Richard Kirk

The year 1925 was filled with happiness for a young couple from Hillsdale, Michigan, as they welcomed a baby boy into their hearts and home on July 17th. Richard Bennington was the second of six children born to his parents, Laurel and Ruth (Searles) Kirk. He was raised at the family home in Stony Creek, located between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, along with his brother, John, and his sisters, Sarah, Norma, Libby and Eleanor. When Dick was 12, his father drowned. Although it was a difficult time, his mothers strong faith and determination prevailed. She returned to school to get a teaching certificate, and became a high school teacher. As a student at the same high school, Dick has commented that he could not get away with anything without his mother knowing about it. As far as Dick as concerned, this was not fair. Dick was a student at North Adams High School where he played on their state championship basketball team. Upon high school graduation in 1943, Dick joined the United States Marines, serving in Okinawa as a radar operator in WWII and after the war in China. He returned home in 1946 and worked at various jobs including at an auto factory and for Capital Airlines. He eventually enrolled at Adrian College where he met his bride to be. Esther Nishi was a housemate of Dicks sister, Norma. Dick and Esther met, dated for a couple of years, and were married on November 22, 1950. Together they were blessed with the births of three children, Sandra in 1951, Colleen in 1954 and Brian in 1959. Compassionate and playful, Dick found his calling as an educator, teaching fifth and sixth grades in Deerfield and Monroe, Michigan. In 1962, after completing his masters from Eastern Michigan University, he moved to Muskegon, Michigan and taught special education students at Orchard View Middle School until his retirement in 1983. Upon moving to Muskegon, Esther and Dick rented a house for two years, then bought a house in Norton Shores where they lived for eight years. An opportunity to buy another home in Norton Shores which was just a short walk to Lake Michigan made their dream of living near the lake a reality. Many beautiful sunsets and many leisurely strolls along the beach were enjoyed by the family. Dick and Esther also took the kids to family night at the YMCA for potluck and activities with other families. Many wonderful friendships were formed here and a group of Ys men and their wives began meeting each month for potluck at their homes. These gatherings have continued for over forty years. Esther, Dick and the kids explored many parts of the country during summer camping trips. Although they eventually had a pop-up camper, it was preceded by tents, one of which Dick actually made himself. The family often traveled West to visit family in Washington State, and also explored the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park. Together he and Brian also made many back-packing/camping trips in the Upper Peninsula. After retiring in 1983, Esther and Dick traveled to elder hostels in Oregon, N. Carolina and Alabama, and made several trips to Europe, including a trip to England with the church choir. An especially memorable trip was to Holland where they stayed in the home of friends they had hosted several years earlier when they sang at St. Frances Church. After getting a motor home they made many trips including to the Maritime Provinces of Canada and a motorhome caravan trip in Mexico. A man of diverse interests, wood carving was one of Dicks favorite hobbies, and he loved tinkering on all sorts of things. Dicks mother and her family were very musical, and a love of music was instilled in his family. The house was always filled with music, and singing is still a favorite part of family gatherings. Dick sang in the choir at Central United Methodist Church for many years. He enjoyed a wide range of outdoor activities including camping, hiking, cross country skiing, and golfing. Generous with his time, Dick volunteered at Kitchen of Hope, Map Food Pantry, on work camps with church groups, as a mentor at McLaughlin Elementary School and was a past member of the Evening Ys Men. Over the past 12 years, Dick suffered with Alzheimers. Esther was able to care for him in their home until October, 2012. He was then cared for by his loving extended family at Day Spring Assisted Living. Known as Smiley in college, Dicks generous smile and warm sense of humor endeared him to all, and he was happiest when spending time with family and friends. His grandkids always looked forward to a fun time with Grandpa playing cards, going for a hike in the dunes or just joking around. He took great joy in his family and was a kind-hearted, fun-loving, understanding husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Although he will be deeply missed, his beautiful spirit will be with us forever. Richard (Dick) Bennington Kirk died on August 15, 2014. Dicks family includes his wife, Esther; their three children: Sandy Carlson, Colleen McConnell (Gary), and Brian Kirk; six grandchildren: Julie Carlson (Paul), Andrew Carlson (Jess), Justin Carlson, Jeffrey Carlson, Ian McConnell, and Colin McConnell; two great-grandchildren: Christopher Carlson and Ramona Blanding; sister Norma Norvell (Chuck); brother, John Kirk (Susan) and many nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by his mother, father, and three sisters: Elizabeth (Libby) Westfall, Sarah Shaw, and Eleanor Pahlau. Services will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at Central United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Miller officiating. Visit with Dicks family and friends one hour prior to the service at Central United Methodist Church. Memorials can be made to Central United Methodist Church or Alzheimer's Association. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.