29 Wrestlers Who Died In 2019
16. Roger Kirby (18 March)
Roger Kirby, a veteran top liner of the territories throughout the '60s and '70s, died in hospital on 18 March, after contracting pneumonia whilst battling pancreatic cancer. He was 79.
One of several 'Nature Boys' who bossed wrestling in the '60s, Kirby - who with bleached-blonde hair, a stunning physique and a handlebar mustache, looked like a perfect cross between Buddy Rogers and Superstar Billy Graham - faced all the top faces across the United States.
Born 14 December 1939 in Dunkirk, Indiana, Kirby impressed as a Golden Gloves boxer in the '50s, before a high school wrestling show turned his eye to the pro business.
After learning the ropes under state vets Dick the Bruiser and The Original Sheik, Kirby toured the NWA territories in the '60s, and also worked a short stint in the future CMLL.
It was in 1967 - at the direct request of the original, Buddy Rogers - that Kirby became the second incarnation of the 'Nature Boy'. Throughout the next decade, the Hoosier racked up the gold, earning the NWA Central States championship three times, and sharing tag success with notable names such as Ronnie Garvin and Harley Race.
Quarter of a century into his career - and following a spells in AJPW and AWA - Kirby made his way to WWE. He briefly worked as a referee for Vince's company, before hanging up his boots in 1986.
Upon his passing, The Fantastics' Bobby Fulton described Kirby as "one of the greatest heels in the wrestling business."