The VirtualBoxwell Team is sad to announce the passing of Douglas “Red” Kirby. Red had a long run at Boxwell, joining the staff in 1992 as the Camp Medic. He stayed on for over a decade. When the Mountain Man program was introduced, Red left the Health Lodge to join the teaching staff, eventually becoming director of the program. He finally left the staff in 2005, but in that time he was a well known personality, often joining the various musically talented individuals with his harmonica playing.
Red retired from the U.S. Army as a Sergeant First Class. He continued his involvement in Scouting with Troops 546 and 289. One of his sons, Darrell Kirby, was also a member of the Boxwell staff. Red was 71 at his passing on August 23, 2023.
His official obituary can be found here: https://www.sykesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/sfc-douglas-red-kirby-army-ret
This is Tim Woods, co-director of the Mountain Man program with Red Kirby. He was such a joy to share field experiences with including long trips on the road to Mountain Man adventure sites, sitting around the campfire with his terrific sense of humor and harmonica, jumping into the caving, mountain biking, rump bumping the Great South Fork of the Cumberland, or getting saddle sore on the 18 mile horse ride! We miss his long bright red pony tail, his hearty belly laugh, his warm friendship, and his great big bear hugs! Here’s to you my wonderful friend!!!