Kirk Donald Ackerman

February 7th, 2020

Kirk Donald Ackerman was born on April 24, 1990 in Regina, Saskatchewan. The middle child of Don and Donna Ackerman, and self-proclaimed favorite. Kirk was raised in Regina, graduated from Balfour Collegiate, and went on to the University of Regina. Kirk was a warrior, a hard worker and made sure when he did something, he did it to the best of his abilities. Kirk was so much more than a son, brother, friend and coach. He was full of potential, a leader, full of passion and grit.

He found his true love with wrestling and the community that came alongside. He started his journey on the mats while in elementary school, and quickly found a love of the sport. That love took him through his high school years, into University and right up until the days before his passing.

Kirk was predeceased by his grandparents George and Barbara Ackerman, Keith and Edith Cranfield, Ivor Huntly; his father Don; wrestling coach Corey Dobrowski; cousin Tina Heisler; and uncle Glen Trentini. Kirk is survived by his loving family, his mother Donna; sister Ashley; and brother Keith (Richelle); other brothers Kelly Mcleod (Randi), Corey Pister; fellow coaches Ron Gonzales, Judd Van Slyck, Shawn Farrow, and numerous adopted brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, as well as the wrestling community.

Celebration of Kirk’s Life will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in the Turvey Centre, 100 Armour Road, Highway 6 North, Regina, Saskatchewan.

Flowers most gratefully declined. Memorial donations may be made to the Saskatchewan Wrestling Association or a local Mental Health Organization.

Messages:

Dear Donna, Keith and Ashley, Please accept my belated condolences. I was so saddened to hear of Kirk’s passing. I so enjoyed my days at George Ferguson School. There was sure to be a smiling Ackerman in my class or nearby. My thoughts are with you all.

I'm sorry for your loss, kirk was a fierce competitor and great person to be around. He is greatly missed. Keeping the Ackerman's in my thoughts and prayers.

I’ve only just heard the tragic loss of Kirk. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during these most difficult times. I could say I know how you feel but everyone deals different when it’s your child . He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

My deepest condolences go out to the Ackerman family. RIP Kirk❤️

Dear Ashley. We were saddened to learn of your brother’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Your friend Courtney’s family - John, Michele, Ainslie, Scott & Kelsie Myrah.

I remember Kirk being an awesome wrestler and a tough competitor. I am very sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Kirk.

Donna and family, I'm so sorry to learn of Kirk's passing. Our deepest condolences to you all.

Donna, Keith, Ashley - our hearts go out to you at this very sad time. There are no words to express our deep condolences. Kirk will be forever in your memories. Laurie, Taylor, and Devin

Dear Donna,Keith,and Ashley: Our family are shocked at the passing of Kirk. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

Donna, Keith and Ashley, I am so sorry to hear this news. At this time there are few words that can be said, to heal your broken hearts. I want you to know you are in my thoughts, now and in the weeks to come. I will not be able to attend the service, but I see from all the condolences you will be surrounded with many, many, many people with love and big shoulders. Big hugs to each one of you, today, tomorrow and for as long as you need.

I’ll never forget the days when Kirk and my brother where inseparable, with dreams of being the best of the best. I can’t believe they are both gone. I was having a blast reconnecting with Kirk through my kids Jonny & Lily and the Wolverine’s wrestling team, and was looking forward to lots more fun on the mats with Kirk coaching the kiddos for many years to come.

Saying a prayer and hoping that you find strength during this difficult time.

We were shocked by the news of Kirk’s passing. We send our sincere condolences to Donna, Keith, and Ashley. We hope you find some comfort in knowing that Kirk is with his Dad in heaven now. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love Tina, Mike, Mikey, and Daylynn

Dear Donna, Keith & Ashley & family. So sorry to hear about Kirk Sending our love, thoughts & prayers Jim & Brenda Empey(Jago) & family

I had the honour to work with so many young athletes when i was the Development Mgr. of Canada Wrestling. Seeing Kirk on his first U18 Team I knew this kid was special, not only on the mat but as a strong dedicated young man. We would banter on the mat-side mainly because he felt comfortable with whom ever and always gave them 100% attention. I saw many sacrifices and wins on his side.. I do wish we spent more time talking about life, wrestling and mma. I never met your family but I give my deep condolences... gone too soon, prayers to you all. For me, I know there will always be a part of Kirk with me in tenacity, strength, and honour. Until we meet again, Love ya kid, The Coach!

To Donna, and family...I was very saddened to hear of your loss. Please know, you are in my thoughts and prayers. And a hug will be waiting for you the next time I see you. - Margo T. Albert St. Chiropractic Clinic

My heart goes out to you all. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. May your memories of Kirk, be forever in your heart.

Dear Donna and family. I was so sorry to hear of Kirk’s passing. Losing a child is the hardest thing a parent should never have to go through. He's with his dad now and may he rest in peace. Hugs and love Sylvia

My deepest sympathies to the Ackerman family.

Dear Donna, Ashley and Keith: We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your son and brother. Please know our hearts go out to you at this very sad time. May you cherish the many wonderful memories and keep him close in your hearts.

Donna and family. So sorry to hear about your son. Take care and know that I am thinking of you.

Donna and Family: I cannot imagine the pain you must be feeling. Losing a child must be the hardest thing you will ever have to endure. Lean on friends and family and share memories of Kirk often. He lives on in your heart and mind. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the Ackerman family. May you rest easy Always looking down and guiding the family. Life Is made of memories? I will cherish our time we worked at Rona together. Gone way too soon love you brother❤

Donna and family please accept our deepest sympathy In the loss of Kirk. We will not be able to attend the services but will be with you in our hearts and prayers. Thinking of you all! We will hopefully see you when we return home!!

Donna, words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. I have never met you son, but if he was anything like you, he would have been a force to reckon with. Take care "Angel".

Dear Donna, Keith and Ashley, we are so sorry to hear of your loss of Kirk. Although we have not seen each other in a long time, please know we still think fondly of the friendships we had in the past. Our family will be thinking of all of you during this hard time. Take care

I feel lucky to have gotten to know Keith and Kirk in the time that I lived in Regina. We thought we won the employee lottery meeting the Ackerman family. I wanted to hire every brother, sister and cousin as they were just such respectful and hardworking people. My sincerest condolences to the Ackerman family.

Wrestling creates a bond between people that very few people understand. If there was anyone who lived and breathed this, it was Kirk. He lived life with a fire that very few people have and put an exclamation point on everything he set his mind to. As a competitor, he was among the best and I count myself fortunate to have shared the sport with him. Brother, rest in peace.

I will always remember Kirk’s quick wit, big hugs, and beautiful smile. I’m so sorry that your family and the world won’t get to experience this anymore. I’ll be thinking of you Ackerman’s...

My deepest sympathies Donna, Keith, Ashley and all your family and friends for a truly tragic loss. Though I hadn't seen Kirk for a long time I fondly remember his terrific sense of humour. Words cannot express the true loss you must feel. Thinking of you. Maggie

Shared strength at this difficult time. Condolences to all. Fond memories of the Ackerman Family during the Dr. G Ferguson years.

Had been having a blast with Kirk through my kids, Jonny & Lily and the Wolverines family, and had been looking forward to many years of fun together. We are sure going to miss him and his gentle but fierce soul. Sending prayers and condolences to the entire Ackerman family ❤️

I remember working with Kirk years ago at Rona. He was always smiling, friendly and great to get along with. My condolences to the family.

I am so sorry for your loss. Kirk was an amazing person. I am wishing you and your family love and peace during this difficult time.

Donna, Keith and Ashley. What a devastating blow. We wrap you with love and hugs. We are in California or would be at the service. I remember when we gave Kirk some money for his tattoo after the CIS win. He immediately embraced each of us and said his thanks. He was so willing to share his smile and affection and he meant it. We will carry a piece of him forever.

I met Kirk in University (2005/2006) and although I hadn’t seen him since, I remember him being kind, loyal, genuine, sweet, fun, and extremely hard working! I remember he always had the biggest smile on his face and was someone who after all these years still brings a smile to my face!! It is clear by all the other messages just how loved Kirk truly was!! I pray he found the peace he was searching for and that his family and friends find comfort in knowing what an incredible man Kirk was! Rest In Peace Kirk ♥️♥️

I’m sorry my good friend. Wish we got to go for lunch one last time. My condolences to your immediate family my good friend. Much love always this makes me sad but I know your in a happy place. Until we meet again my good buddy. Much love

Donna and family, we are so saddened to hear this news. Our thoughts are with you. Your Ontario cousins.

My memories go back to when Kirk was just a young boy. My mom used to babysit Kirk and his brother and sister. I was wrestling at Dr.G. Ferguson elementary and remember Kirk always wanted to learn how. What an athlete he became. Sending love to the family in their time of grief.

I'm so sorry for the loss of a great man. I am even more disappointed that I won't be at the service either due to where I live at the moment. Kirk was always an inspiration to everyone both on and off the mat. He was always there to help me out when I needed it and knew how to make everyone smile. He never gave up on things and always chased his dreams. I have so many fond memories of him that I will always treasure. Thank you Kirk, for everything you've done to all the lives you have touched. We are all better people for having met you.

I offer my most heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Ackerman family, all of his friends and loved ones. I’d had the honour of witnessing Kirk grow on the wrestling mat over the years as a competitor, coach and person of great character. He was well loved and respected. He embodied the true spirit of sport. He will be remembered well. The wrestling community at large is a unique fraternity. It’s connections run deep. If any of us have had the honour of crossing paths with Kirk, even if brief, were most likely touched by how solid of a young man he was, on and off the mat. May the God’s peace be with you and your family Kirk.

Donna, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your son. There are no words that could ever comfort you in such a difficult time but know that you and your family are in my thoughts. Take care.

It is a great honour and privilege to know you Kirk. You left us so soon but will never be forgotten. We love you and remember you forever Kirk. May you Rest In Peace. ❤️❤️❤️

My condolences to the Ackerman family. His memory will never be forgotten. Be at peace.

Rest in Peace Kirk.. To Donna, family and friends, may the memories of Kirk help you get through this most difficult time. He was one in a million. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

From the very first Cattown practices where I met Kirk, his passion, dedication, hard work and kindness made him unforgettable. He was inspiring, and he will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him.

I got to know Kirk before he even started school. His brother Keith was a student at Ferguson and Donna had joined the Parents Association and after the meeting asked me to come to their home for coffee this starting our friendship. Kirk one evening asked me to come to play school for show and tell. I asked him if he wanted me to bring something to show the rest of the children and he said "no you are my show and tell and want them to meet my friend". At that young age his love of people was already shining through and his caring. Although I hadn't seen him in recent years I heard good things about him and his great love for his family and the sport of wrestling. We are all a little better for having known him. We know he will be well taken care of by Don the man he loved so dearly.

I’ll never forget hiring Kirk and talk about him often. I told my boss I was hiring this young wrestler and home builder who knew nothing about government or privacy. When he asked me why I told him just wait till you meet him. My boss came to me instantly and said wow he is the best hire you’ve ever had. He sure was. It was a pleasure to work with him and get to know on a personal level. Hugs and prayers to mom and the whole family during this tough time.

I had the utmost honor to have worked with Kirk. Really kind hearted guy. Always had a good laugh with him. My heart goes out to his family at this time. Just know he's got a little piece of heaven for himself now. Take care my friend.

I only briefly knew Kirk through wrestling with Team Canada almost 15 years ago but what an amazing guy he was. After all these years, it broke my heart to hear of such a brilliant life lost. My thoughts are with your family at this time.

I cannot count the times I officiated Kirk through the years, from cadet thru to senior level. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his death. Kirk was loved and respected by so many in the community across Canada. He will be truly missed by so many .

I am so very deeply sorry for your loss. I headed out to Regina from Ontario only really knowing Kirk. I knew I’d be ok though because he was there. He and the crew welcomed me with open arms, from the moment he met with me to show me around. He’d do anything to put a smile on someone’s face, including biting into an onion like an apple. Even after I moved away we kept in touch, and he never missed the chance to say happy birthday, congratulate me on a win and talk weight cutting with me. he was just that kind and caring. My condolences ❤️.

Kirk and I only really knew each other as opponents, but I had the utmost respect for him. We battled on the mat more times than I can count and each time I knew it would be a war. I've been shook by his passing and can only imagine the heart break for people close to him. I offer my condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

I was lucky enough to work with Kirk way back when. He was always full of smiles and so very friendly. My heart was broken when I heard the news, I hope Kirk finds happiness wherever his soul takes him. Best wishes and good thoughts to the family, Paula

I hadn't been very close with Kirk in recent years, but he was always a genuinely kind person and a real competitor. The wrestling community and this world will miss him dearly. My sincere condolences go out to the Ackerman family during this very difficult time.

Kirk was an outstanding being. Truly, one of the most courageous and determined souls that I ever had a chance of knowing. My condolences to the friends and family.

What a loss to the wrestling community and the world. Kirk, you touched many hearts.

It is with a sad and heavy heart that I say farewell to a outstanding friend. You left us way to soon. While words can not express how much I will miss you, your memories will be eternal. God Bless and RIP dear friend.

How truly sorry we were to hear about the loss of Kirk, your son, brother and friend He was a real gem and all who knew him loved him. Warm hugs and many memories shared to all of you. Love the Sinclairs

Our condolences to the Ackerman family for the demise of Kirk. May the Lord accept him in His kingdom!

There’s not enough words to explain the person Kirk was. The more caring, loving, passionate man I’ve met. You will be forever in my heart along with all the memories you have blessed me with. Love you always❤️

Hilarious, goofy, intelligent, loving, + + ambitious, inspiring, passionate, brave, adorable, awful singer, best buddy. You will be forever missed but you are safe now. We hold you safe in our hearts, beautiful boy.

Our condolences go out out to the entire Ackerman family and friends. Kirk is an amazing young man with a lot of potential still to show. We will miss him and hope he finds peace. RIP Kirk

Kirk was an amazing person and friend. I'll keep our memories close to my heart for the rest of my life.

You have been a remarkable influence to many in your life and will be dearly missed my friend. Your spirit will always be with us. You have now embark on a peaceful journey and will be joining your father who is waiting for you with open arms. May god bless you.

Truly an outstanding athlete, coach, and friend on the mat but even a greater person off the mat. I will miss him dearly.

A little brother, friend, training partner and coach gone too soon. We will honour his gifts, strengths and love to others in this world. I miss him dearly and he will me remembered for the rest of my life. ❤️

Leave a message of condolence:

Captcha Code