Kirby Gene Claxton 1960-2018
Kirby died on early Tuesday, February 20, one day short of his 58th birthday. Kirby was
the consummate Native Floridian. Kirby is survived by his wife Trish, mother Jo
Claxton, brother Cody Claxton, Sister Susan Wood, and Uncle Arlis Claxton, and
the local ballroom dance community. Kirby was born and raised in the Orlando
area and has been a long time resident of Altamonte Springs, FL. Kirby was a
locally popular DJ for ballroom dancing clubs in the area, known for the “Hump
Day Dance” on Wednesdays.. He specialized in adjusting songs to be the right
tempo and duration for ballroom dancing. Kirby was also an award-winning dancer
in his own right.
Kirby was a loving and romantic husband. Kirby was also a loving son who called his mother
almost daily and enjoyed ballroom dancing with her. Kirby was a loving brother
who spent time with Cody shooting competition matches and enjoying the outdoors
together. Kirby and Susan enjoyed everyday family time together. Kirby worked
over 23 years as a laboratory technician, and office manager for Dr.Howard
Buchoff, rheumatologist, where he was loved by Dr. Buchoff, the staff and
patients. He met his wife Trish in 2002 and married in 2009 after proposing to
her on a trip to Costa Rica. They travelled together as well as danced together
and hosted the Hump Day Dances.
Kirby has led a very active life, and embraced life fully. In his teenage years he was
active in motorcycle trail biking and motocross racing. He obtained his
Associates Degree and certification as Medical Laboratory Technician. He later
became a certified scuba diver and cave diver. He was an avid fisherman, and
for some time worked on a deep sea fishing boat. The smile on his face when catching
a fish was unforgettable. He was also an avid hunter, having bagged many deer,
wild boar, turkey, pheasant and more with rifles, muzzleloaders, shotgun, and
bow. He also loved firearms, and was a competitive handgun shooter with his
brother Cody. Kirby was also a single-engine pilot, and loved to fly with Trish
around Florida. Kirby was also a proficient boat captain, jet-skier, canoer,
and paddle-boarder.
Kirby lost his fight with cancer after receiving experimental cancer treatment, accepting the
risks and helping to advance cancer research.
Kirby was a man who was loved and admired by everyone. His presence in our lives will be
sorely missed. We know heaven will benefit from his DJ music, and his dance
moves. And, he will love the fishing there.
The Crystal Ballroom at Casselberry will be hosting a memorial
service and dance on March 14.
Donations to cancer research in lieu of flowers should be submitted to American Cancer Society at http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/Events/MosaicofHope?pg=fund&fr_id=9910&pxfid=2312445
Thomas & Libby Widgeon says
Sorry For Your Loss!
Diane Shumate says
I’m remembering Kirby fondly, such a sweet kid & a good man. My condolences & prayers for Trish, Jo & Susan & Cody. Taken from us much too soon, but in God’s perfect timing. You will be so very missed by so many here, but we’ll all be eager to join you & all our loved ones one day soon. My love & prayers for you Jo, Trish, Susan, Cody & Arlis
Diane Shumate says
Greta Olsen says
Tim and Marla Shumate says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time. We will always remember his kindness and his love for life. Until we meet in heaven again. Love and hugs, Tim and Marla Shumate
Diane says
Kirby had A full & happy life, cut short by the most cruel of diseases. But now it continues in the most beautiful of places, and we’ll see him again God willing.
God bless you all. I love you very much
Diane says
What a sweet kid & then a wonderful man! He lived a happy & full life shortened by the cruelest of diseases. Kirby will be so missed. Earth’s loss is Heaven’s gain. Prayers, comfort & love to all the family.
Brenda Jones says
So very sorry for your loss. My love, prayers and hugs are being sent to Trish, his family and friends.
Kirby was indeed a very special man. He is missed greatly.
Mary says
So very blessed to have known and loved you Kirby. I will miss you.
Jean Krupa says
May he rest in peace
Carolann Duncan says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all Trish , Jo, Cody , Susan and family . I am so grateful to have known Kirby , truly such a special man . He was always there with an encouraging word at every dance event and he never missed a moment to compliment others and always so sincere. Every time he had a kind word for me I would walk away thinking that he was such a gentlemen , a sweet /caring man and his words always made me feel so good . I always loved to see Kirby dance with his devoted wife Trish, his loving Mom Jo and his wonderful friend,/teacher /dance partner Marta, you could always see how much dancing meant to him and how he loved to be on the dance floor . Although, I know the last years have been so hard , he was such an inspiration during the very difficult days with such a positive attitude , such dignity and his commitment to advancing research is something I so admire . I know he will be so missed by so many but what a gift for all who had the great pleasure to know Kirby and I know he will continue to “Trip the Light Fantastic ” in heaven
Woody Lucas says
God Bless you Kirby .
Linda Caplan says
Deepest condolences to all the family.
Lillian Garcia says
I am going to miss him very much. He always encourage me to go to the ball room to go dancing which I love, but my personal situation would not allowed me. Will miss you Sir. You were for real. What a blessing in Trisha ‘s life.
With Love Lillian Garcia
Trish says
Helene says
I think of you often xoxo reposting video the link shows unavailable below;
Love you Trish and so sorry for your loss, he was such a wonderful and caring man……
Rick & Paula Shumate says
We are so very sorry for the loss of Kirby. He lived a very full and wonderful life. He will be missed by his family and friends. Love and prayers to all his family.
Brenda Duncan says
Trish,I’m so sorry to hear of Kirby’s passing.My heart goes out to you as his precious and loving wife.He adored you .My thoughts and prayers to Jo,his precious Mother who he loved with all of his heart.Susan,Cody and his Uncle Arlis,may God give all of you comfort . I remember Kirby when he was a cute little boy with that sweet smile when we were neighbors on Overspin Dr. in Winter Park.Who would ever think we would be working together at Dr. Buchoff’s office years later. I enjoyed hearing about his hunting trips and diving for Lobster in the Keys.I believe he enjoyed every moment of his life.Kirby was a very special man and will be missed . My love to all of his Family
Sean Boyle says
I am old friend of Kirby’s. Please let me give my condolences to his family and friends. There is nothing more I can say about Kirby than what has been written here in tribute it is apparent everyone saw the same joy Kirby had for life, saw the same love for people and for nature. It is clear to me that everyone saw the same rare and good man that Kirby was.
Brenda Duncan says
I loved that video.It truly shows how much Kirby did enjoy life.He is now fishing in the crystal blue waters in Heaven.So happy to see all the smiles on his face. May God bring peace and joy to his family knowing that he is no longer in pain and is resting in the arms of Jesus. Kirby will be always and forever in our hearts.Again,my love to all of you.
Erin Dankel says
Im so very sorry to hear about the loss of Kirby. You are in my thoughts and prayers.