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

[Kathy Howes Kanitz]

I pray for comfort for the Kirby family in their loss of husband & dad. I knew him as Coach Kirby best, as well as dad of my classmate Kris. He was smaller in stature than my dad, but had a big heart & impact! In humility he generated respect, healthy fear, & was compassionate. He did recognize us as individuals, personally, how amazing. & was gracious, as proven when the only time (as Jr or Sr) I, along with another student, stepped out the classrm window to enjoy shorthand class from outdoors, of course the teacher was away! Don't know how he got the word or if he saw us from another classrm window, but we were called to the office, & fearfully I sat awaiting his arrival...a lecture, a warning, then a little laughter & grace, I left. He knew how to discipline appropriate to the crime & considered the offender's history. I'll never forget that grace. He was a great male role model & I thank the Kirbys for sharing him with so many for so long.
Having lost my beloved sister (Ann Howes Hamp) in Oct 11 to cancer, it is bittersweet to see them suffer, & have to lose them. But Sweet to have such great memories. She told me of Coach's illness & I know she prayed for him - she told me. He was loved by many & will be missed! Thanks for the memories - all who wrote. Kathy

[Tom Carter]

Believe in yourself and be the best you can be are the lessons I remember most from Coach Kirby. He was a great influence and motivation in not only my life but to all. He's the kind of leader that only comes by once in a lifetime. Thanks Coach and God Bless you and your family. Tom Carter

[Mike Wezensky]

Just learned of Mr. Kirby's Passing. You are not forgotten sir.

V/R, Mike