Kirk Eugene Saxton

The dashingly handsome Kirk Eugene Saxton, who sported a legendary moustache, the connoisseur of the finer things in life, and who was extremely accomplished at getting bucked off horses, ended his journey like a rock star February 23rd, 2019 at the Cottage in the Meadow.

Kirk started his journey in the Palm Springs of Washington on May 20th, 1955 by Alma Dean Miller and Ronald William Saxton. From a young age it was apparent Kirk had bigger things on his mind which would lead to many successes and a few mishaps. Such as, the generic football and wrestling, but then he became involved in 4H and the Sheriff’s Posse in Selah, WA. Through these experiences he found one of his first loves, Rodeo!

Kirk grabbed his boots and chaps and cowboy hats then started off on his Rodeo journey. Traveling all over the West Coast competing in All Around Rodeo events such as, Bulls, Saddle Bronc, and Bareback. Bareback was the one event he excelled in during his Rodeo career, winning lots of money, trophies, belts, ladies hearts and his peers envy. The highlights were making the Finals for the NRA and WRA Rodeo Circuits in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Throughout his entire Rodeo career, his father Ron was one of his biggest supporters.

The next chapter in his journey was fatherhood. It started in 1978 with the birth of his son Jess, followed closely by Josh “ Hank” in 1980. Then pulling up the rear came his loving daughter Mackenzie in 1991. Fatherhood surprisingly turned out to be his greatest calling, even to himself. He attended countless sporting games, practices, school events, science projects, and even a stand in dummy for Kenzie’s medical career. He gave countless unsolicited advice at inopportune times, all the while, tying in one of his classic and often inappropriate one-liners. Kirk was known to be a kid whisperer, especially to his two grandsons, Alastair and Reon. To them he was known as Opa, and he loved tickling, playing with them, and when it was needed he would scoop them up and take them for a walk when they were getting antsy and stressing out their parents. To people who knew Kirk well, knew his family even better, even if they have not met the kids. Kirk enjoyed nothing more than to open up his cell phone and give the story behind the pictures that he collected from his kids.

Kirk’s most fulfilling journey began at a typical run of the mill country bar, where he met the love of his life Rhonda. His pressed Wranglers, his mountain man beard, and witty charm wooed Rhonda into a long courtship and marriage in 1989. They journeyed through the woods on camping trips, to the beaches of the Northwest, and a few white-knuckling trips across the country to visit their kids. Even though Kirk was the senior to Rhonda, his young demeanor and constant antics kept Rhonda and their relationship fresh and loving.

Kirk’s other passions during his journey were hunting and fishing at every chance he could get away. At the drop of a hat he could be ready to hit the mountain to ski, go camping with s’mores, or be spontaneous and take Rhonda on random road trips. He started off in carpentry, and then transitioned to owning his own contracting business. Kirk was meticulously dedicated to the person and the project he was working on. He finished off his career at Field Stone as the Maintenance Director for their three facilities. Kirk was an avid people collector; he had many friends anywhere and everywhere. He was loved and admired by all who traveled with him during his many journeys.

The people whom he left behind were his wife of 29 years, his three kids, his three kids-in-law, two grandchildren, his mother, three sisters, his brother-in-law, and many other family members and friends. Kirk was a phenomenal, once in the life, type of person! Please take care of him Lord and those who have passed before him greet him with open arms. Please contact the family for details about his celebration of life.