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Welcome to the memorial page for

William Leslie Kirk

July 11, 1932 ~ April 26, 2017 (age 84) 84 Years Old
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A candle was lit by Judi Burns on November 10, 2017 10:39 PM
For so many memories from childhood thru adulthood, for service on behalf of our country and our freedom, for being a part of our military family and for more than words can say, Thank You. My prayers are with Gen Kirk and Kirk family.
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A candle was lit by Damon J Frost on May 14, 2017 6:56 AM
Message from Ann Shambo
May 8, 2017 3:01 PM

I have such respect and love for this man and his family. Honored to have worked with him for the AFA golf and honored to have called him friend. Our prayers for your family Nancy...with sincere respect and love. Ann and Ted
Message from Lt Col Dean E. Sharp, USAF (ret)
May 8, 2017 1:32 PM

I had the pleasure of briefing Gen Kirk when he Chaired our planning sessions for Eglin's
prep for the then Air Armaments Summits held each year. He was a consummate USAF officer and a true gentleman in ever since of the phrase. God rest his sole and comfort the family during this trying time.

V/R
Lt Col Dean E. Sharp
USAF, (ret)
Message from Neil and June Eddins
May 8, 2017 10:35 AM

Dear Nancy and family, just wanted you to know we are thinking of you and loved you and Bill very much.
Wish we could be with you. If there is any thing we can ever do for you just let us know so we can show you some of the kindness you always showed us.
Love Neil and June
Message from Mike & Lela Buckley, Houston, Tx
May 7, 2017 9:06 PM

Nancy & family,

We send our deepest condolences, yet a message of thanks for a life well-lived. General Kirk was among the finest men to serve our country, & we are deeply in the debt of all of you. I remember first meeting you on a trip to Germany, having a lovely meal at your home there. May God, indeed, wipe away every tear from your eyes as we all remember this fine soldier.
Message from Teresa Hollingsworth
May 6, 2017 9:38 PM

To Ken and the entire Kirk family, I wanted to express my condolences. I remember meeting General Kirk at the AF Academy once when he joined our table in Mitchell Hall. We were all standing as he had been approached by several people waiting to talk to him. As I recall he turned around and seemed surprised to see the cadets all standing at attention waiting for him to sit down with us. He quickly motioned for us to "sit down, sit down.". I remember thinking he was "cool" especially for a general! He seemed very humble and down to earth. I always smile when I think of it. I didn't have the opportunity to work with him but it's clear he made a very positive difference for all who knew him. I'm very sorry for your loss.
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A TRADITIONAL MIXED FUNERAL CONTAINER was ordered on May 5, 2017

Message from Don Litke
May 5, 2017 2:01 PM

Nancy,
Having just lost my wife, Kay, I know your grief. You are in my prayers.

God bless,

Don
Message from Violet George
May 4, 2017 2:47 PM

Sincere sympathy to Nancy and all your family. Adelene was a dear life long friend of mine and I know how much she loved "Buddy" and was so proud of him and all of his achievements.
May God bless you and strenghten you during this difficullt time.
Violet George
Message from Bill Putz, The Golf Club at Bluewater Bay
May 3, 2017 10:14 AM

General Kirk was one of the classiest men I have ever had the privilege of knowing. My family and myself were deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Our condolences to Mrs. Kirk and the Family. God Bless.
Message from Wendell and Ann Phillips, Arvada, CO
May 1, 2017 11:59 AM

Our deepest sympathy and love to you and the family, Nancy. Ann and I and the family pray God's peace for you at this time of sadness.
Buddy was in my brother's (Emory m. Adelene) graduating class at Rayville, and we've kept cheering for him the whole time. May God grant you the comfort that HE alone can grant at this time of need. Ann and Wendell
Message from Barbara Davis
May 1, 2017 7:53 AM

Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. General Kirk was my husband's boss at Ramstein, and was truly a great leader. He helped my husband greatly 48in his career field. Now maybe Jim can welcome him in the great beyond, one fighter pilot to another. Rest In Peace General Kirk!
Message from Ken Habedank
April 30, 2017 7:14 AM

A great American. A great leader.. It was an honor to serve undere his command. Karen and I send our love and prayers as we remember all he did for us and the Air Force family..

Ken Habedank
MGen (retired), USAF
Message from Marcus Anderson
April 29, 2017 8:30 PM

I had the pleasure of working directly for Bill twice -- first as his Deputy when he was the USAFE/DO, and later as a NAF Commander when he was USAFE Commander. I couldn't have asked for a better boss.
Ginger and I pass along our sincere condolences to Nancy and the family.
Respectfully, Mark
Message from Jerry W. Tietge
April 29, 2017 11:01 AM

Nancy I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I so blessed to have served with and associating with you both. You have my deepest sympathy. Jerry Tietge
Message from Perry smith
April 28, 2017 4:31 PM

I had the great pleasure of working with Bill when we were both assigned to the Air Staff in the early 1980s. He was a delight to work with--quiet competence, always so very wise. His thousands of friends will miss him dearly. Major General Perry M Smith UAF(ret.)
Message from Bernard G. Ragsdale, Major, USAF Ret.
April 28, 2017 2:34 PM

I met and served under General Kirk at Headquarters PACAF in the mid 1970's. There was not a finer man.
Message from Dick Carver
April 28, 2017 12:16 PM

while I was in the Pentagon Bill was one of the finest individuals I had ever met. Judy and I send our condolences to Bill's family.
Message from Marshal Westfall-Haessig (past USAFE Protocol)
April 28, 2017 11:11 AM

I cannot tell you how many times I have used Gen Kirk's wisdom, generosity, and knowledge as examples of the "right way" to accomplish the task at hand. He gave us all so much, and we are better for knowing him. He will always be a permanent part of our hearts. My prayers are with you. God bless and keep.
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A candle was lit by Marshal Westfall-Haessig on April 28, 2017 11:05 AM
Message from U.S. Air Force Weapons School
April 28, 2017 10:36 AM

We were saddened to learn of Gen. Kirk's passing. His service to the United States and outstanding leadership will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Message from John & DeSha Miller
April 28, 2017 9:53 AM

Nancy and family. DeSha and I were saddened to hear the news that Gen Kirk has "flown west." He was a great boss and good friend for me and a great example of a kind, compassionate leader. DeSha always enjoyed the coffees at your house in Ramstein and your friendship with her. Our Air Force was made a hugely better place thanks to his unceasing love and devotion to it. We know that he has now rejoined the formation with so many brothers who led by example. All our love to you and the family.
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A candle was lit by Fort Myers, FL on April 28, 2017 8:49 AM
Our deepest condolences.
Pat and Frank Martin
Message from George H Sewell III
April 28, 2017 8:33 AM

Steve and Family - I am sorry for your loss. I had an opportunity to meet the general while I was a Captain - not sure he remembered me fully, but offered his assistance (if I was seeking it). The AF took good care of me and I sure General Kirk help established the tactical prowess for many generations of fighter pilots to come. God Speed Gen Kirk - RIP.
George
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A candle was lit by Susan A. Emala ( past Ramstein AB Protocol ) on April 27, 2017 1:51 PM
To my dear friends, the Kirk Family: My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. General Kirk gave so much to all of us Air Force members...his spirit lives on in each one of us. God bless you!

With love and respect,
Susan
Message from Damon Frost
May 14, 2017 7:00 AM

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Damon J Frost 54-H
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A candle was lit by Susan A. Emala, in Margate, FL on April 27, 2017 1:45 PM
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