In Memory

Thomas (Tom) Kirk

Thomas (Tom) Kirk

    Thomas Retford Kirk, Jr. told his first joke in Heaven on October 30 at the age of 74.  Tom was born June 6, 1948 in Billings to Thomas and Marion Yonce Kirk and brought laughter to the family from that day onward, ending his days at home in Salem OR with his wife at daughters at his side.

    As a child he attended Rimrock Elementary, played with chemistry sets in his basement, sang in his church choir,and roamed the neighborhood on his beloved bike.  During his teens he faithfully delivered the Billings Gazette on his paper route, excelled at Scouts, warmed hearts with his beautiful panio and cello music, and made lifelong friendships, graduating from Senior High in 1966.  After years spent studying at his favorite Heidelhaus as a college student in Missoula and working unforgettable summers in places like Yellowstone NP and the uranium mines in Wyoming, Tom graduated in 1971 from the University of Montana with a BS in Pharmacy.  He then began a  lifetime career in hospital and retail pharmacy, not only excelling in the profession, but genuinely loving it, pouring his heart into it for 40 plus years.  

    He is proceded in death by his father, mother and brother Richard.  He is survived by his sister, Karen Kirk Lampe of Blaine WA and by the othe half of his heart, his wife of 36 years, Marla Enos Kirk of Salem.  His quirks live among his four children: Kevin, Jennifer, Ashli and Blaine.  His hurmor echoes on in the laughter of his ten grandchildren.

    Tom was humble of heart, generous to a fault and loyal to the end.  He made a difference in the lives of many and will be greatly missed, but we take comfort in knowing his last breath on earth was his first breath in Heaven.

    A Memorial will be held  in his honor on November 19th in Salem and a celebration will be held in Billings in the summer of 2023.  Look for Tom Kirk on caringbridge.org for donation suggestions.