Ronald Kirk Obituary

It's been years now but never forgotten. Today was the day you embarked ona hike in honor of me and my family. I'll never forget that call. You are always my brother and best friend. I'll never forget you.
Sincerely, DIVER

I waited so long to read this memorial. I hoovered over the rescue efforts for my running buddy. Losing him is hard. BA was one of the few people I've known in life not afraid to share a hug, who would share a story, or listen to my stories of adventure without a hidden agenda or judgement. * The first time I met BA, his legs had blood running down them, and I was concerned for him. The way he brushed it off and told me a story about another worse injury left me thinking, "What a trooper! and Cool headband!" * One of the last times I saw him, I saw a lot of him. He mooned all of us runners, and we laughed so hard! That giant fun-loving smile of his, we were all wearing it. * He always made me feel like I was included, I mattered, and I was important, even if he was making fun of me in the circle. That's the mark of a great human being; one we all strive to be a little like and one who will be dearly missed. * To his family, I hope sharing these words brings you some comfort. I know reading these memories of him from others tonight has brought a little to me.

Deepest condolences to the family of Ron

Always holding my hand, giving me those sly winks and slow grins...for the rest of my life I know where you are. forever, Joan

I can't actually remember meeting Bloody, which seems to be the way with most hashers. You stop at a point and try to pinpoint when they come into your life, but by that moment it feels like they've been there forever. I just know how lucky I am to have had any time at all with him. Possibly my fondest memory though, was at the Parker camp out. He came up to me after our usual tent to tent craziness from the night before and wanted to apologize if he had said or done anything that had upset me in his fun the night before. He hadn't, but I remember thinking even if he had, who could possibly stay angry with that smile, especially when it came with someone so incredibly genuine. Bloody, you rescued my best friend, and made everything an adventure. Though I wish we'd all gotten more time with you, I'll take your example instead-one bare foot at a time. <3 On-Ron.

Ron
You were an amazing brother and friend. Your memory will live forever in our hearts and minds. Until we meet again. Love Susan

I first met Bloody at the Green Dress Run in St Louis when he was still working as an auto worker in Chicago. I remember him telling me he was going to quit his job and go to nursing school. I always admired him for have the balls to chase his dream. I'll miss seeing him when I'm travel hashing.

I met Ron through our membership at the National Atomic Testing Museum. We hung out at the various lectures together and his passion for history was evident. Ron and I also went out socially a little and I recall fondly having pizza and beer with him at Big Dog's here in Vegas. He wore a hockey jersey and the game was on at the bar though this did not deter him in having conversation and a fun night together. He walked me to my car for he was a gentleman. The first time I hiked Red Rock with another friend is when I heard a hiker was missing, only learning later that it was Ron. I am still deeply saddened by this tragic loss. Surely he is at peace in the Other Place. Heartfelt prayers are sent to his family and all who knew Ron.

I have never met a person who seems to have touched so many lives in such a gentle, loving way. What a very special young man! I know you are up there now, spreading your wings like a beautiful White Eagle, planning where to go
next! Just think it and you're there! What adventures you are going to have! Love, Aunt Barbie

Ron will always have a special place in my heart and memories. He greeted me with a handshake and a hug no matter where we met. He was a full of life; a happy and caring person who loved his family, his Hash family, and his friends. Ron (B. A.), not only will you be missed by many people, you will also be remembered for the rest of our lives. My condolences and sympathies to his family and friends. May you rest in peace, Ron Kirk.

I met Ron when I was the Special Event Manager at the National Atomic Testing Museum in 2010. He was always there at any lecture, book signing, and other events being very supportive. We became acquainted and exchanged notes on our love and disappointment for becoming a nurse. Until one lecture night, he told me he switched major to History. He became a member of the Museum and before I quit my job, even promised to be a volunteer. He was one gifted, full-of-life man I've known. Rest in peace, Ron. You are in a happier place now.

Back in the 70's Ron and I were Pals , growing up in Dolton. After watching that video brought back memories that Ron was 1 of my childhood buddies.Now I realized after seeing the pictures and videos of him as adult . I wish we would have Keep In Touch . He seems he grew into a down to earth guy that just had a zess for life . Just a Nice Guy .
Darrell and Susan I am so sorry for your loss of your great brother / friend .

: (

Ronnie, you were a sweet person. A wonderful cousin who inspired me every time I seen you. I didn't get to see you very often except at family reunions. You always had a smile on your face and you never passed any one of us by without a hug. You lived life to the fullest and never let anything get in your way. I remember the last time I seen you, we were all at Knights Inn hanging out and having a good time. That was about 2 years ago but it seems like just yesterday. I love you Ronnie and you will be greatly missed! You are gone but definitely not forgotten. Rest in Peace cousin Ronnie!

Dream as if you'll live forever... Live as if you'll die today...James Dean...
Ron A.K.A (B.A)lived his life to the fullest extent.. He lived it a mile at a time..If he wasn't pushing to exceed all the limits set in front of him then he was not happy with being average... The love of a brother is like no other...the relationship that I had with mine was every bit of exceptional!!!! You will be missed but not forgotten..

Thank you to Garnett for opening your heart to me at the Red Rock Memorial and making me feel welcome even through your grief. I am just a fellow hiker who was envious of all of you hashers and family who actually got to know Ron. I just wanted to BE one of you! I have spent every night since learning of Ron being lost praying for his safe return. And now, I am up into the wee hours reading all the tributes from his extended family and many friends, new and old. What I appreciate the most is what I have learned from Ron's final posts about his needing to get his feet planted in the red dust of the Canyon upon his return from the East coast. He "gets it", as I do each time I need to feel at home again after a family visit to PA. Happy Trails, Ron until our boots intersect along that endless trail.
To Darrell: Suggest an organized Blood Drive in LV in Ron's name. As a fellow Gold Level UBS Donor, I would be honored to assist.

I met Ron once. Just once :) We were hashing in St Louis at the Green Dress, St Patricks day event. Ron was napping in the middle of about 100 people in green dresses. A few of us decided it was the perfect chance to practice art. One sharpie later.. Ron was covered. The best part of the entire episode that was that he just let us. He treated us like one would treat children. He smirked a little while pretending to sleep while we played. That's how I remember him. It's a good memory. I just don't know how to express my condolences enough. Even people he only brushed past will smile when they remember him. God Bless his legacy.

"While Alive, He Lived"
Thank you Ron for bringing so many strangers together and making them friends. You have created a legacy. May you rest in peace.

Ronnie was my cousin, his dad & my dad are twin brothers. Ronnie had a heart of gold & a zest for life and adventure. He was dearly loved & will be greatly missed. ~RIP CUZ~

Although I never met Ron personally, I came to know and love him just because of who he was.

I heard about his story on the news. I was captivated from day one and wanted to support his family and friends in any way possible.

There was not one day that passed that I did not follow the updates or think about Ron. I prayed, attended the memorial, and sang a song in Ron's memory. I will also post the full memorial service on his fb page as soon as I finish it.

I will never forget Ron or the impression he has left on my heart. I can only strive to live my life as Ron would have wanted us all to do.

R.I.P. my new found friend! May God give us the peace and comfort to sustain us until we meet again one day!!

I didn't know Ron, but he has touched my life in a very beautiful and wonderful way. He brought many people together who had never heard of him and made friends of everyone. He loved life, his family and friends and he changed people's lives without even knowing it. He has left a beautiful legacy of love and friendship and the start up of the Red Rock Search & Rescue Team. His life is the pebble thrown in the water, that ripples out to bring forth many wonderful and beautiful blessings that will continue to touch people's lives for many years to come. Thank you for your life and the blessings that you shared with everyone you met and even with those of us who never had that chance to meet you. Your light was a beacon that brought many people together and now that light shines even brighter. Thank you. We are only given today and never promised tomorrow...so be sure to tell someone you love them. I know you did. Thank you. Because Someone We Love Is In Heaven...there's a little bit of Heaven in our lives. Bless you Ron Kirk's Family and all his friends, and all those who loved him. I'm sorry for your loss, but remember to continue to celebrate his life.

Ron, we met once several years ago, it was after a race that Dwayne and I ran in Chicago. Dwayne wanted to stop by and say hi.I will never forget you...your open and joyful spirit is unforgettable. I am deeply saddened...I do however believe that you are and always will be among us. You will not be forgotten.

Kumarie Richmond.

Ron was in a class I taught at CSN when he first arrived in Las Vegas. I found him to be a very nice man and I really enjoyed his sense of humor. My condolences to all that knew and loved him.

Ron was a nice guy. I remember when he went through training in Tool and Die as a Welder. He was always eager to do a good job. We'll miss him.
Bob Collins

I can remember Ronnie at an early age always looking for adventure. When his Dad brought the family home to WV Ronnie would always take off to climb the hills behind his grandparents house....as he got older he would come in and gather all of the younger kids and again "head for the hills"......it seemed he was always "living on the edge" and loving it! In my heart I feel sure Ron left this world as we know it just the way he lived....looking for the next adventure! Even though I didn't get to spend a lot of time with him I will always remember that big beautiful smile he always had for everyone he came in contact with......he will be sadly missed! With love from Aunt Judy

Ron
You were an amazing brother and for that I am blessed. It was an honor to be your sister. I will miss calling you for anything and everything or just to talk when I need a friend. Life just will not be the same without you. I looked up to you and was always so proud of you. You would have made a great history teacher with all of your knowledge. You are one of the great ones and I know we will meet again one day. Until then, I will try to go on remembering all the great memories and good times we had. You brought together a community and people who never met you fell in love with you as they searched. I wish they could have met you and heard your laugh and saw your big smile. Rest in peace now. We have brought you home. Thanks for the memories. You will be in hearts forever! Love you little sister Susan

Ron, I met you at the canoe trip and made my weekend with your purple suit! You are a hilarious, strong, super intelligent person. I will miss you

Ron, I didn't know you but I felt like I did. It could have been any one of us lone hikers out there always looking for a new view, a path just waiting to be carved. Going out alone to feel the comfort and peace we feel when it's just us and the hills ahead. When I was searching for you it was hard for me to stop each day and turn to head back to my car knowing you were still out there. When I heard they had found you it was a mix of emotions but I'm sure it is a great comfort to your friends and family to have you home again. I want to thank you for showing me that people in this world still care for one another. Every time I went out I met up with someone who was also out there for you. It was truly a beautiful thing and I'm sure you saw it all. Thank you, Ron.

Bloody, thank you for making my first travel hashes my very favorite. You made us laugh and every time I look around, I realize how very lucky I am to have my fellow hashers as my family. I'm sure I will still be looking for you in Vegas...We will do Parker again some day. For now, just rest. You'll need it.

Didn't know Ron personally, but he is a hasher, therefore a family member. My condolences to all his loved ones - GOD bless you. On-on, Ron, may you be on the heavenly trail.

I can still see Ron standing in front of my desk with a giant grin on his face while telling me stories of his adventures and the scars to prove them. He brought a light to many a dark day for me and for that I am grateful. I regret only that I didn't have the chance to get to know him better and envy those of you that did. RIP Ron, the world has lost one of the good ones.

Looking forward to hashing with you again and sharing a Fosters. Ironically, your death brought people together as did your life. You're missed by people who never even met you. I'm glad through the process of the search so many got to learn about what sort of person you are.

OnRon

Your candle will burn bright with love. You are in a better place now and please say hello to my father Paul. He will be the. Magician. With all the children surrounding him.

Ron- words cannot begin to express how I am feeling, as I am missing you so much...some of my best memories of you are you sleeping on my different couches in different homes in the past! I will never forget your concern that I have the best "The Big Lebowski" experience... leaving in the morning and returning from TJ with a gallon of vodka, a gallon of Kahlua, a carton of milk, a mexican blanket and a straw hat! Drinks in hand, two of us in one cuddler chair, and never a dry glass! When it ended, we watched it again. You are a good man, a best friend, and an inspiration.

You are gone but will never be forgotten cuz! I will hold you in my heart until we meet again. ~RIP RON~

Ron was my cousin, his dad & my dad are twin brothers. We didn't get to spend alot of time together growing up but when we did, we always had such a good time. Once when we all went up to Hawk's Nest, Ron & my brother Harold climbed over the new wall & were walking around the look out. I thought I was gonna have a heart attack before they finally climbed back up. Ron loved adventure & he lived life to it's fullest. I will never forget my cousin & his big heart of gold. I will carry him in my heart until we meet again. ~RIP CUZ~

I always wanted to meet him and sorry I did not have the chance. I know he touched many people---hopefully, his examples of kindness and human decency will insipre others to follow his lead. Very sorry for all of our loss.

The world has lost one of the great ones, you left us way too soon Brother!