Mark Kirby

Mark Joseph Kirby, son of Lawrence and Robin Kirby, was born October 14, 1962, in San Francisco, California. He married the love of his life, RaShelle M. Richert on December 9, 1997. They have 1 son, Ethan Matthew. Mark has 2 children from a previous marriage, Brandon and Sarah. Growing up Mark had always dreamed about space and being an astronaut. He graduated at the age of 16 and enlisted in the Air Force at age 17 serving for almost 14 years. He served in satellite communications, Security Police Supervisor/Policeman/Flight Security Controller and 2 years in the Presidential Honor Guard. He had degrees in Sociology, Security Administration and Electronic Technology. He was an Honor Graduate in Satellite Communications and Satellite Communications Ground Mobile Force School. Mark was proud to have been named a Distinguished Honor Graduate in Non-Commissioned Officers Leadership School. He received other awards in addition. Mark was a Certified Red Cross Instructor and was part of the National Ski Patrol/Winter Emergency/Care Tech at Showdown Mountain. He most currently worked as a Finance Manager at Denny Menholt Chevrolet. During his 12 years in the car industry he had received more than 7 American Financial Service Contract Awards. Mark loved to fly and had his Multi-Engine Commercial Pilot Instructor's License. He was President and Founder of Montana Veterans Airlift Command, an IRS 501(c) public charity to provide free medical air transportation to disabled veterans and their families. Integrity, strong work ethic and moral character are what is said of him. As a man of excellence and determination, he excelled in what he pursued and sought to instill that trait into his children. He had a truly kind, gentle and caring spirit and would bend over backwards for you. With such a tender heart, he gave of himself wholeheartedly to his family. Mark enjoyed flying, fishing, camping, biking, reading, music (played a little self/taught piano and played in a band in Alaska.) and spending time with his family. He often planned spontanious events which peaked excitement. He and Ethan enjoyed Fantasy Football together and he supported Ethan's football and basketball involvement. He had a wealth of knowledge and no matter how tired after a stressful day, he was always available to support and advise his wife and children; Ethan, Brandon and Sarah as well as others he knew. Mark loved family events and was always eager to be a part of them. He dearly loved and cared for RaShelle and they were in love til the end. He loved the Lord and the world lost a good and honorable man. He will be so greatly missed by his wife, children, and many who knew and loved him. His additional close family survivors not already mentioned include his birth mother, Mary Davis, sisters: Kathleen, Helen, and Elleen, and a brother Michael. He is preceded in death by his father, Lawrence. Donations may be given to Mark Kirby Memorial Fund, 3103 Flamingo Way, Billings, MT 59106