Robert L. Kirk, 76
Robert L. Kirk, 76, passed away Friday, Jan. 5, 2007, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center with all his children at his side.
Bob was born in Somers on Dec. 27, 1930, to Arthur and Edna (Ritzman) Kirk. He was raised on the family farm and attended Somers School. According to Bob, he walked five miles to school, uphill, both ways.
Bob graduated from Flathead County High School, where he excelled in football, basketball and track. He received his degree in education from the University of Montana, where he was also a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. Bob's military career started with the ROTC. He went into the U.S. Air Force as an officer and received his wings as a multi-engine pilot.
In 1953, he married K. Phyllis Treweek of Kalispell. He taught eighth grade at Evergreen School before embarking upon his career in the banking industry. He started at First National Bank as a loan officer and retired several years later from Conrad National Bank (First Interstate Bank) as vice president.
The active lives of his children pulled Bob into the realm of baseball coach and ski instructor. Bob's compassion extended beyond his family. His involvement as a board member with the Salvation Army was rooted in his belief that we are all here to help each other. Those fortunate enough to experience Bob as their friend knew that they could count on him during troubled times. A quiet knock on the door would announce that Bob, with toolbox in hand, was there to help. His community involvement also included the Jaycees, the Elks and the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce.
Bob gave his children the greatest gift of all … the gift of his time. Many memories were made while camping, fishing and recreating in Bob's beloved Flathead Valley. Winter seasons for the Kirk children were spent at Big Mountain, where Bob taught his children to ski and eventually supported them in their skiing and racing adventures. Summer seasons were enjoyed at Echo Lake. With Bob at the helm, the Kirk boat ran continuously through the days, with the beginners learning to ski while the experts doled out advice. Sounds of laughter punctuated the nightly campfires - "Yabba-Dabba-Doo!"
In his later years, Grandpa Bob earned the name of "Mr. Mom." Always willing to help out, Grandpa Bob traveled to Missoula, Denton, Washington state, or wherever he was needed. Donning an apron for either cooking a meal or building a deck, Bob was always there to help his children. He so enjoyed watching the grandkids participate in their football, basketball and baseball games. Chuckling as they tried to emulate a cast, belt out a song, or create a curveball, Bob enjoyed the milestones of his grandchildren's lives.
Watching Grizzly football games with his buddies and his children brought Bob great moments of joy and jubilee (with just a few outbursts of frustration) … Go Griz!
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Edna and Arthur Kirk; his siblings, Patricia Kirk (age 3), Arthur (Ernie) Kirk, Edwin Kirk and Joyce Kirk Buscho.
Survivors include daughter Barbara Cook of Kalispell and her children, Andy Kirk, Katy Cook and Jayne Cook; daughter Janice Carter and her husband, Jack, of Denton, and their children, Beau and Josey; son, Tim Kirk, and his wife, Connie, of Missoula, and their children, Tyler, Mac and Cody; daughter Deanna Peck and her husband, Thom, of Bigfork, and their children, Taylor and Kylie; and great-grandchildren Andy and Andrea'.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, at the First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Glenn Burfeind officiating. Burial will be afterward at Conrad Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11 to 6 p.m. today, Jan. 8, at Johnson Mortuary.
Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, 110 Bountiful Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901, or the American Heart Association, 510 First Ave. N., No. 114, Great Falls, MT 59401, or to the donor's choice.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Bob's family.