Steven Andre Kirby

Steven was born on October 13, 1946 in Carroll, Iowa, to Earl and Amy Kirby. It was the cold of winter and fourteen months later his sister Sheryl was born they grew up like twins and always stayed close. Steve’s dad was in the Army so they moved as a family to many places here and abroad. Ten years later while stationed in Denver Kathy his sister was born. The family settled in Tacoma, WA. Steve graduated from Lincoln High School and went to work at various jobs. He married and had two daughters Tracee and Karen Kirby. He needed a secure job to raise the girls and secured a job with Puget Sound Hospital and worked there for nineteen years. He injured his back and was unable to continue in maintence work so he decided to go to Tacoma Community College and received his certification for Operating Room Technician when he was forty-one years old. He was very proud of this and was looking forward to working at Allenmore Hospital but the Sunday before he was to start the new job he had a stroke and then two more which changed his quality of life. He was a powerful witness to forgiveness and acceptance until he died at Allenmore Hospital on September 19, 2009. Steve was proceeded in death by his parents Earl and Amy Kirby, his daughter Karen Kirby. He is survived by Sheryl (Kirby) Pittman, Kathy (Kirby) Forch, and Daughter Tracee (Kirby) Wilson. Grandchildren Lajiah, Tamaria, Karen and Jahill. He had two great-grandchildren. Steve had many nieces and nephews and was able to be with all of us for a family gathering one month before he died. He will be greatly missed and all that knew him respected and loved him. The family wishes to thank all those who cared for Steve and the hospital staff that watched over him.