Richard Allen Kirk

      If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Richard Allen Kirk. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Richard was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

      Richard was born on Norfolk Lutheran Hospital in Norfolk, Nebraska. He was the son of Dwight and Thelma. Richard was raised in Nebraska and Southern California. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Richard was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Richard's personality throughout his life.

      Though Richard was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Richard was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Richard worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Richard was raised with 3 Siblings. He had Older Brother Kenneth,older sister Deanie and younger sister Sheryl. Richard and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Richard was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Richard was always tactful. One thing Richard will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Richard had a number of interests and was an active child. In his spare time he liked to play the piano and organ he liked to read Richard's memorable achievements included being an outstanding student.

      For Richard, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Richard was also adept at details. Richard was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He graduated from Wilson High School in Long Beach, California in 1956. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in High School was English. Receiving a scholarship to College.

      can be a challenge, but Richard appeared to be well equipped to succeed. He had a knack for staying focused and on track no matter what was going on around his. Richard had the ability to work undisturbed through all of the constant interruptions that are a regular part of college life. Richard enjoyed using the skills he'd already learned and applying them to new courses. He knew the facts and rarely made factual errors. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Cal State Long Beach. He also pursued graduate school earning his Masters Degree in Education. His favorite course was English Literature. He taught and perfected his skills at playing the Organ.

      There was one thing that all of Richard's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Richard was such a popular person throughout his life. But Richard was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Richard was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Richard was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Richard was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Richard was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Richard made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. Later in life, he became friends with Kirk Real.

      Taking his work seriously came naturally to Richard, and he expected the same from those around him. Richard was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Richard was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Richard handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was High School English Teacher. He was employed for Mayfair High School for over 40 years. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

      A methodical man, Richard enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were Participating in leading School activities at Mayfair High School.

     His high moral standards and traditional values served Richard well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church for last Decade. During that time, he was involved in playing the Organ for Bethany Lutheran Church. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

      Not only did Richard enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included a trip to Germany.

      Richard was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Dutchess his Persian kitty, and his sisters pets especially Brandy and Bluebell, who was a best friend for 5 years.

      Since it was easy for Richard to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Richard was ready when that day to retire finally came in 2003. His new life involved relocating to Bellflower, California. In retirement, he found new pleasure in being involved with the senior group in Lakewood/Signal Hill. Even in retirement, Richard stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

      Richard passed away on November 5, 2007 at home in Bellflower. He died of natural causes after suffering from Congestive Heart Failure for many years. He is survived by his older brother Kenneth and Younger sister Sheryl as well as his nieces and nephews Lori, Kandi,Troy and Jodel,Darryl,Joel,and Christopher Services were held at Bethany Lutheran Church. Richard was laid to rest in Rose Hills Cemetery in Whittier, Ca.

      Richard was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Richard was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Richard Allen Kirk.