This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: WHL44 Surnames: KIRBY, NELSON, Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.kalamazoo/25699/mb.ashx Message Board Post: KIRBY, Gary W. Of Portage Passed away Saturday, January 9, 2010 at Bronson Hospital. Gary was born December 31, 1947 in Leachville, AR, a son of William and El Marie (Nelson) Kirby. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and State Technical Institute and Rehabilitation Center in Plainwell. He was an avid bowler and had served as manager of the Grand Rapids Deaf Women's Softball Team and played on the Detroit Deaf Men's Softball Team. Gary also belonged to several deaf organizations and was past president of the Kalamazoo Chapter of the Michigan Association of Deaf Citizens. He was a member of the East Main Church of Christ. Gary was preceded in death by his father, William A. Kirby in 1999. Surviving are his mother, El Marie Kirby of Galesburg; a brother, Dennis (Anne) Kirby of Kalamazoo; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Services will be held at 11:00 o'clock on Tuesday at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. with Minister Sean Niestrath and Minister Cod! y Balch officiating. Interment in Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery. Friends may meet the family on Monday from 2-7 PM and one hour before the service at the funeral home. Contributions in Gary's memory may be made to the East Main Church of Christ to be designated to supply hearing / visually impaired with medical devices. Please visit www.langelands.com to leave a condolence to the family. Published in Kalamazoo Gazette on January 10, 2010 (Posted by a VOLUNTEER-NO family connection) Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.