Matthew Scott Kirby
January 21, 1969 ~ November 8, 2023
Resided in:
Cornish, Maine
Matthew Scott Kirby, 54, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday November 8, 2023 at Maine Medical Center in Portland after a short illness.
He was born January 21, 1969, in Amsterdam, NY to Gordon and Gwyneth Kirby. He lived in the Gloversville, NY area during his early years until his family settled in the Sanford, ME area. Matt was a 1987 graduate of Sanford High School. Shortly after High School he enlisted in the US Army. He was honorably discharged in 1991 and returned home to Maine.
Matt attended Southern Maine Community College and graduated in 1998 with an Electronics degree. He worked for Franklin Fueling Systems of Saco, ME for the last 25 years as a Product Support Engineer. Matt enjoyed his travels to Ireland, China and Iceland, computer gaming, riding his Triumph motorcycle, mead brewing, reading Sci-Fi books, soaking in his homemade Hillbilly Hot tub, spoiling his grandson and large holiday family gatherings.
He is survived by his sons, Cameron (Chelsea Wing) Kirby, Evan Kirby and his grandson Silas Kirby, all of North Waterboro, ME; His parents Gordon and Gwyneth Kirby of W. Newfield; his siblings Aaron (Kim) Kirby of St. Louis, MO; Christine (Brad Bowie) Holmes of Lyman, ME; Adam (Amy) Kirby of Wells, ME; his grandmother Phyllis Phillips of Amsterdam, NY; and his ex-wife/friend Barbara Kirby of North Waterboro, ME. He is also survived by nieces and nephews Nathan and Caroline Kirby of St. Louis, MO; Cassandra Staples (Christopher Brulotte) and son Cade of Limerick, ME; Robert Ethan Holmes of Lyman, ME; Molly and Maddox Humphry of Wells, ME; plus many Aunts, Uncles, and cousins from NY, FL, AL, CA, UT, OK, SC, and OR.
Visitation will be held for family and friends on Thursday, November 16 from 10-12:30 at Heald and Black Funeral Home, 580 Main St, Springvale with processional after where Matt will be interred at Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery, Stanley Rd, Springvale, ME.
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Matt, no words are adequate. We will all miss you forever. Be at peace. 🩵
I know Matt from working with him the last 9 years. Matt was a good guy and easy to get along with. He was helpful and cared about doing a good job. He will be missed. My condolences to his friends and family.
I’ll always remember how great of a father and grandfather Matthew was. Without hesitation, when Cameron and I started dating, I became part of the family. Being estranged from my own family ,this meant a great deal to me. He took on a fatherly role teaching me how to drive, helping me finish the nursery when I was pregnant, helping us with our first apartment, he was always there for Cameron and me no matter what it was. I couldn’t have asked for a better father-in-law or grandfather to Silas and am beyond grateful to have known him.
I am Matt’s next door neighbor, and when he moved in, he was a breath of fresh air not only to me, but to the entire neighborhood. I am shocked and saddened by his untimely passing.
He was intelligent, kind and humble. Being the first to fly the Ukranian flag speaks volumes about him. We had chats on my back porch and at gatherings at the bonfires at Jeff and Amy’s.
My heart goes out to his family.
We have lost a truly good human
being.
With sincere condolences,
Chris Parker
He was just so down to earth, humble, could make conversation with anyone, even if to didn’t t know him he’d have you laughing.
He was the big brother everyone wished they had, but he was my big brother and I was his only little sister.
Matt was my big brother, my confidant, my everything as a big brother would be for his little sister.
Well there are all of memories growing up as siblings, that I wouldn’t want to share… but Matt would just to embarrass me.
I love you T2 and miss you so much right now.
My first born, my gentle, compassionate, loving, funny son. Left us too soon. Will miss you terribly. Love Mom and Dad
Matt was funny, smart and caring person who valued friendship.
We became friends in the late 80’s and spent many years working on and playing around with computers and the internet when it was blossoming from the 56k modem to what it is today. I enjoyed hunting and fishing with Matt and also asked him to be my best man when I was married in 95. There was many parties,laughs and other adventures that we shared.
May the light of this candle guide you to a better place
Our deepest condolences from the Masse family.
Myself and my family were shocked to hear that Matt Kirby passed away suddenly last week. Matt was part of our family for over 6 years. He was with me when my father passed away, he helped take care of my mom when she had a stroke and we rode out Covid together. Matt and I had many adventures including traveling to Ireland and Iceland as well as many other places. He loved to travel. Matt also had endless patience with my boys as they grew into men, teaching them the “proper way” to blow things up, fixing broken electronics and backing me up when my patience wore thin. We are grateful for having you in our lives Matt. I still can’t believe that you are gone.
Hello Gwen and Gordie and family,
I learned of Matt’s unexpected death last week from Jeff. I am so sorry for your loss. I sent a card but could not travel and was unsure of arrangements. I can only imagine how difficult this is. Please take care. I will add you to my prayers for strength and comfort at this time.
One of my most vivid memories is when Matt and Aaron were toddler age and I babysat on a New Years Eve while Gwen and Gordie took a well-deserved evening out. They tired me out and I fell asleep after I put them to bed. The boys were safe, but I was not responsive to check-ins by caring parents who were a bit concerned. All was well with the boys upon their return, but I was asleep as well and their relief was evident!
My nephew
Matt was a gregarious and dedicated key member of the Saco Engineering team. Matts’ job title of Product Support Engineer does not even begin to describe his immeasurable contributions to our mission. As our own Czar of Windchill, to Master Label Designer, Procurer of all things technical, SmartSheet wizard, and much, much more, Matt was a lynchpin of our group
How he and I, along with a few other friends, would get together after school (when we weren’t working) to play D & D at my house, and my mom would make us “beany weenies and biscuits for dinner. Not playing D&D? Matt and I were at the movies.
His generosity, his friendship, his intelligence and integrity, and the sound of his laughter!
Darth Chicken….it’s a story. 🤣
His family, his friends, and the countless lives he touched.
Just by being a part of it.
A one in a billion man and friend.
I first met Matt as a shy, junior yr in high school transfer. His was one of the first faces I saw, and he was one of the first to greet me. We became friends immediately, and spent way too much time hanging out together; including after high school all these years later.
My heart, love, and prayers go out to your family, both immediate and extended. You were and are an amazing man Matt, and the world is a more sad place because of your passing. Thank you for being yourself, and for everything. Good journey my partner in crime, see you on the other side. ❤️
All the time.
His heart
I’ve worked with Matthew for the last several years. He was one of my most valued resources and was truly a neat person to be around. Such a great personality and sense of humor!!
Matt went away to Army when I was in HS. He came home on his first leave. The changes in him were positive. Physical appearance was a strong fit man. His confidence was sky high. His manners were impeccable. He went to the Army a pudgy teenage boy. He came home on that 1st leave a changed Man. Never forgot being happy to see Matt was on correct path towards Manhood.
Matt left behind friends & family that will keep his memory alive. Impact Matt had on each us made us all better people. We owe it to Matt to pay his kindness forward.
Matt displayed a kindness that is rare today. He could disarm you with his Witt or intelligence. He placed his family first and was always there for each member whenever they needed to laugh, cry, or needed that motivational nudge. The World was better for having Matt impact it so positively.
Matt Kirby impacted many lives during his lifetime. He was a true example for others to follow. Selfless leader that always put greater good ahead of his own interests.
Matt Kirby was a dedicated, loyal, big hearted Man loved by his Family & Friends. World was a better place with Matt in it. Son, Brother, Father, & Friend like no other. Heaven has a new Angel!
Matt exposed me to music, culture and games I was unfamiliar with. Matt had a lovely sense of humor. He always seemed to have confidence when faced with new challenges. His brain fascinated me. He could take difficulty situations and simplify them for others to understand. Matt had a huge heart. Always willing to pitch in without being asked. I love Matt and will honor his memory.
Matt became my friend back when I was 13 years old. The Kirby family instantly considered me as one their own. Having Matt treat me as a little Brother made those awkward teenage years more bearable. I am forever greatfull for the example Matt provided & for his friendship.
Angelina and I are still in disbelief. Matt’s unexpected passing does not feel real. Our hearts go out to Gordy, Gwen, Aaron, Christine, Adam, & all Matt’s loved ones. It’s cold comfort but we are sorry for this loss and send you all strength, courage, healing, & peace.
Aaron & I got great joy from winding Matt up on occasion. Aaron had been goading Matt. All of a sudden gentle giant Matt had his tipping point exceeded. Next thing I know Aaron is flying towards & then into the living room wall. Matt was freakishly strong when provoked. Seeing Aaron fly in slow motion was perfect example of brothers being boys. We joke about that incident to this day.