Maxwell Kirby
January 21, 1923 to January 22, 2026
Obituary
The funeral service for Max Kirby will be livestreamed for those unable to attend.
Please click the link provided to watch the funeral live. The page will update approximately 5 minutes before the service.
St. Thomas Anglican Church Website
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a loving husband, father and grandfather, uncle and brother-in-law. Max, who just celebrated his 103rd birthday, passed peacefully at home surrounded by family. He is predeceased by his parents William and May Kirby; brothers William (Cathy), Edward (Anna); sisters Isabelle, Jean (Reginald), Cora (Hughie) and Violet (Charlie).
Max leaves to mourn his wife Phyllis (nee Wells) of 62 years, son Douglas, daughter-in-law Frances, grandson Tyler and his special furry buddies Bowie and Jagger.
Max grew up in the east end of St. John’s (York Street). He was devoted to the Church Lads’ Brigade (C.L.B.) and became a Captain, worked with youth to ensure they had a stable environment and amazing experiences.
He was inducted into the Sport NL Hall of Fame and Newfoundland & Labrador Athletics Association Hall of Fame. His main accomplishments as an athlete were in athletics, basketball and soccer.
In the last few years Max was well known for his walking at the Field House, Memorial University. A regular on NTV to tell his tale of how to have longevity in life by walking a mile a day. Keep moving was his ‘secret’. And he was a charmer! The Pickle Girls at the track always sang happy birthday and provided a cake. The staff were wonderful to Max and he made many friends.
Max loved their cabin and would never miss a weekend. He enjoyed fishing, blueberry picking, and travelling with Phyllis to Florida, Europe, and cruising where they made lifelong friendships.
He worked at Harvey and Company, Clayton Construction, and Standard Manufacturing and then retired at the age of 64.
He leaves a large circle of family and friends who will miss him dearly. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses of 5 North A at the Health Science Centre for their kindness, compassion, and support that you showed during his recent stay. A special thank you to Dr. Rajuki of the Wedgewood Plaza Medical Group for her care.
Donations can be made to St. Thomas Church, Church Lads’ Brigade, or to a charity of one’s choice.
Visitation will take place at Carnell’s Funeral home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Sunday, January 25th from 2 – 4 PM & 7 – 9 PM and on Monday, January 26th, from 4 – 6 PM.
The funeral will be held at St. Thomas Church, 8 Military Road, on Tuesday, January 27th at 11 AM.
Following the funeral, family and friends are invited for refreshments at St. Thomas Church, St. John’s.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on January 25, 2026
7-9 p.m. on January 25, 2026
4-6 p.m. on January 26, 2026
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
11:00am, Tuesday January 27th
St. Thomas' Anglican Church
Interment to follow in the Anglican Cemetery, Forest Rd.
Phyllis and family,
Our heartfelt sympathy to all of you at this difficult time.. Phyllis, you and Max’s relationship was one to envy as you were a perfect fit and I am so sorry that you have lost your lifelong best friend. May your precious memories bring you some comfort. Again our deepest condolences
Doreen & Joe O’Dea
Phyllis and Family, sorry to hear of your loss. We remember Max fondly from vacations at Ocean Sands in Florida.. What a life force he was. Our condolences, Mona & Dave Lee
Sorry to hear of Max passing but what a legacy he will leave
Deepest condolences to Doug /Fran/ Tyler and all the circle of family and friends
Paul
Doug and family,
You were truly blessed to have Max as your Dad. My sincerest condolences, cherish the memories, he will forever live in your heart.
So sorry, to hear about Max’s passing, my condolences to his family.
Doug and Fran and family – So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Really enjoyed watching him on ntv news. He became an instant celebrity. Hugs to you all ♥️
My sincere condolences to the Kirby Family. May he rest in peace
Phyllis and family we were sorry to hear about Max’s passing and have many fond memories of him. You are all in our thoughts.
Your father was a well respected member of of the Newfoundland senior community and a complete gentleman through and through.. Thanks for past favors.
My deepest sympathies to the family. Mr Kirby was a very dear friend of my late grandfather and although I can’t remember if I’d ever met him, his name was mentioned many many times. As long as we have memories our loved ones will live on.
Phyllis, Doug,, Fran, Tyler and Family.
So sorry to hear of Max’s passing. Keep all your memories close to your heart. Sending prayers and hugs.
Lola and Paul Murphy
Doug and family;
My deepest condolences on the passing of your father, Max. I remember, under his leadership, the times during St. Thomas’ CLB and the CLB Mint Brook Camp of many years ago. Very fine gentleman indeed! You are in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Our condolences to you and your family. A lot of good memories with you and Max.
Phyllis so sad to here of Max’s passing. Sincere condolences to the entire family.
Doug
Condolences to you and your family. May the memories of your dad’s cherished and impactful life give you comfort in this sad time. Take care.
To Phyllis and Family,
So sad to hear of your loss. Max was a memorable soul. May his memory be a blessing to you all. Rest in peace Max.
Derrick & Marina
Cindy and I send condolences to the entire Kirby family for the loss of an amazing. person who lived a long, wonderful, virtuous life of selfless devotion to family, friends and community. Our prayers are with you all.
Doug, Fran and Tyler,
Scott and I send our deepest sympathies on your great loss. We remarked on Max’s extraordinary life, and how fully he embraced it. Thinking of you and all the family at this sad time.
Sincere condolences to PHYLLIS and all Max’s family and friends.I always enjoyed our chats at the Field House.When I started my walk yesterday I said this one is for you Max.May he rest in peace 🙏
Max was my Captain in the CLB in the bottom of St. Thomas’s School when I moved over to St. John’s around 1962- 3 from Bell Island, Always a Very Nice Man. 103 years young wow. RIP Max Sir, You Will Be Missed.
Phyllis I am so deeply sorry to hear of your beloved Max’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Douglas, Frances and Tyler. May God bless you all
To Phyllis and all the Kirby family,
I was saddened to hear of Max’s passing. Max was a true supporter of the C.L.B. and often spoken about at C.L.B events. His devotion to the organization will not be forgotten. On behalf of all members of the C.L.B . I would like to extend our sincere condolences. May he rest in peace.
Colonel Sheila Mercer
Governor and Commandant of the C.L.B
To Doug, Fran and Tyler
My condolences on the passing of a legend . What a great personality and advocate for exercise . I enjoyed our encounters in trying to keep him moving later in life. A life well lived . Take care
I recall fondly at CLB camp Max would conduct an early morning walk from tent to tent saying “Wakey, wakey rise and shine,. If you don’t get up I’ll break your spine.” While we all knew he didn’t mean it literally, we did know he wanted us to start our day as soon as possible. Rest in peace Max and please know you were and will always be an inspiration for many.
To ANNE and RANDY very sorry to hear about your uncle, but he certainly had lived a great life and was really and was really good at his walks. All he did. I’ll never forget the night we went to his sister‘s first and we were there and he came in much later and the next thing he says to me, will you tell RANDY the wings and fries are here And he was enjoying it very much anyhow I’m sorry that you had to cut your time short hopefully you had a good time with Tim
Conndolences Doug to you and your family. Cherish the memories.
Sandy, Linda, Sharon and all the Kirby family, so sorry to hear about Max’s passing. I remember Sandy telling me all about him being on NTV and what he did for his age. Cherish all the memories you have of Max, as I am sure there are quite a few. RIP Max
We sure miss Max’s smiling face and friendly chats at The Works! It was always such a pleasure to see him and the attention he gave the pickleball girls . He was so lucky to have lived such a long active life. Thinking of you .
Jean (a pickleball girl)
Phyllis and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your precious Max. My deepest condolences, Betty Spearns
Condolences to the Kirby Family as you morn the loss of Max..I am shocked to hear of his passing since I recently watched him on NTV Evening News.
I often talked with Max at the MUN Field House where we loved to walk daily.
We will miss him on our future visits to the Walking Track.
My condolences to Mr. Kirby’s family.
He was a fine gentleman.
Had the pleasure of speaking with him many times at The Works.
RIP Mr. Kirby.
My deepest condolences on the passing of Uncle Max. It was always a pleasure to chat with him and he was a true inspiration. I’m currently in Florida and unable to attend but will stream the service at St. Thomas on Tuesday.
Please accept our sincere condolences on Max’s passing. He had a long active life and he will be sadly missed by you all. Treasure all the memories of the good times together.
Margaret Ann ( Bill and Geraldine Power’s daughter )
and Jim Beehan
Phyllis and family,
Sending our sincere condolences on the passing of Max. He lived a Long and Happy Life! Keep all your memories close, for they are timeless treasures of our hearts. Sincerely, Hal and Trixie Wight
Many fond memories of my years in St. Thomas’s CLB company under Captain Kirby and Mr. Carburry. mamy, many, many years ago. He led a full and rich life with a positive impact on many. Condolences to his family. You are blessed with many positive memories.
Phyllis I’m so sorry to hear of Max’s passing. I always looked forward to seeing him on NTV. Deepest condolences to you, Douglas and all your family.
Doug, Fran and Tyler, please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved Father, Father-in-law, and Grandfather. May your pleasant memories help carry you all in your time of grief. Please know that we carry you all in our hearts during this difficult time. Sincerely, Ken & Michelle
Phyllis & Family::
We were so sorry to hear of Max’s passing. May God bless you all in the difficult days ahead. 🙏
Gerald & Linda Soper
To the Kirby family. My condolences on the passing of , Mr. Kirby, as he was respectively known, to us young ,York St. neighbors, of the day. He was a likeable neighbor, who always wished you the,”time of day.”
May his memories be a blessing.
Phyllis, Douglas and family , so sorry to hear of Max passing . Thinking of you all at this difficult time. He sure lived and wonderful life .
My dear dear Phyllis and family,
How very fortunate Denis and I were to meet both you and Max at “our happy place” in Florida. I so admired you both, exemplifying what a wonderful union looks like and how you complimented each other in your daily lives. I remember Max as a gentle man, so kind, never rushed to enquire how one was doing. He took time, (perhaps that is why he enjoyed his watches so.) so caring and genuine was he. You will greatly miss your life partner Phyllis..My sincere condolences to you and family..
Phyllis, Douglas and family.
I am so sorry to hear of Max’s passing. Phyllis, many years ago when you and I worked together, I had the privilege of spending time with Max. He was always so kind and considerate.
My strongest memories will always be of how deeply he loved you and Douglas. In the difficult days ahead, I hope you find comfort and peace in your many beautiful memories together.
With sincere sympathy
Cathy and Moe Taylor
Phyllis, Doug and family we wish to extend our deepest condolences on Max’s passing. We both had the privilege of working with Max at The Standard Manufacturing Co, Matchless Paints where we thoroughly enjoyed our daily chats. He was a great gentleman. We will always cherish these memories.
Sincere condolences to Phyllis, Douglas, Fran and family on the passing of Max.. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
My condolences to Phyllis and all the family. I last saw Max at Dad’s funeral.. Dad always spoke so fondly of him.
David Power (Cyril’s son)
Midland, TX
I’m so very sorry for your loss Phyllis. Sincere condolences to you and your family.
Mrs. Kirby & family
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Mr Kirby . I remember having some lovely conversations with you both at St Thomas’ Church during coffee hour. A true gentleman.
Rest in peace Mr Kirby , you will be missed!
Sincerely,
To Phyllis and family so very sorry to hear of max,s passing. Will miss our visits for sure. He sure enjoyed his time at the cabin. May he rest in peace. Marie and bill williams.
To the Kirby Family:
Condolences extended to you, and all of his Friends at The Works… it was a joy to meet Max on our daily 2:00pm walks. He was admired and loved by so many. R.I.P. Max…
Bill Fennemore
To Phyllis, Doug and the family, on behalf Mom(Sadie) and my family, we want to offer our condolences. Both Mom and myself are so glad we got to see Max, one last time at Christmas time, during the church dinner. He lived to be a wonderful 103 and remained active and I’m sure you’re thankful for all those wonderful years. Cherish those memories.
We are all thinking of you. RIP Max.
Barb and I are sorry to hear of Max’s passing.,Condolences to Phyllis and extended family
Our condolences to Phylis and family.we had the privilege of meeting Max .
Max was a kind,gentle and pleasant person. Our thoughts and prayers.
Phylis, Doug, Fran and Tyler,
I am so sorry to hear of Max’s passing. Wow, what amazing accomplishments in his 103 years. He was a true inspiration and proved that life is to be lived to the fullest.
Even though he lived a long, wonderful life, it is still difficult to say goodbye when someone was such a big part of your life.
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. God bless you all.
Cecilia and Bud mesh
To Phyllis, Doug and family.
Very sorry to learn that “Captain Max” has passed away and for your loss, but also happy that he lived such a long and fulfilling life. As our leader when I and my brothers Doug and Bob were in the CLB, he was held in great regard and I personally enjoyed his leadership. One thing that will remain with me, was my last encounter with him some years ago, where he was putting money into the parking meters of those who were parked on the lot of St. Clare’s Hospital. After I had a wonderful chat with him, that “paying it forward” gesture became an inspiration to me.
So very sorry that, due to an out of province commitment, Roxanne and I won’t be able to attend either his visitation or funeral, but please know that Max and you all will be in.our thoughts and prayers.
– Keith, Roxanne and family.
So sorry for your loss
We are so sorry to hear of Max’s passing. He was a true gentleman, a great friend to Dad, and an inspiration to us all. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Dear Kirby Family,
It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. Maxwell Kirby, who reached the remarkable age of 103. As a faithful and active member of St. Thomas Church and a strong supporter of the Church Lads Brigade, Mr. Kirby exemplified a life of devotion, service, and unwavering commitment to his faith and community. His legacy will continue to inspire us all.
We find solace in the words of Scripture: “Fight the Good Fight” (2 Timothy 4:7) the motto of the CLB. Mr. Kirby surely did so, running the race with grace and perseverance until the very end. May the Lord comfort you with His peace that surpasses all understanding, and may his soul rest in eternal joy.
With prayers and blessings,
The Right Reverend Samuel Rose
Bishop of the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador
Doug, I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Keep his memory alive by telling his stories (I know you have one or two). Speak of him often and smile knowing he’s always watching over you all. Sending condolences to you, your mom, Fran, & Tyler
Doug and Family
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing, sending my deepest condolences to you all.
Phyllis and family, so sorry to hear of Max’s passing. He lived a long and fulfilling life and I’m sure you’ll miss him dearly. Take comfort in the many years you spent together and the memories you made along the way.
I’m sorry