KIRK, Gary

GARY KIRK

APRIL 1933 – JULY 2020

Gary Kirk parlayed his father’s dream into a successful tire store enterprise, but it was the meaningful and lasting relationships he cultivated along the way that were truly a measure of his riches.

Those friendships allowed Gary to enjoy experiences beyond the wildest dreams of most, and far-removed from his humble beginnings. He passed away in hospital July 3 with family at his side, at the age of 87. Even as his health failed and his final days approached, Gary had no regrets and shed no tears. This was only fitting for the self-proclaimed “luckiest man in the world.”

Gary idolized his father, Bill, who founded Kirks Tires in 1936 and later welcomed him as a business partner. While entertainment royalty and professional sports team owners called him the best of friends, it was his loving wife of almost 60 years, Loreen, whom he considered the most important person in his life. If there was ever such a thing as the perfect wife, Gary was sure she fit the bill. Not only did they have three sons together, Loreen offered Gary the unbending support and freedom that allowed him so many adventures and resulted in so many friendships. Loreen passed away in 2012, and as his time ticked down Gary relished the prospect of their pending reunion.

Along with Loreen, Gary was predeceased by his parents and his sister Barbara Bosnak. He is survived by his sister Bonnie, his three sons, Richard, Kevin and Brad, and their extended families.

Born in Swift Current, Gary moved to Lethbridge with his father before he returned to Saskatchewan to attend Notre Dame School. Prior to joining Bill at the tire shop, his first jobs included baggage boy with Greyhound Bus Lines and newspaper delivery with the Lethbridge Herald. Other than Loreen, Gary’s greatest passion was the tire business. He saw the respect his father had earned in the industry and he in turn loved the relationships he was able to foster with his suppliers, his customers and his staff, many of whom he considered family.

Gary’s most public friendship dated back almost 60 years, when he met a teenaged Wayne Newton after a concert. Gary would see ‘Mr. Las Vegas’ perform hundreds of times as his guest over the years, but he was much more than a fan. He served as best man at Wayne’s wedding, and the entertainer not only performed two benefit concerts in Lethbridge on his friend’s behalf, he brought Gary and Loreen to dine with the President of the United States and flew the couple to important medical appointments in his private jet. The hard work Wayne put into every performance inspired Gary to be a better businessman, husband and father and treat every friend like his closest.

Gary’s involvement in sports also provided him with many lasting friendships. While he never considered himself a gifted athlete he would serve as a scout for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League, due in part to his relationship with Earl Ingarfield. Gary was also co-owner of the Lethbridge Broncos. His time as business manager for George Wesley’s White Sox senior baseball team in the late 1950s saw him bring north many U.S. college players. Among those was a young Steve Schott, who would go on to become an extremely successful businessman and one-time owner of the Oakland Athletics Major Baseball League franchise. Their relationship took deep roots and continued a lifetime, with Steve flying Gary and Loreen to numerous games to join him in watching his A’s in action, including an appearance in the World Series.

Gary’s many contributions to the community were also recognized over the years, and he was awarded a Key to the City of Lethbridge in 2010.

At Gary’s request, no public funeral service is planned. In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Humane Society, Gary’s heartfelt charity since the passing of Loreen and her puppy Pecos.