I am so saddened to hear the news that Kirk has  gone.

I first met Kirk at Starbucks, when it was kitty-corner to my tiny antique shop. I would drop in- we'd chat, I'd go to work.

It wasn't long before he would visit my store,  and because of the nature of my shop, we would sometimes talk at great lengths about all sorts of topics. He was also one of those people I would run into in the most unlikely of places! I always enjoyed our visits, whether expected, or unexpected!

My favourite memory of him is of one of his visits to my shop. He had seen a Facebook post of mine of me holding a blue and white electric guitar for sale, and rushed over. He hooked it up and played for quite a while- an impromptu concert right then and there. I have a video of it somewhere. I'll cherish it even more the next time I find it.

He was an incredibly gifted, curious, loving person, with a soul too good for this world.

Heartfelt condolences from Katrina and Steve (Matter of Time).


Kirk had an intelligent wondrous use of words, he had a beautiful soul and warmth about him. He was a talented musician that was very much in touch with his emotions who powerfully expressed them. He would say he’d love me as a friend, and that meant so much especially when I was down.  A friend of mine invited me to her high-school, Rosedale where I met Kirk for the first time.. The last day I saw him was in December 2020 of last year, but we had kept in touch virtually often since then... I’m so shocked by his passing. He taught me how to be a better friend, an unapologetic artist and free-spirit, to always believe in my goodness and resilience. He will forever be missed. My heart goes out to his other friends, loved ones and dear family. This is such a tragedy. Whenever I go to Chattime, I will think of him. 

I was very sorry to hear about Kirk’s passing. He was gone far too young. Kirk was a friend from Rosedale Heights School of the Arts. I have fond memories of Kirk proclaiming his love for Duran Duran to me and singing duets of Mika’s “Lollipop” or “Big Girl” together while he played guitar. He was a talented musician and actor and performed in two school musicals: Bobby in Urinetown and Rick in A Slice of Saturday Night. He always took an interest in his friends’ hobbies and passions and was very encouraging and kind to everyone he met. I have enjoyed following his chronicles of hunting for “shiny” Pokémon and receiving his annual birthday messages in recent years. He wore his heart on his sleeve which has always been very inspiring. I’m grateful that he has left behind so much of his music and poetry and that he got to experience true love in his life. I will miss his bright smile and voice. My deepest condolences to Jill and his family.

I was so sad to hear about Kirk, and so sorry for the family. My memory of Kirk is from when he was in high school and friends with our daughter, Rebecca. Kirk was often hanging around the house and joining us for meals and discussions. He was an interesting and vibrant personality and I always enjoyed him being around.

My heart aches for the family and friends of Kirk. 

Kirk was an amazing friend at Rosedale. He always knew how to make me laugh, and was just a blessing to be around. Unfortunately life took us on different paths and we hadn't spoken in a while. I will always cherish the memories I had with him. 

Kirk, may you rest easy and watch over your loved ones. This isn't goodbye, this is see you later. 


I always loved when Kirk played music at church, he was so gifted and talented and played so many instruments, I missed him when he stopped and was very saddened to hear of his passing, he had an incredible future in music ahead of him. I'm happy he found true love his life though.  He will be greatly missed.  My sincere condolences to family and friends.
Rev. Jan Rothenburger, Church at the Mission

Karen, James, Jessica, Jamie and all of Kirk's family and friends, my deepest condolences. My thoughts are with all of you during this most difficult of times.
Tina

Dear Family and friends of Kirk,
Our family is so terribly sad to hear that Kirk has passed away.  We offer you our sincere condolences, and we share your disbelief that he could possibly be gone at the age of 31...

Our family knew Kirk well during high school days at Rosedale School of the Art.  My daughter Maegan and Kirk dated for a time and they were on the worship team at Church of the Mission with James Cheyne.  Kirk taught Maegan how to play guitar!  And to this day, she plays with gratefulness in her soul towards Kirk.
We also had the privilege of seeing Kirk in his wonderful performance in the coveted lead role in the annual RSOA musical. He was amazing. What a talent!  We were so proud of him! 

All of you know that music was Kirk's life.  No one I have ever encountered loved music more, nor had a more poetic gift for lyrics.  And it seemed his knowledge of bands and their songs was encyclopedic.  

After Rosedale, social media was our only contact.  But we take comfort to learn that Kirk did a lot of living in his years, making music, enjoying his friends, working his way up in the cafe business from Barista, to trainer, to Front of House Manager.  Then, Jill and Kirk came into each other's lives.  On Instagram, their happiness was evident. Jill, we are praying for you and for every one of Kirk's immediate and extended family, and friends.

May the Lord comfort you and give you His peace that passes all understanding.

Heather Betts

I wish I was able to share the pictures of this night. One of many laughter filled karaoke nights at Oriental Taste. Kirk dressed as Pikachu. Lol 🤣🤣 Kirk you were so talented and so much fun to be around. This memory and many others will be with me always ❤️❤️ Rest easy my friend ❤️❤️

I am so sorry for your loss. Kirk was so special to me for so many reasons and I have so many memories of us together. I can't quite believe he is gone, although we lost touch for awhile after Rosedale, I had recently reconnected with him and I am devastated that we didn't reconnect earlier. He was an incredible person, who gave amazing hugs, was incredibly talented and a great friend. I am so thankful that he was in my life. I am sending so much love and support to you. 

I'm sending my warmest condolence to you Gillian and to Kirk's family.  A note to heaven to say we miss you and send our love.  I and my family hold you close within our heart to walk with you throughout our life until we see you again.

I'm so sorry.  Gillian, it was obvious that Kirk loved and cherished you, as you did him.  Gone too soon.  My sympathies to all.

Dear Jessica and family, 
It was in my first year of teaching that I met you, Jessica, and Kirk.  Kirk had such a great tenor voice for both singing in the musical and the chamber choir.  We shared many stories and loved talking about 80s pop music after rehearsals, during lunchtime  and sometimes during class too.  My condolences to you  and to your family during this difficult time. My thoughts are with you. 
Maria

It was with such sadness that we heard of Kirks passing. Our deepest condolences to Jill and Kirk’s family and may his memories live in your hearts forever. 

Dear Karen, 
I’m at a loss for words. I am praying God will comfort you and yours during this time and will carry you through until your precious memories bring a smile to your face. 
Love, Cousin Kathy 

My condolences to the family and loved ones of my former student, Kirk. It was a pleasure and honour to have known this friendly, enthusiastic person. I will treasure our talks about music and life plans. Safe travels, Kirk.

Dear James, Karen, Jamie and Jessica,

My memory is of the blonde, tousle-haired, toothy-grinned, blue-eyed, beaming smile, five year old, bright-light savant - old-time trike, big front wheel.

"What do you mean by acciseJ?!", in friendly scrutiny, to probe whether I were making fun of his little sister, and being a proper big brother.

What a guy!

His bright light shines on.

My sincerest sympathies for your loss.

Michael Gwynne

Dear Karen, James, Jess and Jamie,
My Deepest condolences. So many memories of the kids hanging out on Dearbourne st and school.  Sending lots of love.
Michele Brady

James, I cannot imagine the terrible heartache that you and Karen and Kirk’s loving aunts and many friends must be feeling. I’m so sorry for your great loss. People say that in time — probably a long time — your happy memories will begin to ease the pain. I hope that is true for all of you. Thinking of you with love.
Nancy

Dear Karen and Family,

There are no words that can ease your pain. I am praying for your healing.

- Janine 

Dear Karen - I am so sorry for yours, Jamie’s and Jessica’s loss. You remain in my prayers. Love you always.  Cousin Ellen 

My deepest sympathies for your family and friends. 

I am sorry to hear about Kirk's passing. My thoughts and condolences are with Kirk's family, friends and loved ones. He was a kind man who was a great pleasure to get to know in high school and through my sister Megan. He was a talented man and had a great spirit to him. I am so sorry that he passed away at such a young age. I know he is and will be missed by so many.  I send you all lots of hugs right now. I am always here if you need a shoulder to lean on.

Kirk was a wonderful soul and he had a warming, loving and bright personality. His musical talent is something that I will never forget. I hope that the family finds some comfort during this time in knowing that his life touched so many people, including mine. I send my sympathy, love and support. 

My dear friend Kirk, you will always been in our hearts my brother. So much love to all of your family and friends. You are missed <3 love always xoxo-Tash 

Kirk was a long-time best friend, school made, fellow barista. Fellow musician, church buddy, and most importantly a brother to me. I will never forget all the precious memories hanging out, working at Starbucks together for many years, writing songs together, and his love for pizza and Pokémon. He was one of the most loving and compassionate people I have ever met, who would always go above and beyond to show his care for others. Kirk will be dearly missed. Love and prayers to the family and Jill, and may you all Carry on the incredible legacy of your son. 

To Jessica and the Lutes family,
I'd like to express my condolences for your loss. I was Kirk and Jessica's high school librarian. I don't even remember how I came to know Kirk, but he was just the kind of person who seemed open to meeting everyone and sharing himself with you.  I do remember a conversation after school one day where he wanted my advice about whether he should audition for musical theatre. He was agonizing over it, and I'm sure I told him he had nothing to lose. I do believe he did end up loving the theatre and acting along with his main passion of music and composing. Kirk was a student that you felt a bit protective of because he was sensitive and honest - and he loved Depeche Mode! Of course that alone endeared him to this GenX teacher and likely all his other teachers as well.  Again, I'm so sorry for your loss. 
Pam Roberts Griffith, teacher-librarian
Rosedale Heights School of the Arts


OBITUARY

Kirk Robert William Lutes

10 March, 1990 – 2 May, 2021

Giffen-Mack and Trull Funeral Home

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