In Memory of David Kirby

David’s funeral was held at St Peter’s School on Friday 12th November 2021. Paddy Stephen included the following in his eulogy:

“How is it possible to do this man real justice – in cricketing terms his record speaks for itself, 5 years in the 1st XI, 2 years as Captain where he was unbeaten in school matches, Captain of the Public Schools Team and at Cambridge University, where he captained both Tony Lewis and Mike Brierley, Captain of Leicestershire County Cricket Club and later in the 1960s York Cricket Club. Master of Cricket St Peter’s 1st XI until he retired in 2012, after sixty years’ service to the school. Housemaster of Queen’s and The Rise, Head of German, President and Treasurer of the OP Club.

“A marvellous and incredibly loyal friend to so many of us - I will miss our chats on Friday nights more than I can possibly say. However, I shall always remember David as a family man, so at the end, even as he received that final unplayable delivery on the 7th Oct, it comes as no surprise that he was talking about his family, with such great affection, as he had to leave the crease that one final time.”

It’s quite difficult to be objective about the man I only ever knew as Dad … well, apart from the “Sir” and “Kirby” interaction that was part of my school life for several years way back when…

Dad was a pupil at St Peter’s between 1952 and 1958, before joining the staff in 1963 all the way through to his retirement from teaching in 2001. He was also masterin-charge of 1st XI cricket from 1969 to 2012, so his association with the school spanned seven decades; but it’s still impossible to imagine just how many people he would have encountered as a pupil, team mate, member of staff, colleague and friend during that time.

His passing on 7 October last year came as a shock to so many people, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to write a few words in his memory.

I don’t think there was ever any doubt that Dad was a strong disciplinarian – he did his job just the way he played many of his cricket strokes … with the straightest of bats. However, beneath the stern exterior was an unswervingly fair (he never once helped me with my homework!), kind, and generous man. He demanded that those in his care gave their best and in return he would support, encourage and nurture them to reach their potential whether that was in the classroom, as a Housemaster, or on the sports field.

Dad had actually been Housemaster of both Queen’s and The Rise – and he was always first to recognise the unwavering support he received from Mum during their time in The Rise. Since leaving there in the mid-80s, Mum and Dad lived in two houses, each no more than a few minutes’ walk from the School – the attachment was simply too great.

I know that having the chance to continue running the cricket after his teaching career had ended meant so much to Dad. Shortly after he died, I spent a few minutes by the pavilion quietly contemplating just how many times he’d walked past the old steps, how many great knocks or bowling performances he’d seen … and how many times he’d shake his head ruefully when I went out to bat, telling Mum I’d see her in a minute!

Away from the cricket field, Dad was a devoted husband to my Mum, Anna, a wonderful father to Sue and I as well as a doting grandfather. He had a wicked, dry sense of humour, and an amazing ability to recall cricket games and scores from his spell at Leicestershire and throughout his time at St Peter’s. He also used to ring me without fail every time there was a cricket question on “Pointless” – I still expect to get that call even now.

Those who knew him well will have their own memories and the sheer number of cards, calls and messages we received, as well as the remarkable gathering for his funeral suggests that he made a genuine difference to so many lives … and that is something very special.

The flying at half-mast of the flag next to the pavilion was a lovely gesture and seeing so many former players holding bats aloft to form a guard of honour for his coffin at the funeral was an incredibly emotional but beautiful moment that we will always treasure.

Dad gave so much to St Peter’s and when the time came to say farewell, the School gave him so much in return. I miss him so much, but I’m so very grateful to everyone who was part of his life.

Richard Kirby (1982)