Dear Members,
It is with sadness that I advise of the passing of longtime Golf Society member Richard (Dick) Kirby, aged 88 years.
He served as Treasurer of the Golf Society of Australia for 10 years, a committee member from 2000-2006, and elected as a life member in 2019.
Dick made a wonderful administrative and governance contribution within the Australian golf industry and to Victorian golf in particular, spanning over 50 years.First elected to the Victorian Golf Association (VGA) Council in 1982, Dick served for 25 years, ultimately being honoured with VGA life membership in 2007.
Within this involvement, he was Honorary Treasurer from 1989 – 1995 and again between 1999 – 2001, Vice President in 2001, President from 2002 – 2006. Dick served as Australian Golf Union Executive Committee delegate/Golf Australia Council member from 2000 – 2006.
Across the 25 years, Dick also served on multiple VGA Committees (including commissioning Garry Mansfield to author the Golf in Victoria history book when chair of the Journal, Media & Library Committee), chaired the Victorian Golf Foundation from 1999 -2013 and the Golf Employees Superannuation Trust from 1998 – 2012.
His connection to his beloved Spring Valley Golf Club commenced in the 1950’s and saw him ultimately serve on the Club Committee, including terms as Treasurer from 1970 -1975, Vice President in 1975 and then President from 1978. He was duly elected as a life member of Spring Valley for his service to the club.
For this outstanding contribution to golf, Dick received an Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday Honours in 2023 and was also inducted into the Victorian Golf Hall of Fame in the same year.
Dick was a friend to us all, a thorough gentleman with a passion for golf and will be sadly missed.
The Society sends its sincere condolences to Dick’s wife Janice, their son Andrew and the extended Kirby family.
A wake to celebrate Dick’s life will be held at Spring Valley Golf Club on Monday 27th April at 2pm
Kim Hastie
President – Golf Society of Australia
