Last Tuesday an old friend from High School passed away. He had been quite sick for a year or so and finally his body could just take no more.
I feel terrible because despite being a photographer at school for yearbook and slideshows, all the photos I took (which I am sure there were some of him) remained at the school. And I didn’t carry my camera like an extra limb back then as I do now. So I have none to share of this man who was truly larger than life.
I will be the first to admit that I was not his best friend, but more of an acquaintance. His brother was actually more of my friend back in school but if you were friends with one you were friends with the other. They were a mere 11 months apart and inseparable. Together with two (and eventually a third) other guys they formed a band. I remember the first concert they performed at a local mall. We all got our parents to drive us out there to watch the guys perform. The mall was packed. To watch a bunch of fifteen and sixteen year old guys playing their hearts out to songs by U2, the Beatles, AC/DC and more as well as a few of their own. Over the years I went to countless of their concerts and saw them every day at school.
Then, High School was over. A few years went by and I did not see any of them. Until one night (possibly 1993/1994) when a girlfriend and I went to see a cover band play, and low and behold it was them! This was the last time I saw all of them together. Little did I know the only one I would see again and again over the years was Kirk.
Kirk and I would run into each other at the grocery store, the mall, around the neighborhood. We always chatted it up and found out what was new in each others lives. Never once did he say he was in a rush and had to go, he always had a moment to spare and check in. And always, always had a smile and a laugh to carry you through.
On Friday night, I got into the car and drove to say a last farewell. I was nervous I tell ya. I knew I was going to see people I haven’t seen in twenty years. Yes, TWENTY YEARS people!!! I am that old. I figured, I would go have a few words with his brother, Keith and his Mom and go on my way. Little did I know that I would run into and be recognized by half of our class. The turn out was amazing. Many of the old group have stayed in touch over the years, but I didn’t quite hang with that group all the time. One of the things that I found truly amazing on Friday night was meeting up with all these people that had their lives touched by Kirk. Touched in some way that, like me, made them feel like they should go. I didn’t know if I would be able to make it to the service on Saturday, so I said my good-byes and headed out.
I talked with Hubby about Saturday. We had to rejig some plans, but I was able to get out. I asked if he wanted to come as he had jammed with the guys years ago in his heyday of guitar as well. He was set to stay with the kids as he didn’t think it was fair to get my Mom to watch them after her three week stint with my nieces and nephews.
I arrived just in time, to see even more people from our class than the previous night. Kirk was involved in the Ottawa Music scene and had been Managing or Producing (not sure which is the appropriate title) a hot new band out of Kingston named Everlea who he had signed in this past year to a record label. His brother Keith not only played and sang for his brother but arranged for others who Kirk had worked with to sing. It was the most beautiful tribute I have ever seen. Not only did Keith tell us all how much he loved his brother, but he showed us as well and had us laughing just a little bit.
I could probably go on an on but, I should end here. I have been trying to write this post since Sunday morning and I just couldn’t get it out.
Kirk you were a great guy. You were kind, gentle and loved by many. You touched the lives of so many people and it was evident by the crowds that gathered for you that you will surely be missed.
