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1936
2019
RONALD D. (RON) KIRBY
1936 - 2019
Ronald D. (Ron) Kirby, Bakersfield, CA. He is survived by his wife Beverly, brother Dwight (Corinne), daughters Lynn Mello (Joe), and Laurie White (Mark), sons Jeff Kirby (Michelle Joy) and James Kirby, and his step-children, Kari Hubbell, Kraig Harmon, Brad Harmon, Kathy Davis (Shawn), and Keith Cross. Ron also leaves behind 22 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Karen Jett, and his step-daughter Lynn Marie Melton.
Ron attended Bakersfield High, and joined the U.S. Navy in 1954, where he proudly served his country in the submarine service. After his service he worked in the financial services industry in Bakersfield, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.
Ron had many interests in life, all of which he pursued with passion. Ron was active in his local chapter of submarine veterans. Sharing time with his fellow submariners brought a special joy to his life. Ron recently had the privilege of taking part in Flight #37 of the Kern County Honor Flight, to honor veterans of the Korean War.
However, Ron's greatest joy in life was his family. He loved his children and step-children, but he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ron was known as the life of the party. His jokes and sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Viewing will be 9:00 - 10:00 am, Services will be held at 10:00 am, on Saturday September 14, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 5500 Fruitvale Ave, Bakersfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ron can be made to the Honor Flight Kern County, Box 255, 8200 Stockdale Highway, Suite M-10, Bakersfield, CA 93311.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Kern River Family Mortuary.
To my neighbors, Beverly and Ron, we didn't know Ron had passed. We will be praying for you and your family. He will be missed and I will forever miss him at the BSC Car Show! Larry & Lilli Parker.
September 29, 2019
Will always remember Ron's kindness to me ...
Peace, love and blessings to all
MelbaWinter Hale
September 13, 2019
A father may pass on, but his thoughts, hopes and dreams live on in us. You will forever be missed. I love you the most!
September 10, 2019
Ron was a great friend and very helpful in several financial decisions. We knew each other from various organizations and community involvement programs in Oxnard,CA. We had many friends in common such as Fred Kosmo, Denyse Maillet, Faye Macdonald, and more.
We lived for a time in the same apartment complex at the Bahia Marina in Oxnard. He was my next door apartment neighbor and we used to share a (maybe more than one) beverage on occasion. He helped me move my stuff from the apartment complex when I bought a house in Ventura.
When he moved to Bakersfield we kept in touch by e-mail, and when he would come to Oxnard for the Submariner's meetings we would get together. We also got together when attending Denyse's memorial service in Ventura.
His camaraderie, and comedic communications will be missed. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Beverly, Jeff and all of Ron's family and friends.
Peter G. Drake
September 10, 2019
I worked with Ron for many years at Ventura County National Bank. His sense of humor and enthusiasm for everything he did were such a blessing and I know he will be missed by all who knew him and enjoyed being in his presence. My deepest condolences to his family and to those who knew and loved him.
September 10, 2019
Ron and I served aboard USS Redfish, but not at the same time. I got to know Ron at a Redfish reunion and he was always a good shipmate and congenial to talk with. Sailor, Rest your oar...
Patrick Householder
Military
September 7, 2019
I knew Ron through the Submariners group that meets once a month. He had everyone's respect and we enjoyed our time with him on those Sundays when he drove up from Bakersfield. He will be missed, but not forgotten. With Prayers, Floyd Graham
floyd graham
Friend
September 5, 2019
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Funeral services provided by:
Kern River Family Mortuary1900 N. Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93308
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