A beacon in the construction business has died.
55 year old Kirby Nagelhout died Saturday after along battle with cancer. You may be familiar with the name Nagelhout; it's evident in buildings throughout Central Oregon, from the Pine Marten Lodge on Mt. Bachelor to the Redmond Airport, the Tower Theatre renovation and about a thousand projects in between.
Although born in Minnesota, Nagelhout is considered a real local, having graduated from Bend High in 1974 and began working for Chambers Construction as a carpenter, and his passion for building grew from there.
He started his own company, Kirby Nagelhout Construction in 1986, and over the years had employed hundred of people. He was heavily involved in community service including the Boys and Girls Club of Central Oregon, the COCC Foundation and more.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donation be made to any of the following charities: Hospice of Bend (541-382-5882, Deschutes Children's Foundation (541-388-3101) or Grandma's House (541-383-3515). A public memorial for Kirby Nagelhout will take place at a time yet to be determined.
