Kirby West
1924-2016
Always a true gentlemen, Kirby, 91, passed away peacefully in Oakland, May 5, 2016.
Born and raised in Oakland, he graduated 1942 from Oakland HS, enrolled at Cal and joined the Naval ROTC. Commissioned Navy Ensign in 1944, he served as a navigator and gunnery officer in the Pacific Theater.
In the Fall of 1946, Kirby returned to CAL where he studied mechanical engineering and business administration, while building friendships in the Theta Xi Fraternity.
After college, he returned to the MG West Company, his family's office furnishings business, where as a teenager, he had worked as a draftsman. Soon becoming its President, he lead the expansion of this San Francisco business until his retirement in 1986.
A loving and proud family man, Kirby was married in 1950 to Margaret "Peggy" Bollman (deceased 1996). Their three daughters were all graduates of Oakland HS and the University of California. Summers were spent at the family mountain cabin where Kirby enjoyed carpentry, fishing, golf, and High Sierra pack trips with his family and friends. His lifelong hobby was the collection of Lionel toy trains.
During his working years, Kirby was active in San Francisco Rotary, First Congregational Church of Oakland, and the Boy Scouts. In retirement, he continued support of Cal Athletics as a Bear Backer, and served on the Hall of Fame Selection committee. He especially enjoyed collecting Cal sports memorabilia for display in Haas Pavilion.
In 1997, Kirby married Carol Orchison, Cal class of '50. Together they cheered for the Golden Bears at football and basketball games, played golf, traveled, and loved time with grandchildren. In later years, Kirby took immense pleasure in his weekly luncheons with men whose bonds of friendship dated back to high school.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life, 2pm, Saturday June 4, Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church, 10 Moraga Valley Lane, Moraga, California.
In memory, donations may be made to "UC Foundation", Cal Athletics, 195 Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA 94720-4422 OR toAlzheimer's Association , online or 225 North Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601
