Kirby Monteith passed away from colon cancer, early in the morning on October 8th, 2008, just when he would have headed off to work in his log truck.  He was at home in West Unity surrounded by loving family members, and he passed peacefully.  The pain of losing Kirby is great; he brought us joy, love, laughter and good times.  He was a very generous man with a big heart.

Kirby was born in Windsor, Vermont on March 23, 1951 and spent his early years in Cornish, New Hampshire.  He moved to Windsor at the age of nine, and by the age of 15 began logging full time with “old Jakey” and a pair of horses.   Kirby began his career as a truck driver working for his uncles, the Hodgdon Brothers.  He soon became self employed as a log truck owner and operator, and worked very hard to establish an excellent reputation for his business, “Mountain Man Enterprises”.  Kirby was extremely proud of his new Kenworth truck and enjoyed working hard every day, right up until a week before his death.

Kirby began driving a modified race car in 1972 and was named Rookie of the Year.  He enjoyed racing for over 30 years, initially driving for the Hodgdons, then Fran Leamy, Gary Schuman and finally for Hoss Racing.  Kirby drove on dirt tracks in the early years and raced at many New England tracks.  His rowdy, hard driving, fun-loving spirit made him a fan favorite, especially with children.    

On April 6, 2002 he married his soul mate, Teresa Blackman, at the West Unity Community Church, and enjoyed six very happy years of marriage. Kirby traveled to Germany with his wife and in-laws during the summer of 2007, and made many new friends.  He enjoyed the trip tremendously.

Kirby is survived by his wife, Teresa Monteith; a daughter, Jessica Monteith; a grand-daughter, Jacqueline Couey; a step-son, Justin Jette; two step-daughters, Erin and Megan Miley;  his father and step-mother, Arthur and Joanne Monteith; his step-father, Robert Turgeon; a sister and brother-in-law, Beth and Roy Quimby; a brother and sister-in-law, Dana and Doreen Monteith, and many nieces and nephews.   Kirby had much wisdom, experience and common sense which he shared with all the people in his life through his wonderful sense of humor and stories. He didn’t have a chance to say good-bye to most of his friends, but his zest for life and his love for his friends and family were obvious.  He will be missed greatly.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 13, at the First United Methodist Church in Claremont on Sullivan Street.  Refreshments will be served after the service in the Community Room, downstairs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Unity Community Church, c/o Maggie Hall, 16 Lufkin Road, Charlestown, NH 03603.