John Malcolm Kirk

Obituary Brigadier General (Retired) John Malcolm Kirk Delivered into world by his grandfather-doctor on 23 NOV 1933 in Seattle, WA to Colonel Charles and Evelyn Kirk. Began march to final his objective on 22 APR 2012, departing from Madigan Army Medical Center while lovingly surrounded by his bride, brother, all Kirk troops, and assorted family attachments. Commissioned from United States Military Academy in 1956 as Infantry Officer but later transitioned to his beloved Armor branch. From beginning to end of career, Army units/locations/assignments: 4th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Washington; 2nd Battle Group, 6th Infantry, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany (commanded Company E that was involved in face-off with Russians at Check Point Charlie in October 1961); 4th Armored Division (Company Command, 1st Battalion, 35th Armor); Military Assistance Command - Vietnam; Pentagon Tour, Washington, D.C; 22nd Infantry, Fort Ord, California; 1st Armored Division, Federal Republic of Germany (Chief of Staff and Commander, 1st Brigade); 5th Infantry Division, Fort Polk, Louisiana (Assistant Division Commander - authored "Panzergrenadier"); and retired from Pentagon, Washington, D.C. (Director of Training, DCS for Operations and Plans, US Army). In addition to Army ranks from West Point Cadet to Brigadier General, proudly held many additional call-signs/titles including Husband, Dad, Son, Brother, Tanker, Soldier, Leader, Grandpa, Sir, GG-Pa, and number of others. Thoroughly enjoyed fly fishing, hunting ducks, traveling/vacationing our vast country with bride and family (allegedly stopping at each and every historical marker and battlefield), spending time with friends, training his retrievers, studying history, jazz, recon'n, and most-everything Army. Greatly loved his family, but left no doubt he loved and adored his bride Mary most of all throughout their nearly 56 years of marriage. Departed with greatest of dignity, honor, and courage. BG Kirk is survived by his wife Mary, brother Charlie (Alexandra), son Duncan (Donna), daughter Stacy (Russ), son Malcolm (Anne), daughter Suzanne (Dan), six grandchildren (Kendall, Bryce, John, David, Kelsey, Gabe) and two great grandchildren (Kallie, Branden). Shall be forever missed by "his troops", from family and Army alike. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, May 14, 2012, 12:00 pm at Steilacoom Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on the corner of Main and Nisqually in Steilacoom, WA 98498. Burial will be 3:00 pm at Tahoma National Cemetery located at 18600 Southeast 240th Street Kent, WA 98042; please arrive by 2:45pm. Family requests donations please be made to the Fisher House Foundation in Memory of John M Kirk at www.fisherhouse.org/donate/. Your donation will support Fisher House at Fort Lewis, WA.