Richard "Dick" Lee Kirby

Richard Kirby, of Traverse City, age 84, passed away peacefully at his home on August 17th, 2023 with his family at his side after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Dick was born on September 1, 1938 in Flint, Michigan to the late Edward Francis and Clara Drusilla (Bachman) Kirby. At the tender age of 8, he met his best friend and soul mate in grade school, Judith Ann Rockafellow. The two were high school sweethearts and married on November 5, 1955. They both graduated from Flint Central in 1956 and together they raised four wonderful children and built an incredible life. Dick was a champion swimmer in high school and later went on to study at GMI. He worked for General Motors for over 30 years where his great love of cars was born, especially hot rods. During the sixties and seventies, Dick and Judy could be found dancing together at a Flint Dance Club where they could be seen really tearing up the floor. Dick also enjoyed playing in softball leagues in Flint and was known for his fun-loving and happy spirit. Dick and Judy were quite the pair and together they faced many difficult challenges with strength and courage. --They were deeply devoted to one another and to the loving care of their son David who at 19, was in a car accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury. Against all odds, he thrived and has lived a full life. Sadly, they also lost their beloved daughter Dru Ellen Orbeck in 2012. Dick loved boating on Lake Leelanau and the Great Lakes and trips with friends to the North Chanel. Racing with his buddies on snowmobiles always thrilled Dick. He definitely had a need for speed. Many fun memories at Birch Point campground will forever be treasured by his family. Dick had a genuine appreciation for old movies like “Gone With The Wind” and “Casablanca” and especially any of the old Westerns. He enjoyed listening to old radio serial shows from the 1940s and 50s. Dick truly enjoyed time rocking on the front porch, listening to music from the sixties and seventies, especially the Beatles and watching his grandchildren skiing and swimming in the lake. Dick will be greatly missed by his family and friends; both here in Michigan and in Marco Island where the Kirbys resided in winter. We will forever miss him singing Amazing Grace in the shower . Dick is survived by his beloved wife Judy of 68 years; their daughter Laurie (Tony) Perry, and sons Rick Kirby and David Kirby; 9 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; brother James Kirby and step brother John Doughty. A memorial service will be held on August 28th, 2023, at 3 pm, with visitation beginning at 2 pm at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. If you are unable to attend in person, you are invited to watch the service at www.rjfh.tv Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to Munson Hospice Care. (1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684).

Richard "Dick" Lee Kirby

September 1, 1938 - August 17, 2023