Paul Kirk, Jr.

1931 - 2013

Paul Kirk, Jr. obituary, 1931-2013, Virginia Beach, VA

Paul Kirk, Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 18, 2013.

Paul W. Kirk, Jr., Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Biology, Old Dominion University was born in Jacksonville, Florida on February 23, 1931, the second son to Paul and Rowena Kirk. His childhood was heavily influenced by frequent moves required of his father, who worked for the Seaboard Railroad, resulting in numerous changes in schools throughout his primary and secondary education. This engrained a talent for fact-based reorientation and an appreciation for consistency that came to define his personality. Though often a new student in unfamiliar surroundings, he nevertheless was elected as the Lieutenant Governor for the Virginia Hi Y Model General Assembly prior to graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth. Thereafter, Paul attended the Norfolk Division of William and Mary (the predecessor to Old Dominion University) and the University of Richmond, but withdrew due to a battle with mental illness that required prolonged hospitalization. He emerged from this time with analytical control that he would never relinquish. He enlisted in the United States Army, where his talent for science was fostered through service as a medical bacteriologist. After a tour in Europe and an honorable discharge, he returned to the University of Richmond, where he earned Bachelor and Master of Science degrees, and met Evelyn Irene Beard. Evelyn and Paul married in 1958 and remained inseparable thereafter. Paul gained admission to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Duke University where he completed his doctoral thesis and was awarded a PhD in Botany. After brief appointments at Western Carolina University, Virginia Tech, and North Carolina Wesleyan, he was recruited to the faculty of Old Dominion University, where he rose to the rank of Full Professor with Tenure, and served as the Associate Dean for the College of Sciences and Health Professions and Graduate Program Director of Biology. During his time at ODU, he conducted seminal work in hydrocarbon utilization by marine fungi that informed the current understanding of marine ecosystems and biological remediation of oil spills. He edited the first comprehensive study on the Great Dismal Swamp, and became renowned as a passionate lecturer to the undergraduate and graduate students in botany and medical microbiology. He also served as a resource for area physicians, identifying for them ingested mushrooms and providing advice as to their toxicity. Paul died on November 16, 2013, and is survived by his wife, Evelyn, his children, Allan and Susan, his daughter-in-law Robin and son-in-law Peter, and his grandchildren Eric, Shannon, Charlotte, and Caroline. Paul's defining trait was his ability to recognize the consistency of the natural world and help others to do the same. The reliability of biology gave him comfort and fostered a resilient optimism- the type that allows one to give an oak tree sapling as an anniversary present, then watch it grow to dominate the back yard. He found beauty, irony and humor in details that most would dismiss, and used these as subjects for poetry, a lifelong hobby. He was remarkable in his ability to reduce complex concepts to their fundamental principles, and in doing so, enrich all who knew him with a better appreciation of life in general. Students and collaborators gained foundational insights into the adaptive capacity and vital importance of marine fungi, and through this a greater understanding of the global ecology. His children learned not only that grass is green because of chlorophyll, and stars twinkle due to atmospheric convection, but that all the world has order and direction, and by knowing this, they could never be lost. Most importantly, all who knew Paul, and his unwavering devotion to Evelyn, were given the comfort of knowing that love can be as real, consistent and reliable as any element on the periodic table. In that truth, they received the comfort of understanding that the world is a more ordered place than it sometimes appears, and is infinitely worth exploring. A service honoring the life of Paul W. Kirk, Jr. will take place 2pm on Sunday, November 24, 2013 at the Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church, 2020 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia. A reception will follow in the parish hall. The family requests that memorial donations be made in Paul's name to the Old Dominion University Educational Foundation for the Biological Sciences.

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November 25, 2013

Dear Mrs. Kirk and Family,
My name is Walter Priest. I was one of Paul's graduate students at ODU in the early '70's. He was a seminal influence in my life, guiding me through my graduate studies and continuing to inspire and coach me until I finished my Masters. He was by far and away the best teacher I ever had. I have now retired from a forty year career as a marine biologist. That career began with Paul in 1972. I have had many occasions over the years to reflect on the lessons he taught me, and they have all stood the test of time, handsomely. I would not be the person I am today without Paul's influence in my life. I have done my best to pass on the life lessons Paul taught me to the next generation of scientists I have worked with so that his legacy will live on in their lives and careers. I am very proud to have known Paul and extremely grateful to have had him as a mentor in my life. You have my deepest sympathies for your loss, but I wanted you to know that his life was well lived and that he had a profound influence on not only my life but all the lives of his students and colleagues.
All the best,
Walter Priest

November 22, 2013

John Holsinger

I was very sorry to lern of the death of Paul Kirk. As mny of you know, I first met Paul when he was an assistant Professor at Virginia Tech at the time I ws on rhe faculty at East Tennessee State Univeristy. We spent some time togeher with Harry Steves and others on my visits to Blacksburg, VA. A short time later I joined the Bological Science Dept. at Old Diminion University. Paul took another teaching job at a small college in North Carolina nd we stayed in contact. When a position openned at ODU,I notified Pauland he was interested. He got in contact with Dr. Harold Marshall and then visited with us and gave a seminar. He made a good impression and was immediAtely employed. Paul and I maintained a long friedship. However, several years go when he retired we lost contact and I hadn't seen him for seveal years. But oten wondered how he was doing after retirement. Then just several days go I learned of his death and was very sorry to hear this sad news. We will always miss Paul and his sense of humor.
Onece again, I am very sorry to learn of his death and offer my condolence to his family.

In remberance,

John R. Holsinger
Professor Emeritus

November 21, 2013

Brian Matney

Suzy and Pete,
Please know the Matney family is keeping you and your family in all our thoughts and prayers.

November 21, 2013

Stephen Eason

I read with sadness Dr. Kirk's obit in yesterday's paper, and can only say that as an educator and mentor, Dr. Kirk was a 1st class act. As a person, he was a kind, wise, and honorable man. As a father, he was proud of his two wonderful children. As a husdand, he stood the test of time. I'm honored to have known him.
May God bless his eternal soul.

November 21, 2013

Angela Simpson

I am so sorry to hear of his passing. You will be in my prayers!

November 20, 2013

Lynn Downey Aydlett and Family

So sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

November 20, 2013

Nikki Rupp

Dear Kirk family,
It is so hard to believe that we have lost such a wonderful friend and neighbor. Your tribute to him shows the depth of your love and admiration for a very special man. His accomplishments showed what a fine character and high principles he held, and passed on to his children. He always had a friendly, warm greeting, and showed that he was interested and cared about the lives of his friends and neighbors. I remember clearly the first day I met him. He welcomed us to the neighborhood, and introduced himself, saying “Kirk, like the captain on Star Trek”. We could not ask for better neighbors. Our hearts go out to you for your loss. He will be missed.

November 20, 2013

Jeanine, Jason, and Kyle LaLonde

Dear Mrs. Kirk and family,
We were so saddened to hear of your loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. The neighborhood just won't be the same without Mr. Kirk. He was always so upbeat and enthusiastic. He always put a smile on our faces each day as we waited for the children's school bus, when he gave Kyle extra Halloween treats, when we would cross paths as he walked his five miles each day... He was a special man, and he touched the lives of many. You have our sincere condolences.

November 20, 2013

Serena Callahan

Suzy, what a wonderful tribute to your father. What an amazing life he led. My sympathy goes out to you and all of your family.

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Memorial Events
for Paul Kirk,

Nov

24

Service

2:00 p.m.

Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church

2020 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, VA

Funeral services provided by:

Smith & Williams Funeral Home/Kempsville

4889 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

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