Seamus Daniel Kirby Newport RI: A Life of Passion and, Adventure

Have you ever met someone who seemed to light up every room they entered? Seamus Daniel Kirby of Newport, Rhode Island was just that kind of person. Born on October 14, 1994, in the picturesque coastal town of Newport, Seamus lived a life full of energy, accomplishment, and adventure. Sadly, his vibrant journey came to an unexpected end on April 14, 2024, at the young age of 29.

But in those 29 years, Seamus left an indelible mark on his community and touched countless lives with his infectious spirit and zest for life.

Early Life and Family Background

Imagine a cannon firing a bright, energetic ball into the world – that’s how Seamus’s family described his arrival. From the very beginning, it was clear that this Newport native was going to make waves. Growing up in a close-knit family, Seamus was surrounded by love and support. His parents, Jerome R. Kirby III and Kathryn Kirby, provided a nurturing environment that allowed their son’s dynamic personality to flourish.

Seamus wasn’t an only child, though. He had a brother, Rome Kirby IV, who would become not just a sibling but a lifelong friend and adventure partner. The Kirby household was always buzzing with activity, whether it was the boys racing around the yard or planning their next big escapade.

From an early age, Seamus showed an interest in sports and outdoor activities. The coastal setting of Newport provided the perfect playground for a curious and energetic child. Whether he was splashing in the waves, climbing rocks, or zooming around on his bike, Seamus was always on the move.

Education Journey

Seamus’s educational path was as diverse and dynamic as he was. He started his academic journey at Underwood School, where his teachers quickly noticed his bright mind and enthusiasm for learning. From there, he moved on to Cluny School and then Pennfield School, each step broadening his horizons and challenging him in new ways.

But it was at Rocky Hill Country Day School where Seamus truly came into his own. Graduating in 2013, Seamus wasn’t just a student – he was a force of nature. His high school years were a whirlwind of academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Teachers often remarked on his ability to balance his studies with his passion for sports and outdoor pursuits.

At Rocky Hill, Seamus wasn’t content to just get by – he wanted to excel. And excel he did, both in the classroom and on the playing field. His natural curiosity and drive to succeed made him a standout student, earning the respect and admiration of both his peers and his teachers.

Athletic Pursuits

If you thought Seamus was impressive in the classroom, you should have seen him on the field! This young man was a true athletic powerhouse, excelling in not one, but two demanding sports: hockey and lacrosse.

On the hockey rink, Seamus was a force to be reckoned with. His speed, agility, and strategic thinking made him a valuable player on any team. But it was in lacrosse where Seamus truly shone. In 2012, he earned a coveted spot on the Boys Varsity Lacrosse SENEISAA first-team All-League. This wasn’t just a pat on the back – it was a recognition of Seamus’s exceptional skill and dedication to the sport.

But Seamus wasn’t content with just being on the team. He wanted to leave his mark, and leave it he did. By the time he graduated, Seamus held the school records for the highest number of goals, assists, and face-offs won – not just for a single season, but for his entire four-year Varsity career. Talk about going out with a bang!

Motocross Passion

Just when you think you’ve got Seamus figured out, he throws you another curveball. As if excelling in hockey and lacrosse wasn’t enough, Seamus had another passion that got his adrenaline pumping: motocross.

From a young age, Seamus was drawn to the thrill and challenge of motocross racing. The roar of the engines, the smell of gasoline, and the rush of flying over jumps – it was a world that captured Seamus’s imagination and never let go.

And he wasn’t just a casual rider. Oh no, Seamus approached motocross with the same determination and skill he brought to everything else in his life. By the tender age of 12, he had already clinched the NESC Motocross Championship in the 85cc class. Can you imagine? While most 12-year-olds were riding bikes in their neighborhood, Seamus was tearing up professional tracks and bringing home championships!

College Years

After his action-packed high school years, Seamus was ready for a new challenge. He set his sights on the College of Charleston, trading the familiar shores of Newport for the historic streets of South Carolina.

At Charleston, Seamus chose an academic path that perfectly blended his love for history and his passion for building and design. He pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Historic Preservation and Community Planning, a field that would later prove invaluable in his professional life.

College life suited Seamus well. He threw himself into his studies with the same enthusiasm he brought to sports. But true to form, Seamus didn’t limit himself to just academics. He embraced the full college experience, joining clubs, making new friends, and exploring the rich culture and history of Charleston.

These years were a time of significant personal growth for Seamus. Away from the familiar surroundings of Newport, he had the chance to discover new interests, challenge his perspectives, and develop a deeper understanding of who he was and what he wanted to achieve in life.

Professional Life

In 2017, armed with his degree and a wealth of new experiences, Seamus returned to his roots in Rhode Island. But he wasn’t coming back to rest on his laurels. No, Seamus was ready to make his mark in the professional world.

He joined Kirby Construction, his family’s business, as a project manager. This wasn’t a case of nepotism – Seamus had the skills, the knowledge, and the drive to excel in this role. Working alongside his father, Jerry, Seamus found a new arena in which to channel his energy and creativity.

Kirby Construction wasn’t just any construction company. They specialize in building custom luxury homes and preserving and restoring historic properties. It was the perfect fit for Seamus, allowing him to combine his academic background in historic preservation with his hands-on approach to life.

In his role as project manager, Seamus brought the same passion and attention to detail that had made him a standout athlete. He approached each project as a new challenge, whether it was bringing a client’s dream home to life or carefully restoring a piece of Newport’s rich architectural history.

Personal Life and Relationships

Amidst his busy professional life, Seamus found time for love and family. He married Tatum James Wadensten, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. While the exact number of their children isn’t specified, it’s clear that Seamus embraced fatherhood with the same enthusiasm he brought to everything else in his life.

Seamus’s family extended beyond just his wife and children. He maintained close relationships with his parents, his brother Rome, and a large extended family including numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family gatherings were always lively affairs, filled with stories, laughter, and probably a bit of friendly competition!

Personality and Character

If you asked anyone who knew Seamus to describe him, the word “dynamic” would probably come up a lot. He had a rare ability to light up any room he entered, bringing energy and enthusiasm wherever he went.

Seamus wasn’t just about sports and adventure, though. Friends and family often spoke of his kindness, his loyalty, and his ability to make everyone feel included. He had a knack for bringing people together, whether it was organizing a pickup game of lacrosse or rallying a team for a construction project.

His interests were as varied as his talents. When he wasn’t working or spending time with family, you might find Seamus surfing the waves off Newport’s beaches, tinkering with engines, or exploring the historic buildings he loved to preserve.

Final Days and Memorial

The news of Seamus’s passing on April 14, 2024, sent shockwaves through the Newport community and beyond. At just 29 years old, it seemed impossible that someone so full of life could be gone. While the exact circumstances of his passing remain unclear, there were unconfirmed rumors of a spearfishing accident.

The outpouring of grief and support from the community was immediate and overwhelming. It was a testament to the impact Seamus had made in his short life, touching so many people with his energy, kindness, and zest for life.

A Mass of Christian burial was held on Saturday, April 27, at St. Mary’s Church in Newport, followed by a private burial. The church was packed with family, friends, former teammates, and community members, all there to pay their respects and celebrate Seamus’s life.

Remembering Seamus Daniel Kirby

As we remember Seamus Daniel Kirby, it’s clear that his impact went far beyond his impressive list of achievements. Yes, he was a champion athlete, a successful professional, and a devoted family man. But more than that, he was someone who lived life to the fullest, inspiring others to do the same.

Friends recall his infectious laugh, his willingness to help others, and his ability to find joy in even the smallest moments. Colleagues remember his work ethic, his innovative ideas, and his commitment to preserving Newport’s architectural heritage.

But perhaps the most fitting tribute to Seamus comes from those who knew him best – his family. They remember a son, a brother, a husband, and a father who loved fiercely and lived boldly. They speak of a man who approached each day as a new adventure, always ready to take on whatever challenges life threw his way.

Seamus Daniel Kirby’s life may have been cut short, but the impact he made in his 29 years will continue to ripple through the Newport community and beyond for years to come. His legacy lives on in the buildings he helped restore, the records he set, the lives he touched, and the memories he created.

As we bid farewell to Seamus, we’re reminded of the importance of living life to the fullest, of pursuing our passions with dedication, and of always being ready to light up the room. In the words of his family, Seamus “arrived like a shot from a cannon” – and though he’s gone, the light he brought to the world continues to shine brightly.

For those who wish to see more about Seamus’s life and legacy, you can visit the Water Brothers Instagram page or the Newport Buzz Instagram page, where tributes and memories have been shared.

Seamus Daniel Kirby, a true son of Newport, Rhode Island, may no longer be with us, but his spirit of adventure, his love for his community, and his zest for life will continue to inspire all who knew him. And isn’t that, after all, the most beautiful legacy one can leave behind?