“To
Know Him was to Love Him”
After
retiring from the Navy, Kirby went on to college to
receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Mental Health
and Social Services and became a Crisis Counselor serving
many people in need—in their homes, hospitals,
jails, or wherever a particular crisis was happening. His
co-workers spoke of him as “one of the best.” His
calm, humble, and sincere nature was a testimony to everyone
he came in contact with.
Kirby
was an active, outdoor, kind of guy. He
LOVED to hunt, fish, hike, camp, kayak, or loved just “being
in the outdoors.” I used to joke with
him about why he always needed directions on the highways;
but if you dropped him off in 1000 acres of woods, he
would find his way out (taking his time, of course, so
he could enjoy just being there!).
Our
lives took a sudden, unexpected turn on October 19,
2005, when on our way to spend a few beautiful Maine
fall days bird hunting, Kirby developed a terrible
headache and I ended up taking him to the ER at a local
hospital. Then
came the rest of the story-- the CT Scan, MRI, biopsy,
and diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumor (AAIII). What
did we know about brain tumors? Absolutely nothing….but
we would soon learn….and fast! Kirby
faced his illness with courage and spirit, never
ever complaining, which is a lesson that we
can all take from him; in fact, he was an inspiration
to everyone who knew him during his 15 month battle against
this all-consuming disease. Quite often he would
remark, “Well, God’s in charge of what happens.” Although
this brain tumor journey is one journey that no one
ever wants our loved ones to experience, I felt privileged
to be the one by his side during it all, to give him
all the extra, tender loving care that he so deserved.
Kirby
was a very devoted husband and father, always
thinking of everyone else before himself. He
leaves behind his loving wife and best friend, Sharon,
his two sons, Ryan and Lance, and his grandson,
Tucker, as well as Sharon’s children, Tricia
and Erick, and step-grandchildren, Caden and Kamren;
and last, but not least, his dog, Max. We
ALL love you Kirby as much as you loved us. We
miss you terribly, but you will remain in our hearts
forever.
“Kirby….I
have so much to thank you for…..I couldn’t
have asked for anyone better to share my life. Although
our time was way too short, you showed me how to
LIVE and how to LOVE unconditionally. I thank you
from the bottom of my heart. Your love and our memories
are etched in my heart forever. I know
that you will be watching over me always.
Love, “Your Lady”
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