Obituary: Henry Kyle Wirts, MD, 1937-2026

Henry Kyle Wirts, MD passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, in Arizona, from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease. He was born on October 22, 1937, in Pittsburgh, to Carl Alexander Wirts, MD and Jessie Kyle Wirts. He graduated from Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh and then from Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H. While in college Henry met Linda Brereton, his future wife, while she was attending Colby-Sawyer College. They were married in Rochester, N.Y., in 1960.

Henry earned a medical degree from Temple University in Philadelphia and began his internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology in York, Pa. During this time, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, spending one year at Fort McClellen, and then served a year of military service attached to the 5th Special Forces Group in Song Be, South Vietnam, as a physician. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star for his service.

In 1972 Henry and his family moved to St. Albans, Vt. His practice specialized in obstetrics and gynecology, and for over 20 years he devoted his career to the people of Franklin County and the St. Albans medical community. After his time managing his private practice, he worked across the eastern United States as a locum tenens physician until his retirement.

During his tenure in St. Albans, Henry maintained long-term working relationships with his office staff, as well as the nursing staff at the hospital. He held their capabilities in high regard and recognized the critical role they played not only in the successful operation of his practice but also within the St. Albans medical community. He continued to maintain long-term friendships with members of the staff after his retirement.

Henry and Linda were divorced in 1985.

Henry was passionate about the outdoors and tending to the nature around him. He enjoyed gardening, cutting wood, canoeing, boating, fishing, riding his motorcycle, and hunting grouse in Vermont and deer in Maryland, and he finally fulfilled a lifelong dream of an African hunting safari while in his early seventies. His beloved golden retrievers and black and yellow Labs were companions throughout his life.

In 1991 Henry married Elizabeth Doherty. They were divorced in 1995.

In his later years Henry relocated from Vermont to Arizona. Due to his illness, Henry spent his final years in an assisted living and memory care facility. He was provided with exceptional care and support from the staff, private caregivers and hospice nurses. On the morning of May 26, 2026, he passed away in a quiet, peaceful room with a family member by his side.

Henry was predeceased by his brother, Carl W. Wirts; his father, Carl A. Wirts; and his mother, Jessie K. Wirts.

Henry is survived by his former wife, Linda Wirts, and their three children, Eleanor Wirts, Katherine (Wirts) Winchester and Alex Wirts; as well as many family and friends, especially Thomas Anderson, who was a steadfast friend, hunting companion and trusted adviser for many years.

Henry’s wishes were to be cremated. His private burial and memorial service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. We invite you to plant something in a garden or in the countryside in his memory so that it may be enjoyed for years to come and contribute to the nature around us that he enjoyed. You may also consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.