Charles L. Kirk

Born to Herbert and Florence (Ellis) Kirk in Orange, MA; Charlie’s family moved to Keene when he was a young boy. He attended local schools and was a graduate of Keene High School. Charlie attended the University of New Hampshire where he earned his degree in engineering before joining Kingsbury Corp., where he was a draftsman for 45 years. Upon retirement, the company deemed the day "Charlie Kirk Day".

Charlie was active in the United Grace Methodist Church, Elks, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Red Cross and Community Kitchen. He is best known for his passion for singing. Charlie was a member of the Keene Cheshiremen, receiving the "Golden Pitch Pipe" award for over 50 active years with the group. His love for singing led him to perform with the Keene Senior Center "Swingers", and recently with the “Woodward Wonders.”

Although Charlie was very modest about all of his skills, he was an outdoorsman whose interest included fishing and golf. His love of hiking took Charlie over all the local mountains and part of the Long Trail. As years passed, he took pleasure in viewing the places he’d hiked; but now by air, either in a hot air balloon or small aircraft. His last flight was on his 99th birthday.

Charlie was fortunate to travel throughout the U.S. and much of the world, but his greatest satisfaction came from spending time with his family. His humility, generosity, and sense of humor were qualities that will be remembered by family and friends alike.

He is survived by a daughter, Kathleen K. Robinson and her husband, Richard, of Putney, VT; two grandchildren, Devon S. Smith and her husband, Aaron, and Joshua M. Powers and his wife, Agnes, four great-grandchildren: Nolan Powers, Louis Powers, Allison Rougemont and Amelia Smith; a sister, Dorothy M. Kirk of Keene, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his first wife, June (Campbell) Kirk in 1962 and his second, Evelyn (Freeman) Kirk in 1995.

A memorial and celebration of life service for Charlie will be held Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 1:00 PM in the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene. Family and friends are welcome. Burial in the Monadnock View Cemetery, Park Avenue, Keene, will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mr. Kirks memory to the Community Kitchen, PO Box 1315, Keene, NH 03431, or to a charity of one’s choice.