Mr. Kirby "Kirbster" Lee Thiessen

Mr. Kirby "Kirbster" Lee Thiessen, age 64, of San Diego, California passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022. Kirby was born November 3, 1957 in McPherson, Kansas to Delbert L. and Joyce M. Thiessen of Inman, Kansas.

Kirby was a very kind-hearted and generous individual with a great sense of humor and admirable work ethic who will be missed dearly. A Graduate of Hutchinson High School in Kansas. Kirby received his degree of Bachelor of Architecture from Kansas State University in 1988.

Kirby moved to San Diego, California to work as an intern in Architecture in 1986, where he met his wife Therese Carlene Crom. They were married for 33 wonderful years and raised two beautiful children a son Grant Lee, 28 and a daughter Brittany Leigh, 22.

Kirby worked in the Architectual Commercial field for 35 years.

On the weekends and evenings, Kirby enjoyed riding his unicycle with man’s best friend Katara (mini-Australian shepherd) running alongside. Katara is now 11, but in her heyday, Kirby took her to Flyball which Katara excelled at relay racing. Kirby was a devoted and enthusiastic reader; his favorite pastime reading was Science-Fiction. When his son was young Kirby dedicated his time to the Cub Scouts and later became Scoutmaster. Our family enjoyed many outings and camping adventures.

One of his proudest accomplishments was taking a class in Taekwondo with his children and earning his Black Belt. In recent years, Therese and Kirby enjoyed the hobby of Home Brewing. He was an adventurous brew master constantly creating unique blends. He got a lot of satisfaction sharing his beer with friends and family. Recently, Kirby and Grant became proficient at maintaining Saltwater Aquariums. Anyone who has seen their efforts has been thoroughly impressed by the variety of fish and beautiful corals. Overall, Kirby enjoyed life and the great outdoors whether it be snow skiing, tennis, golf, softball, bowling, camping, boating, fishing, gardening as well as automobile restoration. This past spring and summer Kirby and Brittany enjoyed creating a garden for a safe haven of Milkweed plants for the endangered Monarch Butterflies.

Kirby will be deeply missed and is survived by Jack and Margie Crom, Michael and Ju Crom, Donald and Susan Altomonte, and their families of California. Stephanie Pongwattana and her family of Thailand, and Paul Crom of California. Also, survived by his parents Delbert and Joyce Thiessen, Kurt Thiessen and his family and Pamela A. Thiessen of Kansas, Penny and Rick Schrag of Florida and their families.

Preceding him in death were his Grandparents Pete and Katherine Thiessen, Hartsil J. and Charlotte J. Chrislip. Also, Father and Mother in-law John Edward and Barbara Jeanne Crom, Brother in laws Peter Thomas Crom and Peter Pongwattana, Sister-in-law Mary Beth Seesholtz and Nephew Ian Oliver Crom.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sorrentovalleychapel.com for the Thiessen family.