Kirby retires from holiday tradition

Thursday marked the 29th anniversary of the Jack Kirby Classic Turkey-Shoot at Desert Trails RV Park in El Centro.

It was a milestone event in that since its creation as a fundraiser more money had been raised than ever before and more people had signed up to participate, faster than they ever had.

Historically, organizers had been taking names up to the day before, but this year, 72 golfers reserved their spots two days prior, with 11 more on standby.

This success may have in part been inspired by the fact that Jack Kirby, founder and namesake of the tournament, will be stepping down as chief organizer and adopting a more advisory role.

In the years to come, his sons Paul and Wes Kirby and daughter Robin Martin will be taking over.

Kirby, 82, has led an active life. A former businessman, he has most recently ventured into the world of publishing —earlier this year, he completed an autobiographical collection of stories about his years spent driving cattle and raising Clydesdale horses, titled “So You Wanna Be a Cowboy?”, available on Amazon.com or at Fifth Avenue Book Center in El Centro.

It should be no surprise, then, that he feels the time has come for him to pass the reins, but “looking back, it’s been a thrill to do hold this tournament on the course that I built.”

Paul Kirby recalls, “Dad designed that golf course himself back in 1982, on the back of a placemat in a restaurant. We all thought he was crazy at the time, but he sketched out the holes and the sand-traps and that’s how they are on the course today. We played the first game the Thanksgiving before the park itself opened in 1986, but that was just family and friends. The next year, we decided to make it a fundraiser.”

“Every penny that we raise goes to Central and Southwest (high schools),” said Jack Kirby. “I’ve really enjoyed it over the years. Raising money is not my forte, but I guess I’ve done a fine job of it. It’s been a wonderful experience and (the tournament) will keep going. My kids will do a good job, I’m sure.”

“I believe in the cause,” added Paul Kirby. “You know, with all these state budget problems, schools aren’t getting what they need, so we do what we can to make sure that El Centro schools will always have golf programs, that we get a new breed of young players into the sport. That would be my thrust for continuing the tradition.”

Over the years, the Classic has raised more than $35,000, and its number of Valley-wide sponsors has grown exponentially.

In 1986, there were only two. This year there were 18, including Wal-Mart, Lucky’s, Rogers & Rogers, Applebee’s Restaurant, Camacho’s Place, The Home Depot, Rabobank, In-N-Out Burger and Burgers & Beer.

Kirby is grateful for all the support and interest that his tournament has received. He will continue to lend his name and support to the occasion in the coming years.

“I want people to know this for sure — this is only my last tournament, not the memorial tournament,” he said.