Obituary: Kirk, David T.

KIRK,
David T.

David T. Kirk passed away January 15, 2016.

He was born September 25, 1928 in Spokane, WA, to David L. and Florence Kirk.

Brother Stuart arrived in 1932.

Dave’s newspaper editor father and well-read mother assured that dinner was a time for lively conversation; radio shows filled many evenings.

Playing baseball, mastering the piano, helping at harvest-time on his uncle’s farm and managing a sporting goods store highlighted Dave’s teenage years.

He attended Washington State University, where he met Delores Tapani.

They married in 1950 and went to Germany for Dave’s post-war tour of duty.

After settling in Spokane, Dave and Dee’s three children were born: Shelley, David and Anne.

Dave worked in travel counseling and traffic safety for AAA.

In 1965, he accepted a position with WA Dept.

of Motor Vehicles in Olympia, where he pioneered a nationally recognized driver improvement program.

After retirement in 1988, Dave and Dee traveled, enjoyed their wide circle of friends, and spent many hours with family.

After Dee passed away in 2006, Dave increased his devotion to volunteer causes, especially through Olympia Kiwanis and Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Visitor & Convention Bureau.

Dave is survived by daughter Shelley Kirk-Rudeen (husband Jeff; children Collin, Aleta), son David (wife Agnes; children Cole, David, Jason, Derek, Natalie), daughter Anne Norris (husband Kent; children Scott, Erik, Cameron).

Three great-grandchildren recently brought much joy to his life.

Dave was known for his great jokes, integrity and passion for helping others.

Memorial donations may be made to Olympia Kiwanis Foundation Food Bank Garden Project, P.O.

Box 1847, Olympia, WA 98507-1847.

Service: February 20, 2:00 p.m., South Sound Manor, 455 North St.

SE, Tumwater, WA.