Brian David Kirby
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Brian David Kirby of Lawrence, Kansas was a wonderful father, son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend. He was beloved “Uncle B” to 17 nieces and nephews. Brian left this world on July 31, 2022, at the age of 56.
He was born to Jack and Mona (Simmons) Kirby on April 13, 1966, in Leavenworth, Kansas and was raised on a farm outside of Easton, Kansas. He graduated from Pleasant Ridge High School in 1983 and went on to attend The University of Kansas where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design. Brian resided in Lawrence, Kansas until his death. He was a devoted employee of MartinLogan for 23 years as an Engineer Technician of Product Development. Brian built lifelong friendships over the years at The University of Kansas, MartinLogan and from living in Lawrence.
Brian is survived by his beautiful daughter, Sonya Krambeer, of Lawrence, KS; sisters, Roxanne Hartl of Easton, KS and Alicia Kirby, of Golden, CO; brothers, Mike (Gina) Kirby of Valley Falls, KS and Steve Kirby of Wentzville, MO; aunt, Darlene Messer of Springfield, MO.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Jack, and Mona Kirby, of Easton, KS, and four grandparents.
Brian was a brilliant man with the ability to retain random facts about a wide variety of topics. As a child, he was a “pro” when playing the boardgame, Jeopardy, with his family. As an adult, he knew everything and anything regarding the show, Seinfeld, or KU basketball! He also had a sharp wit and mastery of language that was unmatched. Any card or letter he wrote had a well-thought-out eloquence inscribed. At family gatherings, one would find him jumping on the trampoline with his daughter, nieces and nephews or enjoying card games, a game of spoons, or board games with the family. Mostly though, Brian was a kind and thoughtful man that put others before himself. He was loved by so many, will be deeply missed and will remain in our hearts forever.
Please join in celebrating his life at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Brian’s name to Melanoma Research Foundation at www.justgiving.com/BrianDavidKirby and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
To Alicia and Rachel as well as the rest of the family I send hugs and prayers to you all as you mourn for Brian. I am so sorry for your loss.
Roxanne, Mike, Steve and Alicia.
I remember many art classes with Brian. He was talented and witty. He was a well loved fixture in the school and in our Easton community. I send my love and condolences.
My condolences for your loss and prayers for your family. May he rest in paradise.
I remember the first time I met Brian. He was a great friend of mine and my folks and our friend Mike who we met him through. We all had a lot of great New Year’s Eve celebrations every year or every few years. He was one smartest and nicest guys I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know. Thinking of the family at this time. God bless you Brian! You will be missed.
Brian went through school with my children in Easton. I remember how smart and talented he was. I also knew his parents. The whole family were wonderful people. It’s sad he had to leave so soon. Please accept our condolences. Our prayers are with you all.
Condolences to the Family. BK was a quality fella.
Bri Bri – you were such a kind soul and wonderful painter taken too soon.
Unfortunately I didn’t know Brian as an adult, but as a grade school friend he was the best, and I have many fond memories growing up just down the road, from summer baseball to playing in the creek. He will always be remembered, by me, and it sounds like so many others that he has touched the lives of. My thoughts and prayers of support go out to the entire Kirby family.