KIRBY is my Mother's paternal line, and John Kirby (1767-1848) is her oldest known ancestor. The only ancestor I knew personally (other than my Mother and her siblings), was my Grandfather Kermit E. KIRBY (1917-1972)
He was, from my recollection, a very sweet, intelligent man that many people thought alot of. I, unfortunatly, did not get a chance know him as well as I wanted, as he died when I was 8 years old.
He was 55 years old upon his death. He was a loving husband to my Grandmother
(Alice FILLENWARTH) and the Father of "4 black sheep".
I think we all get our sense of humor from the KIRBY side of the family, my Aunt Dianne, (his second born ewe) is a riot!
His children called him "Daddy", even when they were adults, so I think you can see how much he meant to them. Can you think of a better way to honor your father than a poem?
This was written by his daughter (and my Mother), Elizabeth M. Kirby.
You are the Love of our Life
Sweet memories still bring tears Even after all these years. We catch a glimpse of you in some small way As we see your grand kids every day.
The profile in the sun as Danny walks by, The brownest of brown in Tammy Jean's eyes, The flashing smile of David's joy As he sports about on his latest toy.
The strength of Karin's will we all know by now And remember the shape of Valerie's brow. When they were born we could not escape The tiny strawberry cradled at the nape.
Red sails in the Sunset, a sunset, any sunset Brings forth a moment we can not forget. A red plaid cap, a pair of work shoes Childhood memories we can never lose.
You used to sing, with us on your knee Your deep rich voice was always to be A comfort to us when we were sad And a stern reminder when we were bad.
Your love for our Mother was like no other. Never found by us girls or even our brother. That love so strong, that love so pure, It was one in a million, that's for sure.
You are in our minds forever young With much more words and music left unsung. Even though Mother was your wife, You will always be the love of our life.
I wish I had even a fraction of my Mother's poetic and artistic ability. Then, I could let her know what she means to me, in the same fashion she has in her poem to her Father.
Everyone in my family knows I am not the artistic one, (I can't even draw a stick man) but I think I do have a knack for telling it as it is.
Mom,
I know I told you this the other day, but I would like to take this opportunity now, for everyone to see, to say to you, that I love your very much and that I do not know where I would be with out her guidance, principles and morals.
You have successfully raised three responsible, loving adults, who absolutly ADORE you.
Thank You for showing us the way to interact with each other. You did this through love and communcation with each of us. At the time, we thought you were nuts, we would have rather taken the beating.
Thank You for your policy of not spanking us, (even though we may have deserved it!)
We did not fear you, we did (and do) respect you! You have done what God put you on this planet for, and then some! You know that you are not completely done! You did a fine job teaching us how to be loving parents, in the next decade we will become Grandparents ourselves, so we will still seek your guidance on this level.
Okay, now I am tearing up, so I will stop!
(Hows that for brown nosing, brother Dave?, top that!)
Your favorite issue,
Karin
PS, Thanks for the diamonds, too!!
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