Donald Angus Kirk, M.D., age 96, returned home to our Heavenly Father on November 27, 2015. His life was one of extraordinary service to all who knew him. He followed the example of his Savior, Jesus Christ and lived a life of selfless service.
Don was born May 6, 1919, to Angus Cannon and Hazel Rose Kirk in Salt Lake City, Utah. He enjoyed a happy childhood with his two younger sisters, Mildred (Naylor) and Darlene (Van Duren). He attended Hawthorne Elementary, Irving Jr. High and South High School, never missing a single day. He had a keen interest in learning. A wise teacher inspired Don to pursue a career in medicine enabling him to serve others throughout his life. After graduating from the University of Utah in 1940, he attended George Washington Medical School in Washington, D.C. His time in the nation's capital deepened his love of country. He used his medical training to serve in Army hospitals during WWII.
Don married his school classmate, Marian Seare, on June 26, 1945, in the Salt Lake Temple. They lived in Washington, D.C., New York, and Colorado before returning home to Salt Lake City where he established his OB/GYN medical practice and affiliated with LDS Hospital. He respected his profession and loved delivering thousands of babies, making the world a better place. He often made house calls with his medical bag in hand. Don's compassion and gentle care are his professional legacy.
A tragic plane crash on October 6, 1955, took the life of his sweet wife, Marian, leaving him with three young children. Fourteen months later, on December 3, 1956, Don married Kathryn Fairbanks in the Salt Lake Temple. They were blessed with seven children. Don found his greatest joy serving his family and teaching them the value of hard work and service by example. It was a rare morning that he didn't have sack lunches prepared on the kitchen counter, the dishwasher unloaded, and fresh orange juice squeezed before a day at the office.
After Kathryn's untimely death on February 3, 1984, he maintained a loving home focusing on his children. He supported them in developing their talents and always had encouraging words. He was often found with a camera in hand to capture the moment. Don's love and appreciation for this beautiful world and his family is well documented in many photo albums.
Don married a life-long friend, Beth Henderson, January 23, 1991. They enjoyed world travel and working in the Salt Lake Temple. Following Beth's passing, Don married Wilma Gardner November 19, 2002, sharing many wonderful years. Don loved and appreciated both the Henderson and Gardner families.
Don survived 15 years as Scoutmaster, helping over 100 young men achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. In 1985, he was recognized with the Silver Beaver Award. He had an amazing ability to help others reach their full potential. His gentle strength and encouragement were inspiring.
Don was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing with his children and friends. It was their time together that brought him joy. He felt "at home" outdoors gardening in one of his jumpsuits and his yard was immaculate. True to his selfless nature, he often visited the homes of his children to apply fertilizer or to work in their flowerbeds. Don always had a smile on his face and his subtle wit brought many laughs. His friendly wave and a gracious "thank you" were an everyday part of life.
Foremost, Donald Angus Kirk is a true disciple of the Lord, Jesus Christ. In life, he obeyed with exactness the commandments of God. His autobiography concludes, "I love the Lord and have tried to serve Him all my life."
Don is survived by his wife, Wilma; his ten children, David (Mary Ann), Robert, Kathleen (Gordon) Lindsay, Preston (Lori), Suzanne (Timothy) Hawker, Spencer (Kristen), Matthew (Stephanie), Annette (Dan) Horman, Allison (Michael) Dale, and Warren (Deena); 43 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 5, 2015, at 12:00 noon at the Monument Park Stake Center, 1320 S. Wasatch Drive. A viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Friends and family may call at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, on Friday, December 4, 2015, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Interment - Salt Lake City Cemetery.
