20th February 2017

Bernard Kirby

Bishy Road is an important community space for us, with many local characters featuring there over many years.  We were very sad to hear of the death of Bernard Kirby, at the age of 95, and would like to share some tributes from Facebook about him.

“He had lived on Nunthorpe Road for eighty three years and was often seen in his beloved Morris Oxford or on his hand built bike, or up a ladder until very recently! Bernard had lots of friends on Bishopthorpe Road and loved chatting to the shop keepers. He was looked after at Barstow House for the past year. Bernard died peacefully in his sleep last night, after a short stay in hospital.” (tribute by Bishy Road)

“I remember being in one of the charity shops (as a customer) and Bernard asking if we sold belts! I ended up going into two other shops with him until we found one that fit. He gave me a sweetie as a thank you (I was 45)… He was a gentleman. RIP xxx” (Judith)

“He was so happy when he took my daughter and friends to prom!” (Frankie Hayes)

“I worked with Bernard at Forsselius Garage back in the late 70’s . In WW2 he was in the RAF as a Airframe Rigger. He would tell me countless stories of his exploits. One of his main jobs was to go out to crashed aircraft and recover them…. this often involved removing the shattered remains of dead airmen…an experience that took him years after the war to get over. As for the old Morris Oxford…. he bought that brand new in 1953 and still has it to this day !! They don’t make characters like Bernie anymore…RIP.” (Steve)

“I shall miss talking to Bernard about the merits of which pan was best to use to fry an egg! He came into the Cookshop many a time, exclaiming ‘where’s Johnny? ‘” (Gina)

“This is sad news. He kept his car in a garage that used to be behind the Holly Bank estate in Holgate. I spent a lot of time there as a young lad, my grandad and dad had one a couple down from his. Real nice chap, we chatted many times about all  sorts. Seemed he was never in a rush, and he was always doing something. I’ll do well to be anywhere near as active as he was as I grow older. Rip Bernard.” (Darren)