Resident of Pacific Grove

Rob Kirby’s life was marked by growing up in many places as a military child, an allegiance to the Boy Scouts, love for outdoor adventures and a flair for sales and as an entrepreneur. He was a devoted husband, son, father and grandfather.

Born in Brooklyn, New York March 13, 1950 to Col. Burton Kirby and Mary Dann Kirby. His Dad’s Air Force career took them to Montgomery, AL, Newburg, NY, Newfoundland, Colorado Springs and high school in Hawaii. He graduated from Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado attending mainly to ski 6 months of the year. His love of the outdoors was fostered there while hiking, fishing, camping the other 6 months.

After college he was hired by Goodyear Tires to do demonstrations of driving the new polysteel radial tires over ax blades at the Goodyear stores across western US.

After he grew a mustache, he and Goodyear parted ways.

Moving to Denver he accepted ajob with Bayly Corp to produce private label jeans. While in Denver he met his wife of 49 years, Shannon. A new jeans start up, Pacific Blue, lured them to San Francisco with son Clayton. Son Justin was born in Walnut Creek a few years after their arrival. Rob then went to Levi’s as a children’s merchandiser which both boys participated in modeling and joining the Olympic parade in Levi’s Olympic fashions.

He left there to be head of O’Neil Wetsuits new sportswear division. His love of the outdoors and surfing made this a true match. His final career was as an independent sales rep to fabric manufacturers across the globe. From Pakistan denim, Irish and Belgium linen, Taiwanese and Chinese technical fabrics and Australian printed fabrics to name afew, which he sold to clothing companies in the US and Canada.

When he wasn’t traveling the world for his companies he was a dedicated Boy Scout troop leader. He went to Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in New Mexico four times throughout his life. He went on many 50 miler treks and jamborees with his boys. He earned the Wood Badge and numerous others besides his Eagle award when he was 14. He instilled his love of the outdoors in his sons. He loved nothing more than walking a stream fishing, camping under the stars, skiing in fresh powder and telling outlandish stories to young scouts around a campfire.

He is survived by his 100 year old mother, Mary Kirby of Colorado Springs, his wife Shannon, sons Clayton and Justin (Casey), Grandsons Jack, Hunter and Brodie, Granddaughter Madeline and four nephews and a niece.

Burial will be private in Pacific Grove.

Donations can be made to Boy Scout Troop 216, 2736 Lariat Lane, Walnut Creek, CA 94596.