Timothy James Kirby passed away on February 6, 2021 at his winter home in Henderson, NV with family at his bedside. He courageously battled lung cancer for three years but, ultimately, succumbed to pneumonia. Tim was born to Thomas and Nina Kirby in Great Falls, MT on April 2, 1952. He was the fourth of six boys who were raised in Great Falls.
Tim graduated in 1970 from Central Catholic High School in Great Falls, where Tim was very involved in the wrestling program. He went on to graduate from Eastern Montana College in Billings, with a bachelor’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation (minor in Psychology) in 1974.
In 1975 Tim was in a catastrophic industrial accident in which he lost his right arm and broke his neck in multiple places. While the injuries sustained were indeed debilitating; and the prognosis for his future, healthwise, was bleak, Tim never let his disability become a barrier for him.
In 1978 Tim married Brenda Bisonette together they had three children, Daniel Kirby, Matthew Kirby, and Kady Murphy (Connor). After separating in the early 90’s, Tim and Brenda remained civil, cooperative parenting partners - both very much involved in their children’s (and grandchildren’s) lives.
Tim used his Vocational Rehabilitation training to secure a counseling position at Helena Industries, Helena, MT, from 1977 to 1986. He held a supervisory position at a manufacturing workshop in Mankato, MN from 1986 to 1988, working with developmentally disabled clients.
The family moved to Great Falls, MT in the late summer of 1988. Tim went into a partnership and opened Jan-Bar. He later bought the Sting Sports Bar on 10th Ave So and sold it in 2001 when he then retired to the Flathead Valley.
Tim has spent the last 21 years with his life partner Rita Graham. Rita along with her two daughters; Lisa Graham and Jill Lundgren (Mark), have made Tim’s family complete.
Tim loved Gonzaga Basketball, Montana Grizzlies Football, ice cream, his dogs and cats, incorrectly pronouncing words, Westerns, warm weather, and Montana.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert Kirby, Daniel Kirby, Edward Kirby, William and Marlene Doyle.
In addition to his children and life partner, Tim is survived by his brothers, Francis Kirby and Roy (Suzanne) Kirby, Sandra (Ted) Harke, five grandchildren: Aliana Sigala, Sergio Sigala, Sasha Kirby, Kirby Murphy, and Owen Murphy and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be planned during the summer of 2021 in Great Falls, MT. Date to be announced. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to - National CASA/GAL Association for Children.
