Tributes have been paid to the founder of Kirbys Coaches.
Echo-News reported that Eddie Kirby, who founded the Rayleigh-based operator in 1952 after returning from the RAF, has lost his battle with cancer, aged 85.
From the time of his recruitment into the RAF, just after the Second World War, he always said he did not wish to live or work away from Rayleigh. When he was de-mobbed he fulfilled this ambition by finding a job at the Hinksman’s Garage, in Rayleigh town centre.
Eddie, who was one of the few British coach owners to venture behind the Iron Curtain, travelled all over the UK and Europe. He was one of just two British coach drivers to have been recognised by the International Road Transport Union in 1984 for 30 years of safe and courteous driving.
He was also awarded a coveted gold lapel badge for having completed two million kilometres at the wheel of Setra coaches.
He was appreciated by local town dignitaries across Europe for bringing English people to holiday in their town, often with a small ceremony and a commemorative keepsake, in particular Boppard and Bernkastel in Germany and Altmünster in Austria where Eddie forged close friendships.
Eddie was still involved in the business up until his death. His two sons and their families have now taken over. His eldest son Simon operates Kirbys Coaches and his younger son Matthew operates his own coach business, working in collaboration with Kirbys.
They are very much family concerns with wives and other family members working alongside office staff and drivers.
Eddie’s son Simon, 51, said: “A great many people will have fond memories of Eddie.
“He was a pleasure to work with, to travel with and to be with. As they say, he was such a nice, kind and gentle man.”
