Kirk Eugene Haugen was truly a kid at heart. He was funny, outgoing, and light hearted. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him. He was a larger than life person and everyone loved being around him because he would easily make you smile.
Kirk was born on July 18, 1967 at St. Mary's Hospital in Reno, Nevada. He was the son of Elmer and Nola Haugen. Raised in Reno, Nevada and Auburn, California, he was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.
As a young boy, Kirk was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to appreciate the feelings of others, Kirk became someone that you could look up to and trust. Kirk was raised with three siblings. He had one older brother, Kevin and two sisters, Kathy and Connie. Kirk was constantly involved in activities with his family. Kirk and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years. As a child, Kirk had many interests. He took part in football. In his spare time he liked drawing, drafting and building model cars.
In 1986, Kirk graduated from Antelope Valley High School. He enjoyed some courses more than others. His favorite class in high school was history but what his peers will remember him for the most is that he was awarded the Certificate of Achievement in Building Construction and his great personality and his long, lasting friendship. While growing up, Kirk became friends with Charlie Luckett and they remained the best of friends throughout their lives.
Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Kirk. On May 11, 1991 Kirk married Patricia Ann Holland on the Colorado Bell River Boat in Laughlin, Nevada. He was totally committed to Patricia. It was as if Kirk naturally sensed his spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. They were best friends and inseparable. Always making each other laugh, it was easy to understand why they fell in love.
Kirk was blessed with one son, Jared Eugene. Always thinking before acting, Kirk was patient, kind, and understanding with Jared. They had a special relationship that cannot be described in words.
If you gave Kirk a deadline, he would meet it. At work, Kirk was always on task. Without hesitation, Kirk could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was Merchandiser for Pepsico. Prior to working for Pepsico, Kirk worked for Vons in Hesperia, California and he was a Sawman for AC Houston.
Kirk liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Kirk's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Kirk preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on his hobbies. His favorite pursuits were model cars. Kirk was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying his hobbies all by himself and could often be found just reading about his favorite pastimes.
While thorough and measured in his approach to things, Kirk often liked to physically do things rather than just think about them. He was like that with sports. As a child, Kirk played baseball and in high school, he played football. He also enjoyed the statistical data and the facts behind the sports. In this way, he was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Top on his list was watching his beloved Raiders play football.
Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Kirk had smooth sailing. He was fun and spontaneous so there was never any pressure to adhere to a schedule while traveling. Favorite vacations included the Oregano coast and Florence.
Kirk had Bella, a German Shepard, Pit Bull dog mix., who was his best friend for nine years. His family was rounded out by his cats Milo, an Orange Taby and Jade, a White Taby. Kirk was as loyal to his pets as they were to him.
Kirk passed away on August 2, 2018 at Centennial Hills Hospital. He fought a hard and long battle against COPD and Heart Disease. He is survived by wife, Pattie, and his son, Jared. Services were held at Palm Northwest Mortuary in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kirk was laid to rest in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Kirk was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. You always knew where you stood with Kirk. He will be missed.
