With the saddest of hearts, we share with you the sudden and tragic loss of our son, Jeffrey Ryan Dircks, at the age of 35.
Jeff is lovingly remembered by his mother, Loreen (Rouleau) Davies and her husband, Ivor; father, Ken Dircks and his wife, Shirley (Jeff’s other Mom); brother, Chris and his wife, Erin and their son, Elliot – Jeff’s much adored nephew. Step-siblings, Fran Standerwick (Todd) and children; Shamus Tuohey (Kelly) and children;
Grandparents, June Robinson and Del Robinson; Helen & Chris Sheriff; and the late Walter Dircks.
Aunt Lisa Lemke & cousins, Alana & Griffin; Uncle Steve (Gail), cousins, Matt & Colin and their families; Aunt Kandi (Eugene) & cousins Megan & Josh; Aunt Joanne & cousins, Amina & Marie.
Special long-time friends, Renee Drinkwater and Audrey Wong.
Predeceased by Aunt, Roxanne Sheriff.
Jeff was born October 23rd, 1980 and grew up in Ashcroft, BC, until the age of 15, when he moved to the ‘big city’ of North Vancouver, where his Dad resided. After graduation, Jeff obtained double Bachelor’s Degrees with honours in both Business Administration and Economics at SFU. Two of his semesters were spent abroad – one in Singapore and one in Paris – traveling extensively in each area, and after grad he backpacked around South America for several months.
After working at HSBC, Jeff decided that counselling and social justice were more his passions. He volunteered for several years at the Vancouver Crisis Centre and also trained new volunteers. After completing his pre-requisites, Jeff went to work with Morneau Shepell in their Employee Assistance Program, and was also accepted into the UBC Master’s Program in Counselling, but unfortunately was unable to complete it due to his personal struggles.
Jeff was a bright and often involved young man with many interests. He was a long-time skateboarder, and guitar player. He loved family visits, travel and was an avid animal lover. He was a passionate human rights champion, particularly women’s rights, and he was a pacifist. Jeff never lost his love of learning.
A Memorial Service to honour Jeff, was held on Saturday, August 6, in the Schoening Funeral Chapel, 513 Seymour St, Kamloops, BC
Donations in Jeff’s memory, if so desired, may be made to WAVAW – Women Against Violence Against Women at www.canadahelps.org/dn/15753 , or can be forwarded to them by his family.
Condolences may be expressed at
www.schoeningfuneralservice.com