William Stanton Kirby

William Stanton Kirby was born on March 14, 1964. March 14 is also known as Pi Day, because 3.14 are the first digits of the number pi. Pi is an irrational number, which means its decimals go on forever without repeating. Stan, as his family and friends called him (or even more affectionally, Stanno), was anything but irrational. His was a particularly incisive mind. But to those who knew him, the range and depth of his interests really did seem to be endless.

Stan’s passions included, in no particular order, cats, history, astronomy, genealogy, paleontology, movies (both art house cinema and B-movies), 80s music, video games, board games, cats, Japanese anime, cooking, world travel, photography, bird watching, hiking, and cats. And of course writing.

Stan wrote. A lot. He authored newspaper articles about local history, Emmy-award-winning scripts for public television, and articles for print and online magazines. All were scrupulously researched and crisply composed with his signature clarity and wit. He also wrote numerous novels, including two that were published. Wry science fiction thriller Iapetus came early in his career, and then later Vienna, an enthralling puzzle box of a mystery.

Stan’s stories often focused on people who were different, and maybe a bit lost, but trying to find their own way and help others as best they knew how. As a writer, Stan was an unflinching observer, and things weren’t always easy for his protagonists. But he treated them like he treated everyone, with fairness and compassion. He never stopped writing, and had just recently completed his latest manuscript.

The number pi is a constant, which means its value never changes. Stan was certainly a continuous source of fun and wonder to his family, many friends, and all those lucky enough to be in his orbit. Knowing Stan was to be treated to guided tours of Colorado ghost towns, impromptu lectures on film theory, famously snarky Christmas letters, or incredible homemade pasta. Knowing Stan was to lay on your back watching for falling stars while he recounted the myths behind each constellation, better than any planetarium.

One constant in Stan’s life was the physical pain he’d lived with for many years. There were bad days. But the better days found him splitting wood behind the family cabin or heading out on 10 mile hikes. Perhaps because of his own pain, Stan had a high level of empathy. When others around him were facing struggles, he was always a kind and careful listener. And if Stan wasn’t much of a hugger, he had a way of offering words that were just as, or even more, comforting.

More than anything else in his life, Stan was a true and constant partner to Kathy. Stan sometimes joked that he and Kathy had been married multiple times, if you counted their common-law, justice-of-the-peace, and traditional weddings. What’s clear is that he would have happily married her many more times over. People sometimes said Stan and Kathy were inseparable. But really it’s just that they were never apart, always preferring one another’s company, never needing to be anywhere except together.

Kathy’s career was demanding for many years, but Stan supported her and lifted her up to help her succeed. He cooked gourmet meals and planned amazing trips to Europe, the South Pacific, Asia, and beyond to make sure she escaped work. After her retirement, Stan enjoyed having Kathy to himself, and they had time go hiking and birding, travel to Maui to snorkel and see whales, explore new recipes in the kitchen, watch movies and play games, and just be.

The number pi can be calculated infinitely, its digits continuing ever on. But good stories eventually reach an end, even when we wish for more pages to turn. Stan died on June 22, 2022 while exploring a new trail on his bike. His recent surgery behind him, he was feeling better, and had been hiking and biking a lot. His goal was to hike over Flattop in Rocky Mountain National Park, a place of beauty he loved. If you find yourself there someday, take a breath, enjoy the view, and think of him.

Stan is survived by his wife Kathy, his brothers Greg and Bob, cousins, nieces, and nephews, his cat Butch, numerous friends, and countless others who were touched by his novels and many works of creativity and kindness. He will be missed by all.

A memorial service for Stan will be held at a later time. If you’d like to get updates, please send your email address to: stankirbymemorial@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers, you can make a contribution to the Sister Carmen Community Center or your favorite charity. For Sister Carmen, use the link below. Make sure to select the "I would like to dedicate this donation” check box. For type of tribute select “In Memory Of” and for tribute name enter “William Kirby”.

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E124542&id=3

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