Chris Michael Kirby - "The Smiles He Left on Everyone's Face"

People remarked upon the same thing over and over in the tributes written about Chris Michael Kirby: 

• "his happy-go-lucky nature"
• "the smiles he left on everyone's face"
• "he told the funniest jokes"
• "his comforting smile and uplifting laugh"
• "the smile on his face"

Little Chris was only 21 when he was killed in the attack on the World Trade Center.  But he packed a lifetime of laughter, support and companionship into those 21 years.  He reminds me of my own brother Danny, who would (literally) give the shirt off his back to a stranger.  I bet Chris is the kind of guy that God sends back to be someone's guardian angel.  In fact, he might be training guardian angels by now.

The NY Times tells this funny story:

" At Yankee Stadium last summer, Chris Michael Kirby raced up and down the escalators looking for a young boy who had wandered off. The boy's father had been frantic, and Chris had offered to help. Finally, Chris spotted the boy stepping into the women's bathroom. He ran in after him, calling out, "Coming in, girls!"

The son of a Bronx firefighter, Chris grew up in a family used to helping strangers. "He was a great kid — he would help anybody," said his father, Mickey Kirby."

Chris, who was born on New Year's Day, was nicknamed Happy because of his happy-go-lucky nature. He was working as a carpenter while taking classes to become a firefighter like his father.  A scholarship fund was established in his memory, contribution may be made to the Chris M. Kirby Scholarship Fund, Pine Bush High School, Rte 302, Pine Bush, NY 12566.  God bless, Little Chris!

From Living Tributes:

Chris Michael Kirby, a carpenter, died tragically September 11, 2001 during the attack on the World Trade Center. He was 21. The son of James "Mickey" Kirby and Donna Morrison Kirby, he was born on January 1, 1980 in the Bronx. He was a member of Carpenters' Union #608; and was in the process of fulfilling the requirements to begin a career in the FDNY like his father, Mickey of FDNY, Engine 43.

Comments

[Sissy Willis]

A warm and wonderful tribute, MB. You've left a smile on my face. :)