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Douglas Kirby Obituary
QUITO, Ecuador -- Authorities in Ecuador say an American expert on teen sexual health has died while climbing a volcano in the South American nation.
A Wednesday statement from Ecuador's Environment Ministry says Douglas Kirby apparently suffered a heart attack and died while climbing the Cotopaxi volcano.
Find the story here.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Kirby
85 Entries
Managa Pillay
May 30, 2013
I miss you and a think about you so often...I cannot believe that such a fleeting encounter with you has left such an impact on me......
Pan Yue
April 12, 2013
I am writing to express my deepest condolences. Douglas Kirby is my first academic idol for his zest on the research and on the effectiveness of sexuality education programs in the reduction of adolescent sexual risk-taking behavior . I do not meet him but I benefit a lot from his paper. My advisor was going to invite him to come here and work with us for a few days. Sorry for his lost again.
gena sinopoli
February 27, 2013
I too offer my condolences to the family
and so many people who knew and loved
Doug He will be missed
He was a bright spirit and beautiful
soul
Liz Hammond
February 20, 2013
I'm sorry to hear of the sudden passing of such a pioneer as Doug,but he has left an inspirational legacy for us to take our heart and strength of convictions to go forward. I have been an avid fan of Dougs work since 2001 and it guided my work for the ten years I worked at Family Planning NSW and still does guide my work. His family in their loss can be so proud of such a trail blazer as Doug, a man with great heart and humour. He will be greatly missed.
Bronwyn Leece
February 20, 2013
I am very saddened by this news. Doug has been such a passionate, generous & learned advocate for young people, parents & sexuality education. For many years I have been inspired by his wisdom & have treasured the knowledge he shared.His work has led the field across the world.In 2011 he visited Australia for a conference & i can still see him dancing with us all at the conference dinner, it was fabulous.Condolences to his family & friends for the loss of a wonderful soul. The world is a lesser place for his passing.
Marcia Rubin
February 11, 2013
May his spirit forever soar.
Joan Woods
February 5, 2013
Doug was a great advocate for integrity in sexual reproductive health and for treating the young and the poor with respect. He was an inspiration to many, with his humor, honesty and gentle nature. He will be greatly missed.
Jan Tice
January 18, 2013
The world will miss such a wise and gentle soul. He touched my life so briefly but I can still remember that smile and the encouragement that naturally sparked from his nature. My condolences to Gail and the family.
Tim Hull
January 16, 2013
Please accept my condolences. Doug has contributed so much and continues to be a great influence on our work in promoting sexual health.
Jacqueline Knight
January 15, 2013
Dear Kathryn, I'm so sad to hear of you dad's passing! His legacy as an educator is staggering, and his verve for what he loved to do is a lesson in life for all of us here. I offer my condolences for you and your family, with a tremendous emptiness left in your lives. I pray you find peace.
Maryjane Puffer
January 15, 2013
Doug Kirby, You were a great teacher and advocate! Thank you to all of the family members for sharing him with us.
Pam DeCarlo
January 15, 2013
I had the pleasure of working on a fact sheet with Doug. He was a great scientist who had the rare ability to turn his work into something understandable, usable and relevant. He will be missed.
Kate Birch
January 11, 2013
I was very sorry to hear about your loss. I was privileged to attend a workshop run by Dr Kirby several years ago & have been using his sound messages relating to sexual health with young people as recently as yesterday! He was truly inspirational.
David Evans
January 11, 2013
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Doug's death. He was a truly great man. He was hugely generous, humane and thoughtful in his advice and guidance and extremely influential in the development of our work. My deepest condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues.
David Evans CEO SRE Project and Apause - England
Mattias Lundberg
January 7, 2013
Please accept my condolences for the loss of such a compassionate and dedicated scientist and truly good man. I am fortunate to have benefited enormously from Dr. Kirby's insights and advice over the years. With grateful thanks.
Susan Quigley
January 7, 2013
I had the pleasure of both learning from Dr. Kirby's work and working with him on a panel for the Daddy I Do film event in San Rafael. He was such a kind and generous man. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Darrell Kay
January 7, 2013
I was profoundly saddened by this. Doug and I had just discussed the Equador climb 2 weeks before. He was so excited about it. I found him inspiring. I don't remember ever seeing him without a smile on his face. Doug, I will miss you greatly. Heartfelt condolences to Gail and the whole family.
Sandisile Tshuma
January 7, 2013
It is with an almost unfathomable sadness that I learnt of Doug's passing. His rare and admirable combination of scientific rigor, genuine passion and profound humility are an inspiration to me. I know I speak on behalf of colleagues in East and Southern Africa when I say this magnanimous human being will be very dearly missed.
Frank, Gloria and Michael Barsamela
January 5, 2013
Dear Gail,Cameron and Catherine
There are no words to express our sadness for your loss. Doug was an amazing person and we were all blessed to have him be apart of our lives even in the smallest way. We are here for you if you need us. And you are in our hearts and prayers always.
Stephanie Guinosso
January 4, 2013
Such a sweet, sweet soul. You will be missed by many Doug.
Jessica Duke
January 3, 2013
Many of us in Oregon are mourning Doug. His legacy will certainly live on in our work and the lives of youth. Wishing his family peace.
Leonard Kamugisha
January 2, 2013
It is such shocking news to us in East and Southern Africa, who greatly benefited from his deep wisdom. At the time of his demise, Doug was working very closely with us, to strengthen/re-invigorate Comprehensive Sexuality Education in our region. The obituary is spot-on, regarding the work he has been doing for us. We will miss him dearly- Doug you are a huge irreplaceable loss!! Our condolensces to the family and a host of friends and colleagues. We will never get such a distinguished professional Sexuality Education Sceintist in our time!
Ray Shifflet
January 2, 2013
Gail, so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a great guy. Our sincere condolences to you. At least Doug was doing something he loved. Barbara and Ray Shifflet
Debbie Teman
January 2, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss.. I know I can speak for everyone at Soquel Dental Office, we will miss him very much. It was always nice to see his name on our schedule as i knew he would have some new adventure to share that he was doing or had just returned from. I personally enjoyed hearing about his adventures. We even talked about our bucket lists the last time he was in. He always had a smile on his face and it was quite evident he loved life. May peace be with you.
January 2, 2013
Doug was simply one of the most delightful people I've ever known. Always smiling and cheerful, always present and warm in conversation, he was a shining light both personally and professionally. He will be sorely missed at ETR, and his good work will be his legacy for generations.
Laurie Dils
January 2, 2013
I met Dr. Kirby several times, mostly as the beneficiary of information and training on teen pregnancy. I was always impressed by the loving stories he told about his own kids and how much he cared about youth in general. He was always positive, always humble, always kind and clearly loved his work. He will be missed by those of us in the field who benefited from his many professional contributions.
Rick Barth
January 2, 2013
Doug was a great humanitarian and scientist and a touchstone for me and so many who wanted to be sure that we were holding ourselves and our colleagues to the highest standards. Although he said not to cry for him, I know that I wept when I heard of Doug's death because he is such a beacon of decency, science, commitment, and friendship. I don't know him that well but did consider him a friend and always had a lift in my spirit when I heard he was on the line or saw an email or knew he would be at a meeting that I was attending. I learned a great deal from Doug while working on RTR and its derivatives over the last 30 years and am doubly thankful to him for that mentoring and for having mentored so many others who will see that his work continues. I can see the light from his twinkling eyes in my memory and feel deeply saddened for his family and close friends and colleagues who weree much closer to him, on a daily basis. I wish you all the very best during this difficult transition. With very best wishes and renewed commitment to hold myself to Doug's standards.
Karen Hein
January 1, 2013
Doug's giant intellect was perfectly balanced by his humanity.
Amy Smith
January 1, 2013
My heart goes out to Doug's family and all those who have been touched by his brilliant work and bright spirit. What an unexpected loss of such a sweet, bright and caring man. He will be deeply missed and remembered.
Steve Gardner
December 31, 2012
I had the wonderful opportunity to work directly with Doug Kirby as one of the trainers for ETR. He was certainly a pillar in the ETR family and a well respected person in the field of pregnancy and HIV prevention. My sincere prayers go out to his family and the number of friends who will be impacted by the loss of this brillant human being.
Carol Singletary
December 31, 2012
I met Doug Kirby in the late 90s when he came to South Carolina at the request of the South Carolina Department of Social Services to talk about evidence based programs and how to use them effectively when teaching about teen pregnancy prevention. From that time to the last time I saw Dr.Kirby he was always happy and full of life. It is with sadness that I learn of his passing. To the family you have my deepest sympathy. When I think of Dr. Kirby I remember him fondly, for his knowledge and also his way of sharing his knowledge that really made you feel as if you "got it". The BDI logic model came to life when Dr. Kirby explained it.
Hector Sanchez-Flores
December 31, 2012
My sincerest sympathy to the Kirby Family. I admired Doug for the research he led and it impact it had on healthy adolescent development. However, our lunches and conversations centered more on family and how we could support our children so they could be healthy, happy, and fulfilled. I will miss his physical presence but will never be able to overlook his BDI logic model whenever I think about evaluation. Con respeto siempre,
Constance Bowes
December 31, 2012
I did not know Doug personally, but studied his work as a leading sex educator while I was a doctorate student at Widener University in Chester, PA. His obituary is amazing and an inspiration to live life to the fullest at every moment. My sympathy to your whole family.
Duane Wilkerson
December 30, 2012
Doug has been a model, professionally and personally, I strive for since the day he hired me at ETR in 1991. I hadn't even finished my MPH, yet he welcomed me, made me feel part of the team, treated me like a colleague from day one. His graciousness and integrity made you proud to be his friend and colleague.
I will miss you Doug. Thanks for the beacon of truth and love you demonstrated every day. It will continue to shine in those who knew and loved you.
Marie & Bill Bernardy
December 30, 2012
Bill and I met Doug in 1978, when we invited him to St. Louis to do a presentation. Over the years we dined, danced, walked, talked, and laughed our way around DC. It wasn't till 1988, when you moved to California, that we met you, Gail, then Kathryn and Cameron. We enjoyed our trips to Tahoe with you, taking beach walks, and sharing long conversations over dinner. Though we never did have Doug's suggested dinner of a bowl of cereal!
The world has lost a passionate, researcher, we've lost a very good friend, and you've lost the man who adored the three of you beyond words. Gail, Kathryn, and Cameron - we send you our love and will hold you and Doug in our thoughts and hearts.
Leah Robin
December 30, 2012
I was very fortunate to work on various projects with Doug for over a decade. I am very saddened for your loss, Gail, Katherine, and Cameron, and you have my deepest condolences. Doug really brought joy into everything he did and I valued his thoughtfulness and expertise as a colleague. My thoughts are with you.
D M
December 30, 2012
I did not have the good fortune of knowing Doug personally. I knew of him only through his research, which I consulted on many occasions. Reading his obituary and the comments of others, it is obvious that he epitomized the phrase "a life well-lived." My condolences to all of you whose lives were intimately touched by his love and light.
albert bruno
December 30, 2012
Colette and I will miss Doug's energy, focus and love of life. Every moment that we spent with him was at his high intensity level. We will miss him.
Jill Donnelly
December 30, 2012
Gail, Cameron and Catherine,
I am deeply saddened by your loss. Doug was a wonderful person who definitely had a zest for life. We should all live life the way he did. I am so sorry...
Pam Cupp
December 30, 2012
Doug's work enlightened us and his smile encouraged us. So sorry for your loss.
Sally Williams
December 30, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with Gail, KAtherine and Cameron. Such a beautiful human being was Doug who will be remembered as always in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know him.
We have lost a brilliant scientist!
Marian Shapiro
December 30, 2012
Doug Kirby was always the most respected leader in the field for those of us doing sex education in schools and needing strong evidence to present to the PTA or principal that what we were doing was healthy and not harmful. Doug provided us with the reliable research that made our jobs easier. For thirty years I quoted his findings, and parents trusted his words. He was a brilliant scientist and will be very very missed!
December 29, 2012
Dear Gail, Cameron and Kathryn,
I read the news of Doug's sudden passing in yesterday's paper. I admit I am still in disbelief, but my heart pours out to you all. On a global scale, Doug was involved in ground-breaking work on adolescent sexuality, HIV, and more. He was clearly a visionary, a leader and collaborator - never taking the stage just for himself. The world is truly a much better place because of him.
But on a more intimate note - as others have described, I've never met a man of such compassion, non-judgmental, caring and curious about everything and everyone. As a man who had so much to teach us, he also never lost sight of being a "student" in this world, ever willing to learn more.
He was a most smitten and loving husband and partner to his beautiful and brilliant light in his wife Gail, and a caring, inspiring and patient father to his two amazing children, now young adults (?!) Cameron and Kathryn.
Sending Gail, Cameron and Kathryn ALL my love and sympathy. Whatever I can do, I will...
Lisa deFaria
Betsy Neale
December 29, 2012
Doug was an inspiration and a great resource for those of us in the field of sexuality education. In a field that can be tremendously polarized, he conducted and reported his research with utmost integrity. He was also a kind, caring person. My deepest condolences to his loved ones.
Kris Gowen
December 29, 2012
Doug is my hero and the reason I do what I do. His contributions to sexuality education can never be matched.
Adele Gardner
December 29, 2012
Nearly everyday I walk on the path to Hidden Beach in Aptos. Doug's work to make it clean, beautiful, and filled with trees gives me pleasure each time. He was a man that acted globally and locally. He has left the world a better place. Peace to his family and friends.
Michael Pejsach
December 29, 2012
Will be missed.
Dianne Kerr
December 29, 2012
Doug's work has been integral to all who are sexuality and HIV educators such as myself. My interactions with Doug were mostly at professional conferences. I so admired him and his work. He was humble about his accomplishments, yet truly was the best sexuality education researcher in the world. He will be sorely missed in the profession. Condolences to the family.
Ed & Bonnie Terribilini
December 28, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending our love and deepest sympathy for your loss. Keep your memories of happier times close to your hearts as you cope with this most difficult of times. Our love always,
Becca Rubin
December 28, 2012
Doug was one of the sweetest and nicest human beings I've ever met. I am really going to miss working with him and seeing that great smile. I am just brokenhearted. Lots of love to his family.
Ann Thompson Cook
December 28, 2012
Doug hired me at Mathtech and with Pam Wilson, brought me into the field of sexuality education. His enthusiasm and brilliance were matched by the highest intellectual rigor and integrity. Yes, Doug, life is great, and you led a great life!
Bill and Renee O'Brien
December 28, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Gail, and the family. Life is so precious---make each moment count.
Joan Garrity
December 28, 2012
An irreplaceable light in the world, and yet a light that will never be extinguished. Thank you, Doug, for all you have given to all of us in the sexuality field. My heart goes out to his family who had the absolute fortune to be in his heart always.
Guli Fager
December 28, 2012
So much of what I learned and now teach my students comes from Doug. Incredible leader in the field and so generous with help for younger professionals. He will be missed.
Janis Delman
December 28, 2012
In loving memory of a great friend and neighbor...
December 28, 2012
I am so saddened for Gail, Kathryn and Cameron. He adored his family and was an amazing role model. I know they will carry on his memory in a wonderful way...He will be missed...Janis Delman
tammy watson
December 28, 2012
...and we shall carry on!!! It is with great sadness to think of his physical presence not being with us on this journey. Yet, there is no doubt his passion, and resolve will give us even more stamina as we forge ahead...
Gail McVicar
December 28, 2012
Such a legend. Incredible contribution to sexual health education. Respect from his British colleagues.
Patsy Montgomery
December 28, 2012
As a sexuality educator since the 1980's, Doug's work has played a major role in my life and that of the individuals with whom I worked. His life was the epitome of Ghandi's quote, "...be the change you wish to see in the world." May the many blessings he bestowed on others fall gently onto his family and comfort them during this time of loss.
Joy Robinson-Lynch
December 28, 2012
I'm a sex educator who relies on Doug's work in order to make a difference. Each time we crossed paths, I was amazed to meet someone who balanced a strong intellectual grasp of complicated issues and deep warmth and sincere connection for the people his work affected. It was remarkable to meet someone of his stature in the field who retained true humility. Recently, I had a question about his work and he responded to my email in a matter of hours with great detail.
He will be missed and it is clear from the posted account that he was a man who knew how to appreciate the life he had. My sincerest sympathy.
April 10, 2011, with group in Nepal
December 28, 2012
April 3 2011, Nepal
December 28, 2012
Georgie Hildebrand
December 28, 2012
I do not know Douglas but know his daughter Kathryn well. We are both involved in Rotary. He must have been an amazing man to raise a daughter with such a great heart and a passion for service above self. A tragic loss.
Jacqui Darroch
December 28, 2012
Doug lived a full and compassionate life. We are blessed that he shared it with so many of us and saddened by his death. Condolences to the family he loved so much.
Jacqui Darroch, Guttmacher Institute
Netha Thacker
December 28, 2012
I worked with Doug many years ago at ETR. So sad to lose such a good man too soon.
Jacquie & Tom Atchison
December 28, 2012
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful man, friend and neighbor!
Our love to Gail, Kathryn and Cameron.
Joanne Leerlooijer
December 28, 2012
I met Douglas once during a conference in Mexico, an inspirational man. And I have used so much of his work in translating scientific insights into practice. He will be missed!
The Stiteler Family
December 28, 2012
When we moved to California some years ago the entire Kirby family made us feel very welcome. Doug was always smiling and always had something happy and positive to say and was forever tending to the plants behind our homes due to his love of nature. We feel fortunate to have known him and send all our love to the family. Even across the entire country Doug's loss is felt but his life is celebrated. Our most heartfelt condolences.
Ed & Karen
December 28, 2012
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our neighbor and friend. Doug was the first person we met in the neighborhood when we bought our house in Aptos about six years ago. He was always so kind and gracious to us and we will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gail, Cameron, Kathryn and the rest of their family in this difficult time.
Ross Danielson
December 28, 2012
Doug was a great colleague and friend to many over the years with the American Public Health Association.
As a former Chair of one of the Sections, I valued his important contributions and support for work in public health.
Marti & Nelson Bunin
December 28, 2012
There never was a gentler or kinder man. He was a treasured friend and fellow traveler.
Marti & Nelson (in Taiwan)
At the harbor where I saw Doug and Steven and Gail take a break from a Sat morning jog.
Kathleen Middleton
December 27, 2012
Doug was amazing in so many ways. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to work so closely with him on RTR when I was at ETR. Gail and family, my heart is with you.
Jill Farris
December 27, 2012
Doug Kirby was a giant in our field of adolescent sexual health. He was also a humble and down-to-earth man and his contributions to the world will never be forgotten. He will truly be missed.
Judy and Mike
December 27, 2012
We will miss Doug very much. He was a great neighbor and friend. Our hearts go out to his family. His smiling face and his kindness will be remembered.
December 27, 2012
Never met him but from the article,it sounds like we lost a wonderful humanbeing. Our loss, heavens gain.
Jaclyn
December 27, 2012
Doug was an amazing man and will be deeply missed by all. My heart goes out to his family, who I am very close with. My prays are with you Gail, Kathryn and Cameron.
Mairzy and Bill Truex
December 27, 2012
Jytte called us tonight to tell us about your loss. We are deeply saddened. Our love to the family at this difficult time. Doug was a very dear friend, and we will miss him.
Gini Gyorkos
December 27, 2012
We are very sad to hear of the passing of Doug Kirby. I will offer my prayers to Kathryn, Cameron and Gail. What a special father and husband you had. May he watch over you all.
M G
December 27, 2012
friend & sportster
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