Chaplain To The Stars
July 16, 1949 to September 24, 2009
O strong soul, by what shoreTarriest thou now? For that force,Surely, has not been left vain!Somewhere, surely afar,In the sounding labour-house vastOf being, is practised that strength,Zealous, beneficent, firm!Yes, in some far-shining sphere,Conscious or not of the past,Still thou performest the wordOf the Spirit in whom thou dost live--Prompt, unwearied, as here!Still thou upraisest with zealThe humble good from the ground,Sternly repressest the bad!Still, like a trumpet, dost rouseThose who with half-open eyesTread the border-land dim'Twixt vice and virtue; reviv'st,Succourest!--this was thy work,This was thy life upon earth.
from ‘Rugby Chapel,’ Matthew Arnold
Dr. Richard S. KirbyRichard Stephen Kirby was born to Jean and TedKirby on July 16, 1949 in London, United Kingdomand grew up in Wimbledon with his sister Frances.Even at an early age, Richard became an enthusiasticstudent of astronomy.
As a young man, Richard flirted briefly withbusiness, earning a certificate in business studies atKingston Polytechnic in London. He went on toreceive his Bachelor’s degree in experimentalpsychology from North East London Polytechnic (nowUniversity of East London). He undertook researchfrom 1973 to 1976 in the Psycholinguistic ResearchUnit at University College, London, and lectured inpsychology at North East London Polytechnic.Richard met his first wife Ruth on a trip to theUnited States. They were married in 1977 and lived inLondon. Together, they moved to Abington, PA in1978, where his daughter Alana was born in 1979.During that time, Richard was the Director ofCommunity and Public Relations of the Institute forthe Exploration of Family Life. In 1982, the familymoved to New York, NY, where he trained for thepriesthood at The General Theological Seminary of theEpiscopal Church. In 1985, he graduated with anM.Div. and was ordained.
Richard returned to Britain in 1986, where hepursued a Ph.D. in Christian doctrine and history atKing’s College, London. Dr. Kirby graduated in 1992,completing his dissertation, The Theological Definitionof Cosmic Disorder in the writings of Thomas ForsythTorrance. During his studies, he formed the Order ofthe Academy of Christ, an Anglican counterpart to the Jesuits. Its objective was to find innovative ways ofpromoting the Christian Mission. He was authorized tostart an experimental congregation by the UnitedReformed Church (an amalgamation of Presbyteriansand Congregationalists in Britain), and developed andled a video unit for the Thames North Province (nowSynod) of the URC.
On a trip to the United States in 1988, Dr. Kirbywas instrumental in forming the World Network ofReligious Futurists, an organization that sought toencourage members and adherents of all religioustraditions to work towards relieving poverty andsuffering. He remained involved with the WorldNetwork of Religious Futurists throughout his life,serving as chairman from 1993 to 2005, andsubsequently as Chaplain until his death.
From 1992 to 1994, he was International Directorof Administration of International Mensa. He was amember of the British Society of Authors for manyyears.
Richard emigrated to the United States in 1994 andnaturalized as an American citizen at the firstopportunity. He met his second wife Deborah at theLight of Christ Community Church in Talequah, OKand married her in 1996. ! He collaborated with DickSpady and Cecil H. Bell, and was invited to become aStuart C. Dodd Scholar in Social Innovation. In 1997he became Executive Director of the Stuart C. DoddInstitute for Social Innovation. He taught businessethics at the University of Washington, and lectured atSeattle Pacific University, the University of PugetSound, and Bastyr University.
In 2001 he formed the chaplaincy program for theWorld Future Society and remained senior chaplain formany years. He also founded the All Saints NewChurch in 2003, where he posted weekly sermons to anonline congregation. He continued to serve as achaplain to the community, especially for those whowere wounded or ill.In 2005 he became the first President and Chaplainof Kepler Academy, an astronomical and theologicalcollege. He was the Visiting Professor of InternationalFinance for the University of Russia's Academy ofEducation. In 2008, he was chosen as ExecutiveDirector of the URAE, USA. In 2009 he began todevelop the Kepler Space University, which iscontinuing to form.Richard met Abeba “Nunu” Haile in 2002 inEdmonds and married her on August 23rd, 2003. Heoften referred to Nunu as his BDIEM (Best Decision IEver Made) and they prayed and sang togetherregularly. They particularly enjoyed watching moviestogether. At the time of Richard’s death, he and Nunuresided in Edmonds with their two beloved dogs,Dexter and Willie.
Throughout his life, Richard maintained a prolificoutput of articles, books, sermons, prayers, poetry, andfiction. He could be counted on to speak on almostany topic at a moment’s notice. He produced teachingvideos several times a week and distributed themonline. He produced weekly web sermons on a varietyof topics. Richard authored several books throughouthis life, including:
• The Person in Psychology (1975), andIndividual Differences (1979), with JohnRadford;
• The Mission of Mysticism (1976);
• Christians in the World of Computers(1990), with Parker Rossman;• Temples of Tomorrow (1993), with EarlBrewer;
• The Leadership of Civilization Building:Administrative and Civilization Theory,Symbolic Dialogue, and Citizen Skills for the21st Century (2002), with Richard J. Spady andin collaboration with Cecil H. Bell Jr.
• Nurturing Civilization Building (2004),with Barbara Ray Gilles.
His last book, The People’s Astronomy wascollaboratively written in three days.Richard’s interests covered an extraordinary rangeincluding mathematics, astronomy, theology,philosophy, psychology, science fiction, ethics,sociology, finance, and the theory of government. Hehad a deep enjoyment of music, and played hymns onhis piano or organ every day. He particularlyappreciated the spiritual aspects of the music of GustavMahler and Ludwig von Beethoven, and was an avidstudent of the works of Jean Sibelius. His religiousknowledge extended beyond Christianity and hebelieved that people of all faiths could work togetherto create an ideally profitable future.
One of his primary concerns was to improve thewell-being of the poor. Dr. Kirby made a realdifference in the lives of many children thoughcontributions to medical clinics and math schools inPakistan. He supported a family in the Philippines,both financially and by helping them seek highereducation.
Richard was a devoted and loving son, husband,brother and father. He was a true friend and spiritualcounselor. He will be sorely missed. He is survivedby his beloved wife Abeba “Nunu,” daughter Alana,his beloved dogs Dexter and Willie, his mother Jean,sister Frances and her husband John, his in-laws YilmaHaile and Koki A. Meshesha, and his sisters- andbrothers-in-law.
The family would like to thank all of Dr. Kirby’sfriends and colleagues for their love and support.He was such a wonderful and remarkable husband.He was so positive all the time. He lives always in myheart and I will miss him so much. Dexxie and Williemiss him too. I love him forever. I will alwaysremember our great love! — A message from Richard"s Wife, Nunu
Our beloved Richard was so compassionate towardsthose who were in need of love, or help of any kind,that he sacrificed himself towards relieving theiranxieties, and fears... We hope that one, and all ofyou, benefit from the love that Richard spread amongthis congregation, and can live by it. Rest in peace,Richard, you worked hard to bring the glory of God toso many people, that you deserve it yourself.! – A message from Richard"s Mother, JeanRichard with his mother Jeanand sister Frances.
Posted by Kepler Space University at 1:51 PM 0 comments
Labels: chaplain, civilization building, stuart c. dodd scholar in social innovation, temples of tomorrow, the missin of mysticism, the peoples astronomy, World Future Society
July 16, 1949 to September 24, 2009
O strong soul, by what shoreTarriest thou now? For that force,Surely, has not been left vain!Somewhere, surely afar,In the sounding labour-house vastOf being, is practised that strength,Zealous, beneficent, firm!Yes, in some far-shining sphere,Conscious or not of the past,Still thou performest the wordOf the Spirit in whom thou dost live--Prompt, unwearied, as here!Still thou upraisest with zealThe humble good from the ground,Sternly repressest the bad!Still, like a trumpet, dost rouseThose who with half-open eyesTread the border-land dim'Twixt vice and virtue; reviv'st,Succourest!--this was thy work,This was thy life upon earth.
from ‘Rugby Chapel,’ Matthew Arnold
Dr. Richard S. KirbyRichard Stephen Kirby was born to Jean and TedKirby on July 16, 1949 in London, United Kingdomand grew up in Wimbledon with his sister Frances.Even at an early age, Richard became an enthusiasticstudent of astronomy.
As a young man, Richard flirted briefly withbusiness, earning a certificate in business studies atKingston Polytechnic in London. He went on toreceive his Bachelor’s degree in experimentalpsychology from North East London Polytechnic (nowUniversity of East London). He undertook researchfrom 1973 to 1976 in the Psycholinguistic ResearchUnit at University College, London, and lectured inpsychology at North East London Polytechnic.Richard met his first wife Ruth on a trip to theUnited States. They were married in 1977 and lived inLondon. Together, they moved to Abington, PA in1978, where his daughter Alana was born in 1979.During that time, Richard was the Director ofCommunity and Public Relations of the Institute forthe Exploration of Family Life. In 1982, the familymoved to New York, NY, where he trained for thepriesthood at The General Theological Seminary of theEpiscopal Church. In 1985, he graduated with anM.Div. and was ordained.
Richard returned to Britain in 1986, where hepursued a Ph.D. in Christian doctrine and history atKing’s College, London. Dr. Kirby graduated in 1992,completing his dissertation, The Theological Definitionof Cosmic Disorder in the writings of Thomas ForsythTorrance. During his studies, he formed the Order ofthe Academy of Christ, an Anglican counterpart to the Jesuits. Its objective was to find innovative ways ofpromoting the Christian Mission. He was authorized tostart an experimental congregation by the UnitedReformed Church (an amalgamation of Presbyteriansand Congregationalists in Britain), and developed andled a video unit for the Thames North Province (nowSynod) of the URC.
On a trip to the United States in 1988, Dr. Kirbywas instrumental in forming the World Network ofReligious Futurists, an organization that sought toencourage members and adherents of all religioustraditions to work towards relieving poverty andsuffering. He remained involved with the WorldNetwork of Religious Futurists throughout his life,serving as chairman from 1993 to 2005, andsubsequently as Chaplain until his death.
From 1992 to 1994, he was International Directorof Administration of International Mensa. He was amember of the British Society of Authors for manyyears.
Richard emigrated to the United States in 1994 andnaturalized as an American citizen at the firstopportunity. He met his second wife Deborah at theLight of Christ Community Church in Talequah, OKand married her in 1996. ! He collaborated with DickSpady and Cecil H. Bell, and was invited to become aStuart C. Dodd Scholar in Social Innovation. In 1997he became Executive Director of the Stuart C. DoddInstitute for Social Innovation. He taught businessethics at the University of Washington, and lectured atSeattle Pacific University, the University of PugetSound, and Bastyr University.
In 2001 he formed the chaplaincy program for theWorld Future Society and remained senior chaplain formany years. He also founded the All Saints NewChurch in 2003, where he posted weekly sermons to anonline congregation. He continued to serve as achaplain to the community, especially for those whowere wounded or ill.In 2005 he became the first President and Chaplainof Kepler Academy, an astronomical and theologicalcollege. He was the Visiting Professor of InternationalFinance for the University of Russia's Academy ofEducation. In 2008, he was chosen as ExecutiveDirector of the URAE, USA. In 2009 he began todevelop the Kepler Space University, which iscontinuing to form.Richard met Abeba “Nunu” Haile in 2002 inEdmonds and married her on August 23rd, 2003. Heoften referred to Nunu as his BDIEM (Best Decision IEver Made) and they prayed and sang togetherregularly. They particularly enjoyed watching moviestogether. At the time of Richard’s death, he and Nunuresided in Edmonds with their two beloved dogs,Dexter and Willie.
Throughout his life, Richard maintained a prolificoutput of articles, books, sermons, prayers, poetry, andfiction. He could be counted on to speak on almostany topic at a moment’s notice. He produced teachingvideos several times a week and distributed themonline. He produced weekly web sermons on a varietyof topics. Richard authored several books throughouthis life, including:
• The Person in Psychology (1975), andIndividual Differences (1979), with JohnRadford;
• The Mission of Mysticism (1976);
• Christians in the World of Computers(1990), with Parker Rossman;• Temples of Tomorrow (1993), with EarlBrewer;
• The Leadership of Civilization Building:Administrative and Civilization Theory,Symbolic Dialogue, and Citizen Skills for the21st Century (2002), with Richard J. Spady andin collaboration with Cecil H. Bell Jr.
• Nurturing Civilization Building (2004),with Barbara Ray Gilles.
His last book, The People’s Astronomy wascollaboratively written in three days.Richard’s interests covered an extraordinary rangeincluding mathematics, astronomy, theology,philosophy, psychology, science fiction, ethics,sociology, finance, and the theory of government. Hehad a deep enjoyment of music, and played hymns onhis piano or organ every day. He particularlyappreciated the spiritual aspects of the music of GustavMahler and Ludwig von Beethoven, and was an avidstudent of the works of Jean Sibelius. His religiousknowledge extended beyond Christianity and hebelieved that people of all faiths could work togetherto create an ideally profitable future.
One of his primary concerns was to improve thewell-being of the poor. Dr. Kirby made a realdifference in the lives of many children thoughcontributions to medical clinics and math schools inPakistan. He supported a family in the Philippines,both financially and by helping them seek highereducation.
Richard was a devoted and loving son, husband,brother and father. He was a true friend and spiritualcounselor. He will be sorely missed. He is survivedby his beloved wife Abeba “Nunu,” daughter Alana,his beloved dogs Dexter and Willie, his mother Jean,sister Frances and her husband John, his in-laws YilmaHaile and Koki A. Meshesha, and his sisters- andbrothers-in-law.
The family would like to thank all of Dr. Kirby’sfriends and colleagues for their love and support.He was such a wonderful and remarkable husband.He was so positive all the time. He lives always in myheart and I will miss him so much. Dexxie and Williemiss him too. I love him forever. I will alwaysremember our great love! — A message from Richard"s Wife, Nunu
Our beloved Richard was so compassionate towardsthose who were in need of love, or help of any kind,that he sacrificed himself towards relieving theiranxieties, and fears... We hope that one, and all ofyou, benefit from the love that Richard spread amongthis congregation, and can live by it. Rest in peace,Richard, you worked hard to bring the glory of God toso many people, that you deserve it yourself.! – A message from Richard"s Mother, JeanRichard with his mother Jeanand sister Frances.
Posted by Kepler Space University at 1:51 PM 0 comments
Labels: chaplain, civilization building, stuart c. dodd scholar in social innovation, temples of tomorrow, the missin of mysticism, the peoples astronomy, World Future Society
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