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. :)

[Paul]

Ironic that Chris has an older sister named Kelly.

[Katie M.]

As someone who personally knew Chris your tribute to him is very touching. For someone who never got the chance to meet him, you hit the nail right on the head-I know its cheesy but Chris literally was the nicest person I think I will ever meet in my entire life. His sense of humor was one of a kind. No matter how bad of a day you were having, he made it better in an instant. His smile was not only beautiful, it was contagious. I grew up with him--he was a very dear friend of my sisters and I am friends with his brother. Even 9 yrs later, his death hurts just as much now as it did then. I would give anything to just bring him back. The sun dowanr aeem as bright since before he passed away. Thats how I found your page. Every now and then I miss him so terribly that I google search his name and read about him, look at his pictures and remember him. Your page displays the legacy that we are all sure Chris would have wanted to leave behind. His friends and family all want him to be remembered for the true person he was--down to earth, friendly, happy and funny. A powerful symbol of this was displayed at his memorial service- the church was jam packed, standing room only with an overflow of people next door watching the service via a satellite in a school. All for a man who was only 21. Its a shame to think of all he could have done. Thank you again for your tribute and keeping his spirit alive.