I can't believe it's been this long, my friend, since you chose to leave us. There is not a Ground Hog Day that goes by where I fail to think of you on that your birthday. It's funny, too, when other things occur that cause me to think of you and remember all that we shared over the years. I trust that somewhere in your life, I was able to plant a seed of truth that germinated to result in you coming to faith in Christ so that you are with Him now. Just know that I purposed to be your friend that loved at all times and to be your brother in times of adversity. If I failed there, please forgive me...my motivation was pure.
There has not been a Groundhog's Day since I've known you that you didn't come to mind on this, your birthday, February 2nd. From at least as early as Julia Weber's 4th grade class at Curtin Elementary to the present, I have also thought of this date more as your birthday than as the prognostication for the rest of winter's weather. I think I've thought more about it since you left us than perhaps previous to that. My mind is awash with memories of all those years that encompassed so many things...sports, girls, parents, and we even got around to thinking about school now and again.
I don't know what happened. I live with the regret of having lost contact...being sufficiently arrogant to think if I hadn't, somehow I could have made a difference...to have been there for you my friend. You masked your troubles and heartache, for some reason thinking that it wasn't "cool" to have those challenges in your life. What I wish is that you had known that acknowledging those things and being vulnerable in them was and is the epitome of "cool."
I missed you before you left us and miss you even more since. My wish is that somehow, you've found peace and are resting in it. My greater wish is that you found the Peace that I have, that comes from only one source; and, that He has you now and through endless ages to come. Rest in it, my friend.
Having sat behind Kirk every day for three years of junior high, I have such fond memories of him. He was kind, funny, and genuinely nice to everyone. I thought we were good friends during that time and it saddened me that at reunions he seemed so distant and aloof. I had promised myself that at that next reunion I would approach him and talk to him, hopefully with both of us remembering good times with a laugh. Unfortunately, that next reunion with him present, never came. Tim, I am sure your frienship meant alot to him and, I too, hope that he found faith in God and is with him now. I will always remember that school age, Kirk, as I am sure others will do the same. It is so important that we make time for our friends, new and old, especially at this time of our lives. Don't put off those reunions thinking you will go to the next one to reacquaint with friends from your youth. I saw some people at the last one that I hadn't seen since elementary school and it was wonderful.
Following up on Tim Ellis' comments: Yes, every Feb. 2nd I think of Kirk too. Isn't it amazing how often we remember the birthdays of our childhood friends? You, Tim, knew Kirk from elementary school. I didn't know him until 9th grade, when, even though I was a Roosevelt kid, I was introduced to a number of Keith kids through Randy Largent (did some of you know him as Dick, instead of Randy??) But once I met Kirk, well, let's just say that once I met him he was never too far removed from my thoughts or memories. And Tim, like you, I ache wondering if any of us could have made a difference, at the same time knowing that such thoughts are incredibly presumptious. I had practically no contact with Kirk through most of my adult years, but had reestablished contact via e-mail during just the last few years before his death. He was a good guy. but he was not your ordinary guy. He had a flair that some found vain, but many of us found charming. He was deeper than many would have quessed. For those of us who liked him, we are oh-so-glad that for some time period, at least, he was in our lives.
Tim's comments concerning Kirk reminded me of an incident at a football game. If I recall correctly it was our 10th grade year, when I became involved in I guess was a fight. Again if I remember correctly it was a football reason for the fight, one involving someone on our team and it was in defense of you Tim that I became involved. Kirk later expressed his gratitude for my invovlment and suggestted that I join Key Club. I did and thourgh out high school Kirk was a friend as were you Tim, and he was always great to be around. I was saddened when I heard of his passing but I remember thinking regardless of how happy he appeared to be there was always a little, I am not sure of how to express it, a little sadness around him. Kirk was a great guy, friend and as with others that have passed from our class, all part of my growing up, all are thought of fondly and all are missed. With respect and regards for all, Phil
Timothy Ellis
I can't believe it's been this long, my friend, since you chose to leave us. There is not a Ground Hog Day that goes by where I fail to think of you on that your birthday. It's funny, too, when other things occur that cause me to think of you and remember all that we shared over the years. I trust that somewhere in your life, I was able to plant a seed of truth that germinated to result in you coming to faith in Christ so that you are with Him now. Just know that I purposed to be your friend that loved at all times and to be your brother in times of adversity. If I failed there, please forgive me...my motivation was pure.
Tim
Timothy Ellis
There has not been a Groundhog's Day since I've known you that you didn't come to mind on this, your birthday, February 2nd. From at least as early as Julia Weber's 4th grade class at Curtin Elementary to the present, I have also thought of this date more as your birthday than as the prognostication for the rest of winter's weather. I think I've thought more about it since you left us than perhaps previous to that. My mind is awash with memories of all those years that encompassed so many things...sports, girls, parents, and we even got around to thinking about school now and again.
I don't know what happened. I live with the regret of having lost contact...being sufficiently arrogant to think if I hadn't, somehow I could have made a difference...to have been there for you my friend. You masked your troubles and heartache, for some reason thinking that it wasn't "cool" to have those challenges in your life. What I wish is that you had known that acknowledging those things and being vulnerable in them was and is the epitome of "cool."
I missed you before you left us and miss you even more since. My wish is that somehow, you've found peace and are resting in it. My greater wish is that you found the Peace that I have, that comes from only one source; and, that He has you now and through endless ages to come. Rest in it, my friend.
Tim
Harriet Yeager (Uliano)
Having sat behind Kirk every day for three years of junior high, I have such fond memories of him. He was kind, funny, and genuinely nice to everyone. I thought we were good friends during that time and it saddened me that at reunions he seemed so distant and aloof. I had promised myself that at that next reunion I would approach him and talk to him, hopefully with both of us remembering good times with a laugh. Unfortunately, that next reunion with him present, never came. Tim, I am sure your frienship meant alot to him and, I too, hope that he found faith in God and is with him now. I will always remember that school age, Kirk, as I am sure others will do the same. It is so important that we make time for our friends, new and old, especially at this time of our lives. Don't put off those reunions thinking you will go to the next one to reacquaint with friends from your youth. I saw some people at the last one that I hadn't seen since elementary school and it was wonderful.
Martha Quay (Laird)
Following up on Tim Ellis' comments: Yes, every Feb. 2nd I think of Kirk too. Isn't it amazing how often we remember the birthdays of our childhood friends? You, Tim, knew Kirk from elementary school. I didn't know him until 9th grade, when, even though I was a Roosevelt kid, I was introduced to a number of Keith kids through Randy Largent (did some of you know him as Dick, instead of Randy??) But once I met Kirk, well, let's just say that once I met him he was never too far removed from my thoughts or memories. And Tim, like you, I ache wondering if any of us could have made a difference, at the same time knowing that such thoughts are incredibly presumptious. I had practically no contact with Kirk through most of my adult years, but had reestablished contact via e-mail during just the last few years before his death. He was a good guy. but he was not your ordinary guy. He had a flair that some found vain, but many of us found charming. He was deeper than many would have quessed. For those of us who liked him, we are oh-so-glad that for some time period, at least, he was in our lives.
Phillip Johns
Tim's comments concerning Kirk reminded me of an incident at a football game. If I recall correctly it was our 10th grade year, when I became involved in I guess was a fight. Again if I remember correctly it was a football reason for the fight, one involving someone on our team and it was in defense of you Tim that I became involved. Kirk later expressed his gratitude for my invovlment and suggestted that I join Key Club. I did and thourgh out high school Kirk was a friend as were you Tim, and he was always great to be around. I was saddened when I heard of his passing but I remember thinking regardless of how happy he appeared to be there was always a little, I am not sure of how to express it, a little sadness around him. Kirk was a great guy, friend and as with others that have passed from our class, all part of my growing up, all are thought of fondly and all are missed. With respect and regards for all, Phil
Maureen (Mo) McGeary (Grossi)
May u RIP Kirt we all miss u so very much. He was a very super guy,glad I got to know him through Jr. and Senior High. 🙏🏻