Obituary of Michael Dudley Kirby
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Dudley Kirby, a kind-hearted and spirited man whose wit, generosity, and fierce independence touched the lives of many. Michael passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, just shy of his 88th birthday, leaving behind a legacy of friendship, laughter, and quiet strength.
Born in England on June 28, 1937, Michael served proudly in the British Army before immigrating to Canada in the early 1960s. He built a meaningful career in education, working at both Conestoga College and the University of Waterloo.
Michael was deeply curious and intellectually engaged—an avid investor who loved the stock market and regularly researched his own trades. He was a lover of sports, especially cricket and tennis, and a longtime enthusiast of horse racing and the casino, where he often walked away a winner. Even after suffering a stroke, he remained resilient, independent, and determined to live life on his own terms.
His home was a treasure trove of curiosities and collectibles—coins, silver, books, tools, and DIY manuals. He loved to fix things, to collect, and to share stories from a rich life full of interests and experiences.
In his later years, Mike moved to Village on the Green, where he formed a deep friendship with his next-door neighbor, Marie Desmeules. The two shared many breakfasts together and spent meaningful time keeping each other company - bonded by warmth, companionship, and mutual respect. That connection extended to Marie’s adult children, particularly Suzanne, who, grateful for the friendship Mike offered her mother, became a dedicated support system for him in his later years. Their relationship became a constant source of stability, trust, and care.
Mike also maintained a strong and sometimes fiery friendship with his best friend Ron, with whom he spoke often, discussing everything under the sun. His friend Helen, from Liverpool, remained in regular contact from overseas, a testament to the enduring relationships he nurtured throughout his life.
Michael is survived by his beloved brothers:
- Dr. Anthony John Kirby, and his children Lise Sarah Bevan, Paul Anthony Kirby, and Miriam Joanna Kirby
- Richard James Kirby, and his children Allison Margaret McKefree, Ian Richard Kirby, and Andrew Michael James Kirby
- Christopher Charles Maynard
He will be remembered by many friends and extended family in both Canada and the U.K. for his generosity, sharp mind, and independent spirit.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michael’s memory to the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society, a cause close to his heart.