NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The late Dick Kirby, legendary call maker of Orchard Park, N.Y., was honored with the C.B. McCleod Award Feb. 19 during the National Wild Turkey Federation's National Convention and Sport Show, in Nashville, Tenn.

The late Dick Kirby of Quaker Boy Game Calls

Kirby's family accepted on his behalf at an awards dinner at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. He passed away Sept. 30, 2010.

"Dick didn't just talk about the goals of the NWTF, he lived them," said his wife Beverly. "He loved his God, his family and his country. He would've been so honored to accept this award. And as his family, we accept this award for him. Because of the grace of God, we will share the experience with him one day."

Most hunters know Kirby as the brains and heart behind Quaker Boy, one of the most successful game call companies in America, but those who knew him best remember him most as a kind friend.

"Probably the thing that stands out most in my mind is Dick never viewed himself as a celebrity or hunting icon," said Brenda Valentine, NWTF spokeswoman and longtime friend of Kirby. "He, like so many of our real hunting legends, chiseled a living from an undying passion, hoping to support a family while feeding his own gnawing hunger for hunting and the outdoors."

Kirby's devotion to hunting and conservation was evident through his volunteerism. He was one of the original members of the NWTF when the organization began in the 1970s. He lent his time and talent to all levels of the NWTF, including serving nine years on its national board of directors in the 1990s.

"Dick personally made more than 100 custom calls for the [New York] state chapter to sell in order to help them out of their financial trouble back in 2006," said Marty Huber, a regional director from the Empire State. "Dick always put the good for all above any individual or personal gain."

It's selfless volunteers like Kirby who have made the NWTF a great conservation organization that stands strong behind its mission of conserving wild turkeys and preserving our country's hunting heritage.

"I have countless, rewarding memories of volunteering and working with the NWTF," Kirby said in Turkey Country, the NWTF's membership magazine, less than a month before his passing. "During that time, I saw the NWTF grow like never before and become a major force in conservation. We are an awesome organization, including men, women, youngsters, the disabled and families that together as friends and dedicated workers have and will continue to make a positive impact for conservation and the wild turkey."