Maurice "Mort" Joseph Kirby

Maurice “Mort" Joseph Kirby was born on February 26, 1937, as a surprise last baby to Mary Adelaide and Leo Vincent Kirby in Independence, Iowa on their farm. Mort spent his early childhood helping on the farm and had many happy memories of it. Sadly, his father passed away when he was 10 years old, and his mother passed away when he was 12 years old. He went to live with his sister, Rita Hagemann, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa where he graduated from high school. Mort felt the pull to see the world, so he joined the U.S. Air Force where he spent 23 years seeing Africa, Germany, California, and Montana. It was in California where he met his bride, Anita L. Sandoval, at a dance, and three months later on September 14, 1963, they were married in San Bernadino, California. After being stationed in Beale Air Force Base, the big sky of Montana became his new home when he arrived at Malmstrom Air Force Base, and he retired from the Air Force in 1977. After contemplating what his new future would bring, he started a new career as a biomedical technician where he worked at Columbus Hospital and then Benefis Health System. In between his work, he spent many hours doing the things he loved: racing and fixing cars with his friends, building, and learning the new world of home computers, astronomy, and opening the world of robotics to children in Great Falls. After his retirement, he spent many hours enjoying living in "God's Country” and enjoyed camping in his prize motor home. Sadly, time took its toll on Mort, and he began to succumb to the effects of dementia. He was supported by his wife who was always at his side, and his daughter Valerie and son in law Russell. He lived a long and happy life, sharing 57 years with Anita. He was able to spend his final days in his own home with his family at his side, and he passed away peacefully. He will always be remembered as a man with an easy smile, clever wit, and passion for learning new technologies. He leaves behind his wife, Anita; daughter, Valerie (Russell) Kirby-Johnson; and his grandson, Rhys. “Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where your loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy”. I will see you in the stars, my beloved Dad. Enjoy your beloved galaxies.