Patrick (Rooster) Charles Kirby

Patrick (Rooster) Charles Kirby, age 77, of Roseburg, Oregon, passed away on March 30, 2024 with his beloved wife Sue at his side. Pat was born on St. Patricks’ Day, March 17, 1947 to Eugenia and Henry Kirby in Spokane Washington. 

Pat was the eldest of four children. Pat graduated from Cusick High School in 1965 and joined the Army that summer. After he joined the Army he served four and 1/2 tours in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne and the 5th Infantry Division. While in the Army he served with Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol Teams. Pat spent eight years in the Army and one year in the Oregon National Guard. While in the Army, he was awarded two Bronze Stars with Valor, three Purple Hearts, three Air Medals. He participated in seven campaigns and was awarded one Silver Service Star and two Bronze Service Stars. 

In 1972, he met Susan Johnson in Portland. Two weeks later they married and enjoyed 52 years together. Pat and Sue had a busy family of four children, Michelle, David, Kelly and Shane. After serving his country, Pat worked as a long haul truck driver and a heavy equipment operator. In 1999, Pat retired and spent time building his dream homestead in the Umpqua Forest in Myrtle Creek, Oregon. Pat and Sue lived there for 18 wonderful years, where they enjoyed unparalleled views of forest land high up in the mountains. He enjoyed the sounds of nature and peaceful mornings with whatever forest animals wandered by. Pat enjoyed guns and had quite the collection. One of his favorite activities was shooting with his family at their home in the woods. Pat also enjoyed hunting with his friends and family. He was the life of the party, the “fun maker,” sometimes to the chagrin of his wife and family.

The family had many exciting and fun filled camping trips where they played card games, board games and fished.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kerry, and little sister Pammy. He is survived by his loving wife Susan Kirby, daughter Michelle and son in law Robert Emmons of Kansas, son David Kirby and daughter in law Shannon of Medford, Oregon, daughter Kelly Felten and son in law Michael of California/Nevada, son Shane Kirby and the girl next door, Heidi Thompson of Winston, Oregon. Pat’s also survived by grandchildren Nathan and Kelly Emmons, Amanda and Michael Wilson, Ian Kirby, Connor Kirby, Emily Kirby, Olivia Thompson, Isaiah Thompson, and two great-grandchildren, Alexandria Wilson and Owen Emmons. He is also survived by his sister Deanna and brother in law Rick Simmons, brother Duane Kirby and numerous nieces and nephews.

A short graveside ceremony will be held in his honor at the Roseburg VA National Cemetery on Friday, April 5h at 2:00 pm, followed by a reception nearby.  

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