William R. Kirby

William (Bill) R. Kirby, age 83, of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of Ithaca, MI passed away on Friday, April 6, 2012 after an extended illness.

He was born on December 15, 1928 in Flint, Michigan to Thomas and Ora (Hackney) Kirby. He graduated from Flint Technical High School in 1947 where he was the Salutatorian. He received a scholarship to Central Michigan University where he graduated with a degree in education. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

He married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jane in 1951 and served two years in the U.S. Army. In 1953 he was hired by Ithaca Public Schools to teach mathematics, mechanical drawing, and physical education. He served the Ithaca community and school system his entire career and held positions as the Varsity Football Assistant Coach, Head Basketball and Baseball Coach, Athletic Director, Junior High School Principal, and City of Ithaca’s Summer Recreation Director. In 1969 he became the Ithaca High School Principal and remained in that position until his retirement in 1986. He touched many lives and is remembered fondly as teacher, coach, colleague, and principal.

Bill is survived by his wife, Betty Jane Kirby (Winterle) of Mt. Pleasant; his sons, Kris (Betty) Kirby, and Dr. Kent (Beth) Kirby of Mt. Pleasant, MI; his daughter, Kathy (Dennis) Jones of East Grand Rapids, MI; and beloved grandchildren, John, Morgan, Hayley, and Evan.

Visitation with the family will be held at the Ithaca High School on Saturday April 14, 2012 from 10:00-11:30 followed by a memorial service.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Gratiot County Community Foundation - William R. Kirby Scholarship.  This fund was created by Bill Kirby’s former students and players as an honor for his years of service and the scholarship is designated annually for an Ithaca High School graduate.

Comments

[LORRAINE BATES CLASS OF 1983]

VERY...VERY...WELL SAID DAN....IN MY DAY..."MR KIRBY" WAS KNOWN AS WILD BILL....SOME OF US (INCLUDING MYSELF) WERE MORE FAMILIAR WITH HIM THAN OTHERS..... TO ALL THOSE DAYS SPENT IN "THE OFFICE" WITH YOU...WILD BILL...I SAY THANK YOU...YOU HELPED MAKE ME WHO I AM TODAY......AND YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED...R.I.P.
WHEN I READ DAN'S COMMENTS ABOVE......I DIDNT THINK I COULD SAY ANYTHING MORE....HOWEVER...MY CLASS KNEW "MR KIRBY" AS WILD BILL....AND SOME OF US BETTER AND MORE PERSONAL THAN OTHERS...I SPENT SLOT OF TIME IN "THE OFFICE" BACK IN THE DAYS.....AND ALL I CAN SAY NOW IS THANK YOU WILD BILL...FOR HELPING ME BECOME THE WOMAN I AM TODAY...... GRATIOT COUNTY LOST A HERO TO MANY....

[Mary Ann (Tithof) Punke]

So much time has gone by, but there will always be fond memories of my teaching years under the guidance of Bill Kirby. He could make you laugh through tears and was always there to offer his support. Early on in my career, I remember him saying, "You can play hard only if you're here in the morning to work hard!" That was the last time I called in sick after partying! When he said something, I listened out of total respect. He had so much wisdom to share and his love of life was contagious.
My heart goes out to the family. I can't imagine the pain of the empty space. I hope the tributes and conversations in the next few days bring you some warmth.
Kirb definitely left his prints in the sand! I can see him smiling with that sparkle in his eyes.

[Betty (Patterson/Bush) Schumacher]

What a great man he was! Mr. Kirby was one of the few at Ithaca High that was kind to me during my Junior and Senior year. He had the ability to make you feel very special. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time...

[rick kirby]

coack kirby made an impact on everyone he made contact with, i can honestly say, there's no other like him...such a great and humble man.
R.I.P. curly....you've left a legacy that will be unmatched.

[Howard Gager]

Watching how the present day pro, college and High School baseball players wear their uniforms and caps on sideways with flat bills probably didn't set well with Coach Kirby. Our pant bottoms had to be half way between our knees and ankle. The bills of our caps had to be rounded with the porch (front) 90 degrees to the bill. Coach Kirby always told us if we looked sharp, we'd play sharp, which was important because we were representing IHS. My kids and grandkids have always gotten the 'Coach Kirby' uniform styling code from me. God Bless his family.

[Sheila (Blair) Farrell]

Dear Kirby family,
I send my love and prayers to a great family of friends and childhood neighbors. Bill will be sadly missed by us. God bless you ,Betty, Kris, Kathy and Kent in your time of grief and healing.

[Sue (Stahl) Grigar]

Prayers for the Kirby family. I also have many fond memories for Coach Kirby. My mother (Betty Stahl) always spoke of his fairness to all the students at IHS. Bless you all.

[Barb Latham]

Mr. Kirby was, and I'm sure still is, a fine gentleman. He took his time to get you to know yourself and even if it was difficult, made you want to see beyond the moment. Thank you Mr. Kirby for making me write the constitution the ONE and ONLY ONE day I decided to skip school (and got caught by he and Mr. Smith) - it built character. I actually made one of my children learn that lesson! RIP Mr. Kirby and to his family, know that he made an impact on so many.

[Charlie and Pat (Beltinck) Harrington]

Some of us in the class of '58 like myself, will forever remember Kirb's first day in the classroom at IHS. His impact on us was immediate and forever. That day we learned fear, discipline, respect, caring and love in the first few minutes of his career.
Thanks coach, you not only made Ithaca a better place to live in,you made a hugh impact in every town or city that that is home to any and all of your former students.
Rest in peace coach, and may God bless your family.

Charlie Harrington, class of '58

[Charlie and Pat (Beltinck) Harrington]

Some of us in the class of '58 like myself, will forever remember Kirb's first day in the classroom at IHS. His impact on us was immediate and forever. That day we learned fear, discipline, respect, caring and love in the first few minutes of his career.
Thanks coach, you not only made Ithaca a better place to live in,you made a hugh impact in every town or city that that is home to any and all of your former students.
Rest in peace coach, and may God bless your family.

Charlie Harrington, class of '58

[Steve Foster, Class of 1980]

What a good guy, friend, mentor... we're surely better for having known him.

[Joel Sanchez]

Coach had a great impact in my life and gave me then confidence to think big.

[Bob & Mary Hill]

Always remember a teacher willing to help and always a cheerful remark. He worked well with the kids he coached and he was respected by them.

[Betty (Burch) Reeves]

has a young girl I knew Coach as a man I admired very much. I don't know how he always new every ones name, but he did. As an adult I got to know him as a different person. His sense of humor was something I always looked forward to. I worked at K-mart pharmacy and saw him and Betty frequently. I missed them when they moved to Mt.P. RIP COACH you deserve it.

[Pat Mahoney]

Thank you Mr. Bill Kirby, you shared your life and experience with so many. I really admired your humorous ways. Didn't matter if it was a good day or a not you could find the humor!!!!!!!!!!!

[Allen Cook]

Coach Kirby was a great mentor and friend to every one he met.
Honest patient and kind gentlemen
Allen Cook (Big Al)

[John & Sally (Jessup) Monroe]

Coach Kirby/Mr. Kirby, The best of the best, left a legacy of respect, wisdom, kindness not only for us in the class of 1960 but continued on for our daughters class of 1984 and 1986. Many prayers and blessings to the Kirby Family.

[Daniel J. Bowen]

I think no one could have met Mr. Kirby without gaining an instant and lasting respect for him. To say he made a difference in the lives of his students is a profound understatement. Even as a kid I was astonished at how he knew the name of every student in the school and seemed to have time for each and every one of us. There is no doubt that he truly cared about his work and the people around him. I am proud, honored and truly blessed to have known William Kirby. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Prayers to the family in this time of loss.

[Dianne Williams Buell]

When I remember Coach Kirby, the music of "Sweet Georgia Brown" is playing, there is a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face and an energy, a commitment to inspire us, (his students) to try our best to be successful.

As Howard Gager cited, "If we looked sharp, we'd play sharp. Those words of Coach's wisdom have stayed with me and have been taught to my children and I wasn't even on the team, but I, like most of the students and community, felt that we were an integral part of the effort. Speaking of dress, the women's movement was in its infancy when I was at IHS. On game day, not only the players, but the cheerleaders wore navy blue blazers. The players were treated to steak dinners at Razor's, so we're the cheerleaders.
Equality existed under Coach Kirby's watch...what a powerful message was given.
Thank you Betty, Kris, Kathy and Kent for sharing Coach with us!
Dianne Williams Buell, IHS Class of 1965

[George & Linda (Allen) Weburg]

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Kirby family. He was Coach Kirby and algebra teacher to me and later, principal to our children and a fellow golfer at Gratiot Country Club where we knew him as adults. What a special guy! And what special online tributes to him!
He was a role model for so many young people.

[Sherilyn Green Ausse]

Coach Kirby was one of the best. I know he will be missed very much. May God comfort your spirit and soul at this time of loss. Sherilyn Green Ausse

[Dawn (Harkness) Peterson]

It was either my sophomre year or freshman I had to do a speech on Coah Kirby. The speech had to be 5 minutes or less. I thought how could I include all that Coach Kirby did for this school and the community of Ithaca in five minutes. I only could scratch the surface. Coach Kirby will be remembered as a educator that cared about everyone. RIP peace Coach and heaven is getting a special person.

[Kirk Baese]

I owe a great deal to Bill, he was one of my mentors when I first became a principal. I could not have had the successful career that I have enjoyed without his guidance and helpful suggestions. Also, the occasional jokes via the phone helped out when I needed cheering up. Although he is mostly remembered for all he did for Ithaca and their schools, he is also well renown around the state through the MHSAA, NCA, and the MASSP. It is hard to tell how tall a tree is when it is standing, but when it is down, it is immense. Bill was redwood. I will never forget him.

[Richard & Penny Hughes]

Our hearts go out to the Kirby family for their great loss. We had wonderful years teaching under Bill Kirby and will never forget all of the fun and kidding that came from him. He was quite a guy!!

[Pat (Rayburn)Johnson]

Our sincere condolences to Betty,Kris, Kathy Kent and families with
the passing of Coach Kirby. He will always have a special place in
our hearts and mind. As it has been said in many ways he touched
so many lives and taught us how live with good values, honor, and
to be part of our community. He was a gift to Ithaca. We will miss
you and will always remember our family memories as well as what
you gave us educationally.
Our love to your family.
April 13th Pat (Rayburn) & Herb Johnson