Kim David Kirby, 56, died Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007, at his home in Havre after to a lengthy illness.
Cremation has taken place and his memorial service will be held at a later time in Havre. Kim was born May 26, 1951, in Great Falls to Joseph and Margery (Cheney) Kirby. He was raised in Raynesford until his family relocated to Great Falls. He graduated from Great Falls Central in 1969 and then attended Northern Montana College, graduating with his Bachelor’s of Science in Education in 1974. He married Deborah Allen on July 7, 1974, in Havre. They were blessed with one son Josh. Kim began his teaching career at Holy Family School in Great Falls, followed by teaching and coaching at Dutton High School. Then Kim moved his family to Havre in 1981 and taught in the “Real World Program.” He earned his master’s degree in special education at Eastern Montana College, graduating in 1985. When the Havre School District discontinued the Real World Program, Kim was prepared to teach special education at Havre High School. His illness forced an early retirement in November of 2006. Kim was very involved in sporting activities his entire life, first as a participant and then as a coach. High school and middle school football and wrestling were his focus. He especially enjoyed coaching and watching his son participate in a variety of sporting activities, never missing a game or match. Following the fine example of his father, Kim was a devoted family man. Kim was active in Havre youth baseball, serving on its board; Havre Legion baseball, and also in the Havre area and regional Special Olympics. He and Debbie were also Montana State University-Northern Skylight volleyball supporters. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margery Kirby, in 2001. Kim is survived by his wife of 33 years Deborah Kirby of Havre; son, Josh (Miranda) Kirby of Havre; two grandchidren; father, Joseph Jerome Kirby of Great Falls; brother, Michael Kirby of Great Falls; mother-in-law, Helen Allen of Kalispell; sister-in-law Sharon Young of Claremont, Calif.; brother in-law, Brian (Mary Kim) Allen of Boise, Idaho; five nieces; a nephew, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Kim’s honor may be made to: Havre Youth Baseball, Havre Area Special Olympics or to the Van Orsdel United Methodist Church. Services were entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.
