Michael John Kirby

Michael "MJ" John Kirby, of San Clemente, California passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024. Michael was born in Los Angeles, California on April 5, 1946, the eldest of eight children had by Canadian figure skating champions Michael John Ronald Kirby and Catherine Norah Kirby (née McCarthy). Shortly after Michael's birth, the family moved to Chicago where he later graduated high school at Quigley Preparatory

Seminary. Michael enlisted in the United States Navy in December of 1965 as part of the nuclear training program. During the Vietnam War, he served seven years on the USS Bainbridge, a nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser.

Following his honorable discharge, Michael settled in Newport Beach, California, where his family had relocated from Chicago. Building on the expertise he'd gained during his time in the Navy, Michael then began a distinguished 30-year career at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. He served as the Unit 1 Operations Training Administrator, educating hundreds of nuclear operators during the course of his tenure. While living in Newport, Michael met the love of his life, Charlotte Herschel Nauman. They were married on July 13, 1977, at the Candlelight Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada. They loved to travel and did so frequently, touring the United States and enjoying trips to Canada, France, Australia, and skiing the Swiss Alps. They raised four sons and Michael was a constant fixture on the sidelines of his sons’ many sporting events. They enjoyed a wonderful life together and were married until Charlotte’s death in 2007.

Michael was an avid fan of fine food, classical music, sailing, reading, and baseball. He visited every Major League Baseball stadium, though he claimed not to have a favorite team so as to never be disappointed with the outcome of the game. The last baseball game he attended was his grandson’s Little League Championship on June 8, 2024, where, for perhaps the first time, he had a favorite team. Michael is survived by his sons: Thomas Frank (Colleen) of Plymouth, Wisconsin; Timothy Charles (Elizabeth) of Mount Juliet, Tennessee; Michael John Ronald (Heather) of Torrance, California; and Matthew Paul (Vanessa) of Oceanside, California. He is also survived by his: eleven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; 6 siblings; fifteen nieces and nephews, and numerous great nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

A service for Michael will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the Ole Hanson Fireside Room at the San Clemente Community Center, 100 N Calle Seville, San Clemente, CA 92672.