Bernard W. Kirby, age 76, of Aurora, died Thursday, October 5, 2006, at his home in Aurora, South Dakota. Graveside memorial services will be at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery in San Diego, California. Bernard Wendell Kirby was born September 3, 1930, in Aurora, South Dakota, to Charles Nathan and Golda Belle (Tharp) Kirby. He attended school in Aurora until he joined the Navy. Bernard served seven years as an aviation machinist during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He spent time on a fighter aircraft carrier and had gunnery training. He loved every minute of being in the service. In 1950, Bernard married Jacquelyn (Jackie) Fatke at San Diego, California. After leaving the Navy, he worked in building construction as an elevator operator and as a mechanic. He retired in 1990. Bernard was very caring to family and friends. He was an avid reader with special interest in world affairs. Bernard is survived by two daughters: Gail (Ron) Crow of Sparks, Nevada, and Sandra Shipman of Reno, Nevada; three sons: Joseph (Doris) Kirby of Jaucamba, California, Willie (Lynta) Kirby of Pocatello, Idaho, and Todd Kirby of Aurora, South Dakota; eleven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Evelyn Kirby, of Aurora, South Dakota; two brothers: Allan Ray Kirby of Santee, California, and Stanton (Judy) Kirby of Aurora, South Dakota; three sisters: Leolyn (Dean) Miller of Sturgis, South Dakota, Marilyn Kirby of Brookings, South Dakota, and Maureen (Fred) Miller of Colorado Springs, Colorado. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family including many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including special friend, Richard Chapman of Spring Valley, California. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and a brother, Ernest N. Kirby.