Fred Harm Dirks

Fred Harm Dirks, Jr., lovingly known as Fritz by his friends, passed away in his sleep Saturday morning. Fred was blazingly smart and funny, an incredibly talented and creative magician, juggler and guitarist — possessing a sweet and loving nature toward anyone he ever met. His love of family took precedence as, with great devotion, he cared for our Mom who battled Parkinson's disease until her passing in 2010, and for this we will be forever grateful.

Fred was fascinated by magic from a very early age. He spent much of his day perfecting one-of-a-kind sleight-of-hand moves, cup and ball, card tricks, coin maneuvers and many other effects. He often attended the Magic in the Rockies convention, learning from other magicians and sharing his craft. He was loved by the other artists in the magic community, and had met magic dignitaries, such as Lance Burton, over the years. He was always working on The Act, which we are certain possessed artistry never seen before. It is now part of The Greatest Show in Heaven.

Alongside his love of magic was his love of music, owning many guitars that he affectionately gave names to, like Scarlet and Red Boy. You probably saw him on Main Street playing riffs at political rallies, adding ""guitar acrobatics"", like playing his axe behind his back.

Fred graduated from Longmont High School in 1976 and lived on the family farm his entire life. There was absolutely no one like Fred, who made his own way in the world, on his own terms, and by his example, taught us the surprising beauty of being unconventional. In a house full of siblings, during any crisis, Fred was often the voice of calm and reason. He was a great brother, a loving uncle to his six nieces and grand nephew, and a good and loyal friend. His passionate intelligence made him a voracious reader, possessing an encyclopedic knowledge of just about everything, from Star Trek to Greek and Roman history, to philosophical disciplines and Jeopardy. He participated in a weekly political round table, exercising measured and brilliant debate skills, always respecting opinions different than his own.

Our profound sorrow at losing Fred is tempered by the knowledge that he knew we loved him very much, and are heartened by the fact that he now resides on The Committee, comprised of Mom and Dad, Aunt Ada and Uncle Gilbert and other loved ones since passed, watching over us here on Earth. We'll need their guidance as we traverse through our grief, and we'll miss Fred's bright spirit terribly.

Fred is survived by his sisters and spouses Angella and Ellwood, Isabella and Bob, Daniela and John, sister Marisa, brother John, his nieces Lili, April, Bailie, Elisa, Caitlin, Erin, and beloved extended members of the Dirks and Caucigh families. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Longmont Public Library, in Fred's name.

Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 12:30 pm on Sunday, October 25, followed by a Celebration of Fred's Life at 1:00 pm, all at Howe Mortuary, Longmont.