Brian Anthony Kirk “Tony”
began his “next big adventure” on June 6th 2022. Survived by his long time love and companion Janet Harrison and his 5 children; Katie Ross (Paul), Meghan Kirk, Brian Kirk (Gia), James Kirk (Kelly), Christian Kirk (Trisha). Wonderful “Pa” to Maren Ross, Philip Ross, Rush Kirk, Lachlan Kirk, August Kirk, Max Kirk, Lillie Kirk, Cali Benton, River Kirk, Flynn Kirk and Neo Kirk.
Dearest brother of Pat Smith, Robin Ruhl (Kip), Sally Dowling (Chris), Kelly Rolf. Great nephew of Betty Lou Heil. Uncle, brother-in-law, father-in-law, cousin, mentor, friend to so many. Son of the late Lloyd Carl Kirk and Catherine Heil Kirk.
Tony’s battle with cancer came to an end on June 6, 2022. Whether he was flying high in his Beechcraft Bonanza or fishing the waters of Taneycomo with best guide Buster, or Northern Michigan with family and friends, or anywhere in between, he was living life doing the things he loved. Tony was a “Can Do” guy. He loved his time with Janet and his 5 children, grandchildren, family and friends. He loved his time spent each summer in Northern Michigan where his family has been vacationing since the 1930’s. He will be missed by his Michigan and Branson “families” too.
Tony was born May 23rd, 1949. He attended grade school at Immacolata in the 1950’s. He spoke often about his adventures growing up on Sonora Avenue in Brentwood. His family then moved to York Drive in Brentwood where he attended Chaminade, graduating in 1967. He then went on to attend both The University of Oklahoma and St. Louis University. He married Vicki Nuetzel (Holton), his former spouse, and mother of his 5 children in 1971. He started his family and began his career in Insurance following in the footsteps of his father LC Kirk and Co. In 1976, he then moved to Farmington MO to begin his longtime career in the financial industry as a stock broker with Edward Jones. In 1980, Tony and family moved to Glendale MO. He continued his career as a stock broker with Drexel Burnham and various firms. In 1999 he founded the recruiting firm LC Kirk and CO with his son Brian. He worked as a recruiter with Brian up until the week before he died. He was passionate about “work time” during his last year to help him feel normal through the course of his illness.
He loved history, books, music, politics, podcasts and anything that would get you into a fiery discussion. He loved Hemingway and always said Ernest’s story was far more interesting than any book he ever wrote. He loved fine dining or not so fine dining as long as there was no more than a 3 minute wait. He was a super talented photographer and as subjects loved family, nature and sometimes the most random objects- but every image he captured had beauty or something interesting in his eyes. He bought a “farm” in Arcadia Valley MO for the family and enjoyed his time there on weekends fishing and making sure his kids got plenty of outdoor adventures in the 80’s.
He enjoyed so many vacations, road trips, flying adventures, and many meaningful chats and life lessons along the way to anyone willing to listen. He loved a good story and would “repeat himself” many times but everyone listened. Tony loved adventure, seeing new places and experiencing new things. His faith journey is a beautiful story. We are all so blessed to have had him in our lives. Rest easy Tony, your legacy will live on in everyone you touched, your love with Janet, your 5 “best friends”, their spouses and grandchildren.
Visitation and Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 17 Joy Ave., Webster Groves, MO 63119 on Monday, June 20, 2022. Visitation from 10-11am. Mass at 11:00 am. Private burial following Mass. Please wear a touch of red, his favorite color, to celebrate Tony!
In lieu of flowers, please support the Tony Kirk Les Cheneaux Islands MI Preservation fund: https://everloved.com/life-of/brian-tony-kirk/donate/?flow=201
Condolence(1)-
Denny Marquitz says
June 13, 2022 at 2:04 amTony was a dear man and friend to all he knew. May you Rest In Peace our friend.