It is with profound sadness that our family announces the passing of our patriarch, Mr. Merlin Thomas Kirby. Born in 1925 in Dubuque, Iowa, Merlin passed away quietly, at home, at age 92, on February 28, 2018 in Garden Grove, California, following a thankfully short illness.
Merlin served in the Navy from 1943 to 1947 during World War II before moving to California to raise two children with his first wife.
After rising in the ranks at Hughes Aircraft and McDonnell Douglas, Merlin decided to chart his own course in the High Tech Equipment industry as a business owner, opening A-VAC Industries, Inc. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joe, son Michael, 2nd wife Jeanette and constant companion, Spinner the Wonder Dog. Merlin is survived by his daughter, Sherri; stepsons, Donald and Raymond, 2 granddaughters and 3 Great grandchildren.
He also leaves behind his cat, Domino and dogs, Tom and Poppy. Merlin loved playing pool, hunting bargains at garage sales, following politics and tinkering in the garage. A memorial service will be held on March 24th, 2018, 12 noon at Dimond and Shannon Mortuary, 10630 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, CA (714) 537-1038. Followed by an invitation-only ‘Earthday Party’ at son Donald McGregor’s home, in Garden Grove, CA.
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