Ken Kirk (31 Jul 1931 - 24 Jun 2019)

In loving memory of Ken Kirk who sadly passed away on 24th June 2019
Ken was born on 31 July 1931 Castletown, Sunderland. He was the only son and eldest child of Gibson and Ruth Kirk. He has 3 sisters Norma, Jennie and Liz
Ken lived in Castletown all his childhood and youth. He left school and initially worked as a miner before joining the RAF for his national service. When he returned home he trained as an RMN and then rejoined the RAF as a nurse. He served in the RAF until 1973 During that time he served in Germany, Cyprus and several English RAF hospitals. He was also involved in medical evacuations from the middle east during the troubles there, often in the guise of a Red Cross aide worker due to the dangers to service men. When he left the RAF he trained as a Probation officer and worked in the Louth area and also for several years at Lincoln Prison. He also worked from the Lincoln office for several years where he set up a youth group for young offenders in the 1970's. In 1958 whilst stationed at RAF Halton he met Eileen Heatley, who he often said was the love of his life, they married on the 25th April 1959. They recently celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary. A year after they married they had their 1st of 4 children Carol, followed by Susan, Michael and James.
He was immensely proud of his children and their achievements, always supportive and generous. He was so happy when Paul, Neil and Sarah joined the family. (his eldest 3 children's partners) He was so proud and overjoyed when he became a grandad. He had 4 grandchildren from 1989 to 1996, Jason, Joshua, Charlotte and Matthew and just 3 years ago became a grandad again to Maddie who he fondly called "the boss", he loved each and everyone of them dearly.
Ken was chairman of the Brant Road Club and an active member of the club for many years. He was also a keen snooker player and was involved with the Lincolnshire and Humberside Billiards and Snooker Association for many years he even beat Steve Davis in a match! He enjoyed watching the football, he followed the endeavours of Lincoln and Sunderland but he also kept tabs on Hartlepool.
His claim to 5 minutes of fame came in the 1970's when he appeared in and won a trip to Skiathos on Bob Monkhouse's Celebrity squares.
During the last few years he enjoyed family holidays and visits to the North East. He also enjoyed trips out in the car and family meals and get togethers. As his health and mobility declined he loved to watch tv especially animal and air ambulance programmes and his favourites Only Fools and Horses an Last of the Summer Wine. He liked to sit in the garden having a "tab" and watching the birds especially the cheeky robin who would pop in from time to time.
He loved his family and was very much loved by them. He will be loved and missed always and forever