Ken Kirby

Kenneth P. Kirby, 62, of Bellaire, passed away Thursday, March 3, 2011 at home. He was born June 14, 1948 in Charlevoix to John and Donna Kirby. Ken was a teacher and coach in Bellaire for the last 39 years. In 2001 he was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He enjoyed giving back to his community through cooking food for the annual bike race, setting up the concessions for the athletic events, taking on the role as president of the little league, decorating the school hallways for Christmas, opening the weight room for athletes and helped prepare Easter Sunday breakfasts at church. Having taught and coached generations of students Ken was known and loved throughout the community as Coach Kirby. Ken is survived by three loving children, Stacey (Steve) Urbani of Midland, MI., Jill (Ian) McGlynn of Fortbragg, NC., and Kevin Kirby of Bellaire, MI; mother, Donna Kirby of Boyne City; brother, John (Mary Jane) Kirby of Gaylord, Mi; sister, Becky (Mike) Griffin of Petoskey, MI; nine grandchildren, Mackenzi, Morgan, Myca, Markus, Wyatt, Whitney, Marianna, Nicolas and Alexis. He will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his father, John Kirby; brothers, David and Bill and a sister, Trudy. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 8, at 11 am at the Bellaire High School Gymnasium with Pastor Mike McGlynn officiating. The family will receive friends Monday, March 7, from Noon to 3 and 5 to 8 pm at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Memorial contributions may be made to Bellaire Student Enrichment Fund, 204 West Forest Home, Bellaire Michigan, 49615. Please sign Ken's guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com