He always had an opinion or ten on how the country could be better run so you never ended a phone call without first enjoying many, many laughs with him. Laurie was a delightful man whose loss is deeply felt. My sympathies to Laurie's family. Rest well, my dear friend, you've earned it.