Kirtland Paul Speet

Kirt was born December 22, 1939, in Holland Michigan to Richard D. Speet and Vesta B. Speet. Kirt graduated Holland High School in 1959 and attended Farris State in Big Rapids, Michigan. Though he was born and raised in Michigan he got to Texas as fast as he could. He had a variety of occupations. In the 1960’s Kirt was a professional race car driver for Ford Racing, he could be found on tracks throughout the Midwest breaking speed records with his McLaren Ford. After he hung up his racing hat he worked in land development, oil and gas, real estate, and ran an antique store. Kirt had a plethora of hobbies and interests. You could find him spending time down in South Texas relaxing, mending fences, filling feeders, hunting, and teaching his children and grandchildren how to hunt at the ranch. He also enjoyed taking his sailboat out into the Gulf of Mexico and would let the wind decide where to take him. Kirt was a collector of antiques and unique items. Also, he loved to travel to Mackinac Island Michigan where you could find him on the hotel porch smoking a Cuban cigar accompanied by a glass of his favorite scotch overlooking main street, listening to the horses and watching tourist passing by. On Sundays Kirt was avid viewer of Formula 1 racing. After the races he would look forward to The Dallas Cowboys play football. He was a diehard Texan, he loved anything and everything Texas. He had a contagious smile that could light up any room and radiated positivity no matter what life threw at him. Kirt enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and was described as a friend to all.

Kirtland Paul Speet Sr. was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Shelley Speet Mills. He leaves behind his wife of 25 years Gabriela Carrasco, sons, Alexander Speet, Kirtland Speet Jr., daughter, Carrie Ann Shields, brother, Tom Speet, grandchildren, Kirtland Speet III, Gerritt Speet, Zoom Shields, Zain Shields, great grandchildren, Aiden and Alaska Speet, and a host of nieces, family, friends and Max and Maggie, his Golden Retrievers.

Kirt was an exceptional Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, and Friend, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.