My amazing life journey began in Salt Lake City, Utah on January 4, 1958, when I was born to two extraordinary and loving parents, Donald Angus Kirk and Kathryn Fairbanks Kirk. I found joy in being around others and learning life's lessons for over 64 years until my wonderful and rewarding adventures ended peacefully on September 27, 2022.
My parents and nine siblings provided me with an unusually loving family life centered around the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many of my life's philosophies were forged on the anvil of work at our home in Salt Lake City where my parents created a rich learning environment and taught by example. I learned the importance of integrity, that hard work is a blessing, and about the law of the harvest. As one of the oldest children, I learned essential lessons in life by spending time with and being mentored by my brothers and sisters, who were smarter and more talented in a wide variety of subjects. Their accomplishments and musical gifts elevated my spirits and continually brought joy through all things admirable and lovely.
As a young man I was called to serve a mission in Guayaquil, Ecuador where I learned to do hard things and to trust in the Lord. A few of my companions became life-long friends. Following my mission, I graduated from the University of Utah. I met my best friend Lori Ann Dixon at a singles dance in 1986 and asked her to marry me - the smartest and luckiest thing that I ever did. Together with my eternal companion, we raised our four children, Alexa, Annie, Austin, and Tanner. My greatest comfort and joy was spending time with my family, whether it was sharing meals at the dinner table at home or making memories while traveling the world together. I loved witnessing and celebrating my children’s successes and seeing the blessings of the Gospel in the lives of my family.
For over 37 years, I found much fulfillment in financing and helping to build capital projects for Utah communities as an investment banker. My exceptional work family and partners made work enjoyable and fun and became some of my most cherished friends. I’m honored to have worked with many remarkable and dedicated public officials and clients who lifted me to greater heights.
I have been privileged to have served in a number of callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a home teacher, Scoutmaster, Elders Quorum president, and ward clerk. Phenomenal ward members surrounded me as both a youth and adult. They provided a healthy environment to learn, grow and serve others, for which I'm eternally grateful.
I wish to give a special thanks to Dr. Scott Samuelson at Utah Cancer and Dr. Doug Sborov at Huntsman Cancer Institute, as well as to all the other skillful doctors, nurses, and hospital staff for their magnificent care and expertise throughout my 10-year battle with Multiple Myeloma.
While my days were shorter than average, the quality and experiences afforded during this time were truly extraordinary. I was refined by the wonderful friends and family that buoyed me up and provided optimism to overcome the challenges that were mine. I'm now off looking for new adventures, rekindling valued relationships, and seeking new ways to serve people. Onward and upward!
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Preston is survived by his wife, Lori, and his four children: Alexa, Annie (Sam) Curtis, Austin, and Tanner. He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald Angus Kirk and Kathryn Fairbanks Kirk.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, October 3, 2022, at 12:00pm at the North Canyon Stake Center located at 965 E Oakwood Drive, Bountiful Utah. Viewings will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2022, from 6-8pm and on Monday, October 3, 2022, from 10-11:30am at the same location. Interment will take place at the Memorial Lakeview Cemetery in Bountiful, Utah.
Recording of the funeral service is available by clicking the above "Watch Services" button.
I am saddened to hear of Preston’s passing. He was a great example to all who had the privilege to know him. His dealing with multiple myeloma for ten years is a lesson for all in how to deal with the challenges in mortality with dignity, faith, and courage: Heaven is richer this day with the presence of Preston Fairbanks Kirk.
Lori and family I am so very sorry to hear of Preston’s passing. I know the coming days and even years may at times be difficult for you, but I hope you take comfort in your knowledge that yours is an eternal family. Preston will always be near you and will continue to support you from beyond the veil. He is pain free and I hope you can rejoice in that. My heartfelt prayers are with all of you. Karen Foster
We are so sorry for your loss. Preston was one of the sweetest people we have ever met. He handled his suffering with incredible grace-such an inspiration to us! While we know, for sure, he is happy and free from all affliction, we know that being the survivors is miserable. We are certain you will feel his beautiful presence as he acts as your guardian angel💕. We love you guys💕. Allen, Kirsten, Shannon, and Conner
Dear Kirk family, we are so sorry to learn of Preston' passing. We surely loved him & all of you when we lived in your N. Canyon 4th Ward for 13 years. We've missed you the past almost eight years that we have lived at Daybreak in S. Jordan. We will all so miss this great man. His sister Kathy is good friends with my Nelson Sisters (Tonya, Susie & Heidi) who when I watched them grow up, knew of the great talents of the Preston family. Sending sympathy, condolences and our prayers of comfort. I'll be leaving town Sun., Oct. 2 for a week so will miss your celebrations of his wonderful life. But I occasionally get to the Bountiful Book Club still to keep our friendship going. Lots of love, Nadine N. & Terry S. Allen
Preston is an inspiration to me. I was fortunate to serve in the Boy Scouts of America program with Preston. I'll never forget the late night fireside chats with him where we nearly solved the worlds' problems. On monthly campouts, he would often bring a baked roast with naturally sweetened carrots and soft potatoes covered with a tasty gravy in a Dutch oven. He did this so that we could eat at a decent hour without any stress. His most often asked question, was, "What can I do to help you?" He is a very thoughtful, kind and considerate man. If I ever grow up, I want to be just like him. Even years after our family moved from his neighborhood, he would call me on my birthday just to say hi. On one campout, I forgot to bring a sleeping bag. We shared a good laugh. But then with kindness in his eyes, he calmly made sure that I had a way to comfortably sleep. I am a better man because I knew Preston Kirk! My prayer is that the Lord will comfort and be with his loving wife, his dear children and family members at this time.
Preston will definitely be missed. He had such a tender and loving heart and made such a difference in so many lives. His funeral services, honoring his life were inspiring.
Our hearts are saddened by this news. We are disappointed that we are half a world away in Japan and unable to be there in person to offer our sincerest condolences. Our prayers are with the Kirk family praying that your grieving may be softened some by the knowledge that he is now free from the physical world and the pains and trials that come with it and which he knew well. May you all be blessed to now share with him the heavenly gift of peace that he is enjoying in this new phase of his eternal journey. The Kirk family will always hold a special place in our hearts. Love - Graham & Sherri Doxey