Kirk Gunnar Stensvig

Kirk Stensvig passed away from heart failure on May 28, 2022. He was preceded in death by his Mother Kathleen M. Stensvig and his Father Thomas A. Stensvig. He is survived by his sister Crystal, numerous aunts and uncles, 15 cousins and a growing number of 2nd cousins. And of course his large orange cat Olav his - "love kitty."

Kirk was born on August 3, 1971 and he was so eager to come into the world that he broke his mothers tailbone on the way out. He tried hard to make sure that was the last time he hurt his mother - they remained close throughout his life and Kirk put his life on hold to care for her during her battle with cancer in the last 2 years of her life.

Living most of his life in Seattle, Kirk made short stops in Olympia, Spokane, and Paris.

Kirk graduated from Seattle Academy High School and has been involved in their alumni association. He attended Whitworth College and graduated from the University of Washington with degrees in French Language and English Literature. Kirk's scholarly interests far exceeded that of his college degrees. He earned a certificate in genealogy from the UW Extension Program and did extensive research on his own family - establishing ancestry on his father's side reaching back to the American Revolution. So of course he joined the Sons of the American Revolution. He continued self-directed studies in a far range of subjects especially history, philosophy, human rights and more.

Kirk loved being part of a big family and he had an amazing memory for the family stories he heard as a child. He had a wicked sense of humor and a wonderful laugh. Kirk loved books and music. He loved Broadway musicals and he loved Tina Turner, Mae West, and Groucho Marks and could quote them all.

Kirk was a Freemason for 13 years joining in October 2009. He was a life member at Ashler Masonic Lodge #121 in Bothell, along with memberships at University lodge #141, Walter F. Meier lodge of Research #281, and Grand Mound Historical lodge #3. Kirk was also a 32° (Master Mason) Scottish Rite Mason at Seattle Scottish Rite along with being involved with York Rite. Kirk was very involved in many aspects of Freemasonry while holding offices in several lodges, through this he also gave tirelessly to its charities and youth programs.

Kirk was also a proud gay man and had the support and love of many dear friends in the gay community.

He was a big bear with a compassionate heart, helping his homeless neighbors as much as he could.

We miss you Kirk and will love you forever.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Kirk's memory to your favorite charity or to:

Cat City PAWS Cat Rescue

Or

University District Foodbank

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 16th, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133. A reception in Kirk's honor will follow the service. For everyone's safety Kirk's family is recommending the wearing of facial masks during the service.

For those unable to attend the service a livestream option is available. Please copy the following web address into the search bar of your browser:

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1654299880188009

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-Washelli.com for the Stensvig family.