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BORN
2010
Grant Kirby Obituary
TWO Australian soldiers have been killed and two others wounded in Afghanistan.
Defence Minister John Faulkiner announced the sad news at 10.30 this morning in Canberra.
A statement from Defence said the next of kin of those involved in the incident had been notified.
The soldiers were hit by an explosive device.
The dead soldiers have been named as Private Grant Kirby, a 35-year-old father of two, and Private Thomas Dale, who was 21.
It was the first tour of duty in Afghanistan for both men.
The Acting Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General David Hurley, said the soldiers died at 10.30am Afghan time on Friday.
They were killed in action while standing near their Bushmaster vehicle when an explosive device was activated.
The deaths of the two soldiers brings the number of troops killed during the election campaign to three.
Twenty Australian soldiers had died in the Afghanistan war. Nine have died this year - three during the Federal Election campaign.
The most recent casualty was Jason Brown, killed in a firefight with insurgents.
120 Entries
May 30, 2015
I don't add a message out of sympathy of Grants death,for it is 5 years ago now. I don't add a message out of ownership of Grant or a message of what his legacy should be....I just flat out say...I Miss Grant so much as the brother I never had. have only just opened a box of VHS tapes to find Excalibur (my copy Grant) and Monty pythons holy grail. (also my copy Grant)... the reason I know its my copy is because when SBS had a late night program named liquid television you asked me to record a certain episode of DOG BOY...you handed me one tape and it was Montys... any way... Mate it's 30/05/15...I miss you very much. I know I didnt have a huge role in your life in your last few yeas but, I know you knew you i would be here for your daughters, My nieces, and my sister.There are so many things that you and I did together. I never had a brother by blood, but you were he. I am also here for your other brothers Luke and Shaun. I miss Luke a lot. Random. I love you Grant. I miss you .
anwen
March 6, 2012
bye grant we will always miss you!!
Matt
February 5, 2011
Grant,
A pleasure to have served, laughed and lived with you. Rest now Venerable Son Of ANZAC, we will continue to fight.
Miss you mate
How you can show support
Roberta McKibbin
October 11, 2010
Thinking of all his family at this sad time. We share your sorrow at losing one of our best.
Jason Roach
September 28, 2010
Thank you.
anwen
September 27, 2010
private grant kirby will never be forgotten and we share the sorrow for all the families with lost family members, we say our sorrows for the kirby and dale families as well as friends. we will miss you grant!!!
September 25, 2010
I love you. XX
Kim
September 5, 2010
Gary and Jo, you created an amazing person who embraced life and loved being a part of 2 families. We will always hold him in our hearts.
Anne & Joe Bahr
September 4, 2010
Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with your family. What you have given will NEVER be forgotten or taken for granted.
September 3, 2010
To Gary, Di, Luke, Shaun & Lauren, We were very saddened to hear of your loss. We wish to pass on our most sincere sympathy and condolences. For many years we spent time at Cotton Tree Caravan Park and knowing you at that time was very special. Those good times will always remain in our thoughts. Gregg, Gayle, Ben & Tom Hislop
Jo
August 31, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time. He was a hero and will never be forgotten.
Staff and Students at St Laurence's College
August 31, 2010
Our condolences to The Kirby Family on the loss of Grant. His service to the nation will never be forgotten. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Julio Gutierrez
August 30, 2010
My deepest condolences to The Kirby Family on the loss of their son,brother. He was also a great Father. I had the pleasure of working with Grant in the Gold Coast. He was a great man who loved his daughters, we often spoke of our kids and I know that he will look after his daughters from above. You will never be forgotten here at Bartercard or by anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting you mate. Rest in Peace Grant !
tony whitten
August 30, 2010
To all who mourn for Grant, especially his family, please accept my condolences. His generous spirit and kindness will not be forgotten
Linda Mellor
August 29, 2010
Dear Di, Gary and family,
After reading all the wonderful things that have been written about Grant, I keep going back to the one line:
A DIGGER NEVER FALLS, THEY JUST GET THEIR WINGS!
You are amazing strong people that i always look up to and want to be around, because of the bond of family/strengh and love your create- be brave.
The pain will never go away but you will get better at handling it. May God carry you all on his wings durning this time.
Love Linda Mellor (Denise's Sister)
Cheryl Holmes
August 28, 2010
So very sorry for such a sad loss,I have so much admiration for a man that not only protects his country but also is such a devoted and loving family man.. as a mother i cant imagine the pain you are all feeling.My heart goes out to the family and Edwina and their two beautiful girls.
Karen and John Townend
August 27, 2010
To Gary, Di, Luke, Shaun and Lauren, We were so saddened to hear of Grant's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dean Jeynes
August 27, 2010
To Diane, Gary, Shaun, Luke and Lauren, on behalf of the Jeynes family, I wish to offer you all our deepest condolences at the loss of Grant. I have very fond memories growing up with Grant as our neighbour and was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. He was one of the most genuine people you could ever meet. Thank you for protecting our country Grant... RIP old friend.
Dean, Terry, Pam, Shane and Mark.
Narelle Mullins
August 27, 2010
To Di
To you and all your family.
I cannot imagine your pain at this time. I trust that you can feel the love of friends
God Bless
Anita Davidson
August 27, 2010
Diane, Gary and family, We were all deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your precious son Grant. As a past neighbour at Leonarda Dv, memories of seeing all your children growing up flooded back. Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Anita, Garry, Marc and Leigh Davidson
Tania Berry
August 26, 2010
Grant was a wonderful friend whom i will miss dearly, words cant explain how much he helped me over the years, one guy who understood me more then some of my closest friends. my heart breaks for the loss your family is feeling right now!!! Forever in my heart and mind lots of love Tan xx
Brett Stevens
August 26, 2010
To Grant's family, I wish to pass on my sympathy and condolences. I want you to know you are in my thoughts at this very sad time in your life. What a brave, fine young Australian Grant must have been and how lucky you where to have known and been loved by him. I am forever gratefull for his and his comrades service in our continuing freedom and security. God Bless Grant and his family.
wilma gavigan
August 25, 2010
as a mum of a soldier my heart goes out to all
Craig Hardy
August 25, 2010
I was very saddened to hear of your loss. I wish to pass on my most sincere sympathy and condolences. Grant was one of the nicest people that I’ve had the pleasure to meet and it is difficult to accept that he is no longer with us. It has been a few years since I’d seen Grant however I had the pleasure of working with him and having him as a flatmate but most of all I was proud to have called him a friend. Rest in peace Kirbs
Danny O'Brien
August 25, 2010
Our thoughts and condolences are with the Kirby family at this very sad time.
RIP Private Grant Kirby and thank you for your efforts in helping to turn this world into a better place for the future.
August 24, 2010
Dear Di, My heart goes out to you and your family. Please know you are in my thoughts at this very sad time in your lives. May Grant rest in peace knowing he has done humanity a great service.
Anne (Denise Trudgian's sister ... Melbourne)
August 24, 2010
To my beautiful friend Grant, you will always be remembered with a smile and you will always have a place in my heart. Nicole. xo
August 24, 2010
Dianne Garry and family. We were so sad to hear the news of Grant. We are deeply sorry for what has happened but are so proud for what he did for the country. He will never be forgotten in our family.
All our love Nick, Simone, Georgia and Ryder xoxox
Nicholas Pearce
August 24, 2010
Dianne Garry and family. We were so sad to hear the news of Grant. We are deeply sorry for what has happened but are so proud for what he did for the country. He will never be forgotten in our family.
All our love Nick, Simone, Georgia and Ryder xoxox
Staff Ferny Grove State School
August 24, 2010
Dearest Gary, Di and all the Kirby family, please know that all your colleagues at Ferny Grove State School love you. We are heart-broken. We cannot imagine your grief. We are here for you and wish we could cradle you in our arms and comfort you, but there is no comfort. Your son Grant was a precious gift. Now you will see him in your gorgeous Grand-daughters. You'll see his smile, his sense of humour and his mannerisms. He will always be with you.
The Parker Family
August 23, 2010
Di, Gary and Family. Our sincerest condolences at the loss of a fine young man. Our thoughts are with you all.
Arleta Roszkowski
August 23, 2010
As a mother of soldier who serving in Afghanistan.My love go out to family,he was a hero.
Liz Jackman
August 23, 2010
To Gary Kirby, father of Pte Grant Kirby - it was with distress that we heard of your son's tragic death- you taught our son Matthew at Ferny Grove and we where all distraught to hear the news. To his family and to the two beautiful girls he leaves behind - we suffer with you and will never forget the sacrifice made by such brave men. All our love and thoughts
Denise Trudgian
August 23, 2010
Dear Gary,Di,Luke,Shaun & Lauren
With deepest sadness,I send this message to you all.Lloyd,Jason,Paul and myself will never forget the lovely,happy times we shared over the years with Grant as he was growing up in our friendly neighbourhood of Rochedale.
Grant will always be remembered in our hearts.
Lana Barrett-Sharp
August 23, 2010
Words can simply not express the grief that the Defence community feels for PTE Kirby's family.My son is in Gary Kirby's class at school and we as a family who has a husband and father deployed overseas as well want to pass on our condolences and thoughts. May god be with you through this period.
Lana Barrett & Alec and Isaac Sharp
michael welsh
August 23, 2010
to a great friend and a true australian hero, you have done us all proud, to the kirby family i send my heart felt sympothies to you all, you were like a brother kirbs we had so much in common with being away from our kids, i will always hold you close to my heart you were a true mate.
Pte Michael Welsh 6RAR
Keith Emery
August 23, 2010
As a father of a soldier who was serving alongside Grant in his Afghan patrol.
It is with heartfelt sympathy that I assure the Family of Pte Kirby our thoughts are with you all at this terribly sad time.
RIP Brave Digger. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Keith/Wendy Emery & Family
Lisa Smith
August 23, 2010
For all the good times we had in South Australia, You were a wonderful man and great friend to many including myself. You will be deeply missed and our condolences go out to your beautiful family and friends at this time.
Donna Palmer
August 23, 2010
Rest in Peace Pte Grant Kirby. I only worked with Grant for a short time and know that Pte Grant Kirby loved his wife Edwina and his daughters dearly. My heart and love go out to the whole family. A hero that will never be forgotten.
Paul Kelly
August 23, 2010
1. We use the word Legend too loosely with our sports stars - Grant was a True Aussie Legend serving his country. We as Australians owe Grant and all the other Aussie Soldiers serving - well I can't put it in words. Grant I thank you for your Tremendous Sacrifice and I ask all Australians to donate freely to Legacy this week. Australians fighting overseas for our Freedoms can never be underestimated. RIP Grant and condolences to your family - it was a honour knowing you.
Craig Pengelly
August 22, 2010
Rest in Peace Pte Kirby.
Angela Klein
August 22, 2010
Lauren from all of all the Kleins we are so sad and so sorry to hear about Grant. Please know that we are thinking of you and your family at this really tough time and our prayers are with you all xx
Sarah Crellin
August 22, 2010
so sorry to hear of your loss. the crellins are thinking of u.
Terry Mac Manus
August 22, 2010
To say thank you for keeping us safe is of little help to those who mourn you but to ensure your sacrifice is remembered forever by Australians all is to be a must! At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.
Andrew & Alicia
August 22, 2010
Be strong Eddy! We are constantly thinking of you and your girls during this tough time and pray that you get through this. Love always from Alicia and Andrew
Hayley Schwind
August 22, 2010
My thoughts and prays are with Private Kirby's family and friends.
August 22, 2010
UNKNOWN TO THEIR NATION
THERE SACRIFICE WAS MADE
NOW GOD WALK BESIDE THEM
OUR NATION WILL CALL THEM HEROES
BUT A WIFE AND CHILDREN WILL KNOW
THEY WERE THERE LOVED ONES LOST TOO SOON
LIZ CHESSELL
August 22, 2010
UNKNOWN TO THEIR NATION
THERE SACRIFICE WAS MADE
NOW GOD WALK BESIDE THEM
OUR NATION WILL CALL THEM HEROES
BUT A WIFE AND CHILDREN WILL KNOW
THEY WERE THERE LOVED ONES LOST TOO SOON
Louise Callaghan
August 22, 2010
As the wife of a serving soldier I can imagine your grief. So sad the loss of life. Gone but never forgotten. Kind thoughts and wishes to your family.
Ryan Hamblion
August 22, 2010
Thankyou for keeping us safe. God Bless.
Gary Ex 6 RAR
August 22, 2010
To the family may you find some comfort in that this brave mans sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Katie Carter
August 22, 2010
To the family of Private Grant Kirby may you be blessed with comfort and solace in your grief and loss. Rest In Eternal Peace Grant, you paid the ultimate sacrifice for Australia which will not be forgotten by those of us that hold our heroic troops in the highest esteem.
Scott Van Leeuwen
August 22, 2010
I did not know him, but I know what a sacrifice Private Grant Kirby made for our country. I am sure your Family and Friends will remember him as the Husband, Father and Hero is is and was. Please God, give him a beautiful place to rest for eternity.
Penny M
August 22, 2010
A true and pure hero. The wind beneath our nations wings.
'We will remember them'
Patrick Mangion
August 21, 2010
Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice you have made to protect the rights and lives of all Australians and our way of life. May your memory live on in those you have left behind to carry on your legacy. RIP.
Graeme Rogers
August 21, 2010
Our heart goes out to your family, they have lost a loved one for our freedom. God loves you, and so do we.
Father of a trooper
Tpr Eriksen
August 21, 2010
A Digger Never Falls, They Just Get Their Wings
PAM TOWNSEND
August 21, 2010
GOD BLESS YOU YOUNG MAN. YOU MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR YOUR COUNTRY, AND YOUR PEOPLE, SO THEY CPULD BE FREE. nOW ITS YOUR TIME TO BE FREE. RIP AND GOD BLESS YOUR LOVED ONES.
August 21, 2010
Another sad loss for so many friends and family and for every proud Australian. You are a true hero and the job that you were doing was important and you were so brave. Thoughts are with your family at this sad time.
Debbie Springett
August 21, 2010
My thoughts are with Private Kirkby's family,friends and collegues.The sacrifice you made for your country will not be forgotten.
Belinda McDonald
August 21, 2010
So very sorry to hear of your passing, you will be sadly missed by everyone that knew you. I hope that your little girls find peace and know that their father was a Hero......your sacrifice will never be forgotten. 'Lest We Forget'
Brok Lancaster
August 21, 2010
I want to thank you and your family for your courage and sacrifice, your spirit ,heart and beleif.
i am very sad for you and your family, but so very proud that we still have modern day heros and diggers like your self to guard this great land and deter and repel the bad in this world . Without you, Australia would not be Australia ........Thankyou Kirbys........................
Gertrude Evans
August 21, 2010
My condolences go out to Grant's family especially his children that will grow up without a father and his wife
Lianna Dennis
August 21, 2010
Ordinary people are so special to their family and friends. Ordinary people do extraodinary things like Private Kirby and Private Dale I, like so many others are very proud of our soldiers, they do such a wonderful job under many difficult circumstances. My heart wrenching condolances to both family's. To all the fine young people in the ADF continuing with fortitude, determination and bravery. Lest we forget. RIP. From a mum and dad who's son loves his job in the infantry, and loves our country equally. You have lost an Australian treasure.
Erin Carson
August 21, 2010
Grant, you were such a great guy you are so brave and all of Australia is so proud of you. Thank you for all you have done for our country. You were loved by many and will always be remembered. Rest in peace. My thoughts are with your family and your girls during this terrible time. Xx
Craig Johnston
August 21, 2010
Your the type of person that I will always look up to. Your courage, mateship and sacrifice will not be forgotten. Rest in peace Aussie brother.
Deepest sympathies to the family.
graeme robinson
August 21, 2010
farewell grant, memories held by all your family and friends will remain in their hearts forever. we all will never forget your sacrifice and the sacrifice of others to ensure a safe world.heart felt sympathy to your family.
Roger Lin
August 21, 2010
My heart goes out to you and your family. We can never thank you enough for the sacrifice you made for this great country. Thank you.
Sharon Roberts
August 21, 2010
Grant and I worked together a while back at NAB at Coorparoo....he was such a lovely guy....i am so sorry for your loss...my thought are with your family at this time
Peter Ritter
August 21, 2010
At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember you!
Ian Branson
August 21, 2010
Special thoughts are with you and your serving mates. Your memory will last as it does for all of our true heroes.
I am so proud of you.
Jocelyn Cook
August 21, 2010
Grant you will never be forgotten. I look back and smile when I think of the good times we all shared in SA. My sincerest condolences to your family and friends.
Shaun Tansey
August 21, 2010
You are a true Aussie hero. My condolances to your family and to our country for losing such a fine upstanding man
Jocelyn Cook
August 21, 2010
Grant you will never be forgotten. You could make anyone smile and I will always look back with fondness on the times we all had in SA. My sincerest condolences to your family.
John Hildebrandt
August 21, 2010
Private Grant Kirby, I salute you. You will not be forgotten fellow comrade. RIP.
Bailey Love
August 21, 2010
Every time we loose one of our soldiers it is a stark reminder of the wonderful job they are doing. Without the courage and commitment of these brave men and women, we would not be able to live as freely as we do today. My condolences go out to your soldier family and your family.
Pete Fumberger
August 21, 2010
I am saddened greatly to hear of your loss. RIP Private Kirby, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Thank you for your service.
Glenn King
August 21, 2010
RIP True aussie hero maybe lost but will never be forgotten Thankyou
August 21, 2010
Rest in Peace
peter
August 21, 2010
RIP your sacrifice will never be forgotte. Your bravery and commitment is a reason we will safely here
Adam I
August 21, 2010
It takes great courage to accept the responsibility and risk that comes with defending our nation. A sacrifice we will not forget. R.I.P.
August 21, 2010
May God grant you comfort at this time of grief and loss.Treasure your memories and know his sacrifice for our great nation will never be forgotten.
Rajitha Wijayaratne
August 21, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
August 21, 2010
God bless you and yuor and your family I'm sorry to hear of you loss ciao salvatore ali
briana r
August 21, 2010
true hero..
lest we forget
Sarah Shmith
August 21, 2010
All my thoughts and prayers goes out to Di, Gary, Lauren, Shaun, Luke and Bella and Maddie and the rest of Grant's family, You will be missed
Shane Hodge
August 21, 2010
Gods peace be upon you. Amen to your Bravery
graeme melotte
August 21, 2010
Rest in Peace my brave friend.Thoughts are with the family.
mel eder
August 21, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss, and thankyou for the sacfrice you made. We grieve with you.
Belinda Pinnow
August 21, 2010
My thoughts are with you and your family during this time. The sacrifice you made in service and defence of your country will never be forgotten.
David Treloar
August 21, 2010
At the going down of the sun we will remember them
August 21, 2010
He served his country who could ask for more LEST WE FORGET
ROD ACREMAN OAM VIETNAM VET
Angelo Nitsis
August 21, 2010
Rest in Peace.Brave Digger.
John Scott
August 21, 2010
I, my family and Australia thank you.
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