on december 6, 2017 kirby was invested into the order of canada for his contributions to the sport of sailing. in addition to representing canada three times at the olympics, kirby's biggest contribution to the sport of sailing is the design of the popular laser dinghy. the award was presented personally to kirby by julie payette, governor general of canada, in september 2018 at a ceremony at rideau hall. he was in the first induction of the lisgar collegiate institute athletic wall of fame, as part of the 160th anniversary celebrations. he is a member of the noroton yacht club. kirby was inducted into the national sailing hall of fame in 2012.