Saturday, June 11, 2011
Read at celebration service at Mill Gardens Assisted Living: I have been fortunate to work at Mill Gardens for almost ten years. And part of my good fortune has been meeting and getting to know people like Eugene Kirk. Five and ½ years ago when Mr. Kirk moved to Mill Gardens, little did I know what an impact he would have on my life (and many others, as well). As I got to know Gene, I learned more and more about his thoughts, his opinions and his life. He would come to my office almost daily, and we would sit and visit. He shared stories from his life that were most amazing. Gene’s story began with his growing up in the Bronx. He liked to note that he shared his birthday with Robert E. Lee and Benjamin Franklin. He had fond memories of having a teddy bear as a child and when he was blessed to have a daughter of his own, he knew she needed to have a teddy bear, too. It pleased him to no end when his daughter shared with him that she still has that teddy bear on her bed in her home in Scotland today. Gene talked about a pub called The Poe Cozy Nook in the Bronx where he and his friends shared many a good time. He loved music and dancing and played a mean harmonica. He and his father attended President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s inauguration and parade. Gene felt lucky to be employed most of his life, married a wonderful woman he treasured and was very thrilled and proud to be a father. Taking his baby girl for a stroll around the neighborhood every Saturday morning was a cherished routine. Later in life, Gene taught his daughter to drive a car. He later confessed that she ended up being a much better driver that he ever was. Gene was very proud to have been an usher at his neighborhood church and a crossing guard at Selzter Elementary School for many, many years. These positions gave him an opportunity to be of assistance to others and that meant a great deal to him. He was very protective of the children he served and took his position very seriously. Nothing was more important than the safety of his students. Gene’s fondness for children was evident, and he thoroughly enjoyed handing out Tootsie Rolls every Sunday at Nativity Church. But, of course, the child that meant the world to him was his precious daughter, Theresa. Not a day went by that he did not speak of her with love and concern. Eugene Kirk was a unique and wonderful man who lived a good and full life. He had high morals standards and his faith was very important to him. He had a terrific sense of humor and remembered endless silly stories and funny jokes. He loved making people laugh. He would sport a different hat every day, and we would look forward to his dressing the part for St. Patrick’s Day in green and plaid, head to toe, every year. When we die we leave behind us all that we have and take with us all that we are. I feel greatly blessed to have known Eugene Kirk. His parting has left a void in our lives but it will be filled with joyful memories. Until we meet again in our Eternal Home, Jeanne Miller
