Obituary of Patrick Bransfield Quirk

It is with great sorrow that the family of Patrick Bransfield Quirk announces his passing on June 14th, 2025, at St. Martha's Regional Hospital, Antigonish, N.S. Patrick was a son, brother, husband, and father. Born on October 27th,1959, in Lethbridge, Alberta, he was the son of the late John William Quirk and Jean Thelma (MacDougall) Quirk.

Patrick spent his early years living with his family in Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec before they moved back to his mother’s home community of Antigonish, N.S. Growing up on Wedgewood Drive, Patrick enjoyed playing every sport and outdoor pursuit he could—especially golf, camping, fishing and biking around Cape George. After graduating high school, Patrick headed to the oil fields of northern Alberta—not for the love of crude oil, but to pay for university. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and later attended St. Thomas University, where he earned his Bachelor of Education. Patrick worked across Canada—in Alberta, Ontario, and Nova Scotia—as an educator, sharing not just facts, but wisdom, dad jokes, and heartfelt encouragement.

He met his future wife, Barbara, in 1982. After a brief courtship—a mere eight years—they married in 1990 and went on to have six brilliant, hilarious, and strong daughters. He remained fiercely proud of each of them, teaching them how to swing a bat, debate like a philosopher, chase knowledge, and be kind. Patrick loved decorating for holidays, trips to the beach, drives in the country and hunting in Fairmont. He also loved his little four-legged buddy Hunter.

Patrick is survived by his wife of nearly 35 years, Barbara (McCarron) Quirk, and their six daughters: Bridget, Norah, Abigail, Rebecca, Clare, and Mary Margaret. He is also survived by his sister, Clare Ann Quirk (Paul); extended family, including his aunt Anne (Charlie) MacKenzie, his uncle Colin (Colleen) MacDougall, and his godmother, Frances MacDougall, who held a special place in his heart. Along with his parents, aunts, and uncles, Patrick was predeceased by his brother, Shaun Quirk.

Patrick struggled for many years with numerous health issues, and his family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and thanks to the QEII renal team, led by Dr. Kenneth West; the dedicated nursing staff on the dialysis unit at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital; his family doctor of many years Dr. Brian Steeves, Dr. John Hamilton, and Dr. Emily Rice; and the palliative care team at St. Martha’s.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 PM Friday, June 20th, 2025, in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Antigonish. Funeral Mass 11:00 AM Saturday, June 21st, 2025, in St Ninian Cathedral, Antigonish. Fr. James Elliott O'Neal presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery. A reception will follow the burial in St. Ninian Place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patrick’s memory to the St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation or to Parkinson Canada.