Obituary of Donald George Kirby
DONALD GEORGE KIRBY (1958 – 2024)
Donald George Kirby “Don”, age 65, died unexpectedly at his home on January 31, 2024.
Don loved his family dearly. He is survived by his mother, Elaine (Garber) Kirby, of Yuma, AZ; his children, Lee Kirby and Aiden Kirby, of Brighton, Colorado; ex-wife and long-time friend Charline Kirby “Charli”; sisters Linda Myers (Phil) of Windsor, Colorado and Carol Decker, of Terre Haute, Indiana; and six nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his father, C.W. “Bill” Kirby.
Don was born on October 23, 1958 and grew up in Windsor, Colorado. He spent much of his adult life in Arizona. As a young child, Don always loved music, taking piano lessons and learning to play his grandfather’s World War I bugle. By the time he reached junior high, he was ready to play the trumpet in the marching, concert, and stage bands. He loved music of all kinds and had a knack for picking up new instruments, playing honky-tonk piano, and using his rich, bass voice—some may recall his participation in the vocal group “Chordsmen and Chordettes”. Don also loved sports and outdoor activities, excelling on the swim team and in discus and shot-put. The family lived on Windsor Lake and Don and his friends would water ski virtually every chance they got. He loved to tell of his tradition to kick off his water skiing season on “April Fools Day” each year--rain or shine. He and best friend, Jay Schaefer, who sadly predeceased Don several years ago, frequently encountered snow, wind, or chilly chunks of springtime ice, but they kept the tradition alive for years.
During his teen years, Don worked in the family cattle and farming business as well as with the Henry Brunner family on farms around Windsor and Kersey. Those experiences formed Don’s work ethic and instilled an appreciation for Weld County’s history and agricultural heritage. One of his collegiate summers was spent as an intern for an engineering/survey team working along the Alaskan Pipeline. Don loved to share stories of grizzly bear encounters, fishing for salmon, and helicopter transport into the wildest, most remote regions of Alaska. He enjoyed the exposure to engineering and the outdoors and continued down that path, obtaining his degree in Civil Engineering in 1981.
After graduating from the University of Colorado, Don embarked upon his engineering career, working for a Denver developer. The 1980s economy soon uprooted those plans and Don and Charli found themselves in Arizona where Don began his successful career in municipal infrastructure, development, and city planning. He lived and worked in Arizona for over 30 years, working with the cities of Scottsdale and Chandler. No matter where Don lived, he remained an avid Denver Broncos and CU Buffs fan--he loved following his teams and even cheered on the Colorado State Rams when nephew, Greg, played football there.
Don and Charli raised their family in Arizona, enjoying many family activities. Don coached several seasons of youth baseball and hockey and eventually traded in coaching for front row seats rooting on his kids. Don shared his love for water, camping, and the outdoors with his family. During his children’s infamous teenage years, he would play “Reveille” on his grandfather’s bugle to get their day started. He could frequently be heard playing the piano, trumpet, vinyl records, or blasting favorite tracks throughout the house. He spent many nights at the table helping with homework or studying for exams. He was a loving father, encouraging his children to be independent thinkers, curious, confident, passionate, and hardworking.
In 2017, life led Don back to Colorado to be closer to kids and family. Don was thrilled for the opportunities a new job with the City of Greeley provided professionally, but most importantly it gave him quality time with his children—helping them make renovations to their homes, camping at Red Feather Lakes, and fishing on lakes across northern Colorado.
Don was a talented man with many interests, ranging from science and engineering, history, cooking, puzzles, music, cars, sports, and more. He always loved dogs, and in recent years, treasured his two Australian Shepherds. His sharp mind and near-photographic memory led to an interest in skilled trivia competitions. In the last year, he also fulfilled a long-time goal to own a classic automobile with his purchase of a beautifully restored 1938 Chevrolet Master. Don was an accomplished barbecue master and cook. He loved preparing meals for family and friends and created many memorable recipes. He enjoyed the professional challenges of his work in the rapidly growing Greeley community and was well respected there. He was working as a Senior Civil Engineer/Manager for the City of Greeley at the time of his passing.
Don left this world much too soon. Many who knew him will forever imagine him water skiing on Windsor Lake from dawn to dusk, exuberantly playing the piano, pondering world problems over a favorite whiskey, or cheering on one of his favorite teams.
The family is finalizing arrangements, but it is anticipated that a memorial service will be held in Yuma, Arizona at the Gila Mountain United Methodist Church on March 25th, 2024, at 11:00. A Celebration of Life to be held this summer in Windsor, Colorado.
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