Obituary - Bruce Shirky

Bruce Edgar Shirky, 63, completed his journey here on earth on March 30, 2015. He was born in Columbia, Missouri, the eldest child of Max Shirky and Lois Edgar Shirky Horn. He grew up in Sedalia, Missouri, and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Theatre from Central Missouri State University. He married Sherrie Diehl Shirky, the love of his life, in 1976, and shortly after, they moved to San Antonio, Texas.

Bruce had a 34 year career working for the US Army's Entertainment Branch, most of that time spent as the Artistic Director for the Harlequin Dinner Theatre at Fort Sam Houston, TX. He was an accomplished theatrical designer and director for live stage productions, and was selected as the Technical Director for the Army Soldiers Touring Show, in 1985, to coincide with President Ronald Reagan's second inauguration. He was honored with numerous US Army FORSCOM and ATAC Globe awards.

In addition, he and his wife Sherrie enjoyed training and exhibiting AKC Chihuahuas, and were the proud breeders/owners/handlers of many champions, including CH. Kachina Hot Ticket, the #2 Smoothcoat Chihuahua female in the country in 1989. Bruce was an officer and member of the Texas Chihuahua Club and the Chihuahua Club of America, and served as President for both clubs. In later years, he became a licensed AKC Chihuahua judge, and was honored to judge for the Chihuahua Club of Greater New York, held in conjunction with the prestigious Westminster Dog Show in 2007.

Bruce was blessed with a wonderfully twisted sense of humor, laughed often and easily, and lived life to the fullest. He was a loyal friend and mentor to many, approaching every task and responsibility assigned to him with a passion and a drive to excel. His happiest moments were spending quality time with family and friends.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, niece Melinda Shirky, and sister-in-law Vickie Diehl Bangs. He is survived by his beloved wife Sherrie; sister Diane (D.) Bockelman; brothers Brett "Pete" (Monica) Shirky and Gary (Teresa) Shirky; brothers-in-law J.C. (Billie) Diehl, Jim (Debbie) Diehl, and John Bangs; sisters-in-law Shirlie (Larry) West, Julie (John) Peterson, and Jackie (Alan) Nieder; nephews John (Meghan) Shirky, Shad (Jordyn) Shirky, Stetson Shirky, Grant (Marcie) West, Miles Nieder, and Jacob Diehl; nieces Christina (Nathan) Arbuckle, Andrea (M.C.) Thierfelder, Kallie (Derek) Castle, Kathy (Casey) Hill, Vanessa West, Ashley Bangs, Allison Nieder, Amy Bangs, Amanda Peterson, Kristina Diehl, Elizabeth Peterson, and Emily Nieder; grand nephews Nathan Bergstrom, Colin and Ethan West, and Brady Hill; grand nieces Elizabet, Lauren, Madalynn, and Gwyneth Bergstrom, Lillian and Josie Arbuckle, Peighton Hill, Khloe West, and Annabelle Peterson; and close friends Allynid "Lynnie" Bunten, Florence Bunten, and Chris Champlin.

Grateful appreciation is extended to the medical teams at Mission Trail Baptist Hospital, especially his ICU nurses Jenna Zamora and Steve Deleon for the loving kindness and comfort they bestowed on Bruce during his final days.

Celebrations of Bruce's life will be held later in San Antonio, TX and Sedalia, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bruce's name to the AKC Canine Health Foundation or Chihuahua Rescue & Transport.

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