KELSEY JERARD KIRK

Spotted this today in Arches National Park, and thought of Mr. Kirk--the original large vehicle overlander.

Kelsey was my first band director and it was largely because of him and Bill Trimble that I have spent most of my life since then dedicated to music education. His friendly, supportive style in class, using music to teach life lessons; his trust and belief in his students; the weekly Monday morning gig at the flagpole in front of Redwood School; the strange times that the strains of Sousa's Thunderer march suddenly pops in my head; and trying to fit into a pair of Lederhosen for another...

A music mentor to so many! May you be blowing the horn in Heaven! Saratoga students will always be grateful to your gracious patience as a teacher. . .

I was thinking of Mr. Kirk (Kelsey) only a few days ago and am saddened by his passing. To the Kirk family Please know that you are in my heart.

Kelsey was my first music teacher and his gift to me, as with so many others would last a life time. I still play tuba for fun and my son plays professionally.

His lessons are in my bones.

Thanks Kelsey

This is my SECOND attempt at signing Mr. Kirk's Guest Book! I will always remember Mr. Kirk as a dedicated musician,and disciplinarian in the music classroom! Myself, together with:Bob & Steve Klimowski, Karl Fred Sonntag, Neil Casteel, John Carolan,Larry Jensen, Paul 'Milo' Milleson,Brian Raisch and others followed his directions ---> or ELSE! Often times I would act silly, and I received FIRM 'dialogue' with Kelsey! He gave me Baritone lessons(with the 'Belwin Band Builder' music books) at...

I will always remember Kelsey Kirk as a GREAT music teacher to me at Redwood Jr. High School. He had RULES you had to follow, and sometimes I was too silly to follow them ---> he let me know how to follow them! He loved my parents, especially my late father, a Philosophy professor at SJSU. He gave me Baritone lessons at my home on Mt.Eden Road. He was a TRUE teacher to : Karl Fred Sonntag, Bob & Steve Klimowski, Neil Casteel, John Carolan, Dan Kittleson, Brent Mc Ginnis,Paul 'Milo' Milleson...

I am so grateful for his inspiration and leadership. I especially loved summer band at Redwood. That's where the music really took hold of me. It's so nice to see the names of so many excellent musicians here, too. What a fine testament to a great man. Thank you, Mr. Kirk.

I remember sitting in class in 2nd grade hearing the band rehearse knowing that someday I would be part of that. Eventually I was, and to this day music is still a huge part of my life. My first honk on the French horn was encouraged by Mr. Kirk. I attended my first opera with Mr. Kirk. I played my first musical with Mr. Kirk. Mr. Kirk, you will live on in all of the people to whom you have given the gift of music.

I have tried to locate Mr. Kelsey Kirk for the last few years, unsuccessfully. I am saddened to hear of his passing and my missed opportunity. To his family, please accept my condolences and heartfelt love for a man who changed my life. I truly admired Mr. Kirk and will be forever grateful for the encouragement, support, and the opportunities he afforded me. He was a man who inspired hope and refused to accept anything less. God Bless and keep you, Kelsey Kirk.