PGSA Obituary: Tom Kirby (Goodair, 1942-48)
DAVID BILLINGTON
On Monday afternoon (7th January), our President, John Whalley, attended the funeral of an 'Old Boy', Tom Kirby. Tom, a Member of the Association, was at the School in John’s day, and they continued to meet occasionally over the ensuing sixty years. John has very kindly provided the following obituary:
“THOMAS (TOM) KIRBY (PGS: 1942 - 1948; Goodair House)
3rd August 1931 - 24th December 2012
The sudden death was announced on Christmas Eve of Tom Kirby, a well-known and respected Goosnargh resident for over forty years.
A family man married to Marion (Ryan), Tom who was 81 years old also leaves his daughter Helen and husband, accountant Alan Roberts, as well as grandchildren Katie and Vicky and great grandchildren Eva, Lucy, Freddie, Sam and Oliver.
Tom left PGS in 1948 to be apprenticed at Leyland Motors before National Service in the RAF during which time he served in Egypt. Following demob he joined Seddon Atkinson becoming a Director. He later joined Barton Grange Garden Centre and Hotel becoming a Senior Administrator and later, a Director, in which role he continued until his retirement just a few years ago.
He was a committed Rotarian, joining Preston North Rotary Club in January 1970, becoming President in 1985. He was awarded Rotary's highest accolade, a Paul Harris Fellowship in 1994.
Together with his wife, Marion, he founded Goosnargh Arts Group and was also a trustee of Goosnargh and Whittingham United Charities. He was also a patron of Longridge Band, a member of the Gardening Club in the village, a friend of Goosnargh Green, and he undertook many other voluntary roles in his local community. Typically, Tom was a keen supporter of Whitechapel Players - it was a back-stage role he preferred, never seeking the limelight!
He had a number of sporting interests playing and latterly watching, cricket, football and rugby. He was a keen walker and loved his "fairly mediocre" golf, right up until his death. Perhaps his stamina was strengthened by the yoga sessions he so enjoyed - who knows?
Above all, Tom was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed by his family and all others who knew him – and there were many!”
Many thanks, John. All that is left for me now is to extend the condolences and best wishes of the Association to his widow, family, and many friends and colleagues at this very sad time.
Charlie.