Stan William Kirby

Stan Kirby

Louisville, Colorado resident, 58

LOUISVILLE - Stan William Kirby Stan (William) Kirby, of Louisville, Colorado, died unexpectedly on June 22, 2022, in a bicycling accident.

He will be much missed by his family, his friends, and his readers. A passionate writer, traveler, and devoted husband to his wife Kathy,

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Stan was born in Loveland, Colo, in 1964 as the youngest of three brothers. In 1969 the Kirby family moved to Kearney, Nebr., where Stan's father, Bob Kirby, taught English at what was then Kearney State College. Stan developed a keen interest in science but also loved literature, like his dad. He graduated from Kearney Senior High in 1982 and from UNL in 1986, initially with aspirations to major in chemistry. But he became a science teacher instead, teaching in Lincoln for two years. Eventually, he found his true vocation as a writer. Writing for a living was a challenge that Stan met with versatility, experimenting with many different forms, from 'Iapetus,' a sci-fi novel, to scripts for local TV shows, and from magazine articles to the mystery novel 'Vienna' in 2015. Writing was his passion, his vocation, his way of processing the world. Even as he lost faith in the publishing industry, every morning he would sit down at his computer and write; at the time of his death, he was working on a young adult novel-trying out yet another genre.

Stan had met his future wife, Kathy (Wiese) Kirby, during their college years, and together, they embarked on many adventures for the 36 years they had together. They also overcame health setbacks on both sides that would have torn many couples apart; instead, they lovingly took care of each other and always made the absolute best lemonade out of some very bitter lemons. They traveled far and wide, 'bumming around the planet,' as Stan put it, fascinated by the diversity of nature and culture everywhere. Whether it was a month-long trip abroad, a weekend stay at the family cabin, or a short half-day hike, they went exploring. In their beloved Colorado (first in Castle Rock, then in Aurora, and finally in Louisville near Boulder) Stan and Kathy walked, hiked, and biked the Rockies and the foothills, always on the lookout for interesting plants, birds, and other critters. Friends and family who came along could count themselves lucky to be shown their favorite trails, nooks, and crannies and to hear Stan tell great stories about his surroundings. A wonderful conversationalist, Stan was as good at listening as he was at talking; at any time, he was up to a chat about life, the universe, and everything, with everyone, no matter what age or outlook. He inspired others with his laid-back sense of humor, his ability to spot the positive even in the darkest times, and his determination to savor life to the fullest. The accident on June 22 cut short a full life in a split second. The loss is unfathomable to us who are left behind grieving, but so grateful to have known Stan.

Survivors include his wife Kathy (Wiese) Kirby; his brothers Greg and Bob with their wives and children; as well as cousins (Bauers and Castners); in-laws; and many, many friends in Colorado, Nebraska, and elsewhere.

Stan was preceded in death by his parents, Bob Kirby and Janet (Bohner) Kirby.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Sister Carmen Community Center in Lafayette, CO., a local poverty relief organization, in his memory.