Robert Quirk

May 16, 1946 - December 20, 2015
On December 20, 2015, Robert (Bob) C. Quirk was called to heaven while out on one of his cherished treks in the hills surrounding his home. He was born in San Antonio, Texas, on May 16, 1946 and spent the majority of his adult life in San Antonio serving his family, the community and the insurance industry.

Robert was inspired by the outdoors. His lifelong passion for nature included backpacking through the Rocky Mountains, hiking Hadrian's Wall in England, and long treks with his beloved wife, Karen. His most recent and notable accomplishment was his completion of the Thames Path National Trail, a 180 mile walk to the source of the River Thames in England.

Other interests included attending the opera, reading, cooking, sailing, yoga and entertaining family, friends and business associates. He was known to many as the ultimate foodie and wine connoisseur and joyfully shared this passion with all who were willing to be tutored in the culinary arts.

Robert graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1967 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with honors and was inducted to the Beta Gamma Sigma academic honor society. As a proud Texas Ex, he bled burnt orange and could often be found attending a game or watching Texas football, basketball, or baseball on TV. He always gave the "Hook 'em" sign to others in the room or would break out into song with the "Eyes of Texas"- always a non-apologetic Longhorn fan. Robert's love of sports included both the San Antonio Spurs, and all things Longhorn.

In 1969, he became a licensed CPA and joined Haskins & Sells as a senior accounting assistant in Dallas, Texas. In 1974, he obtained his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas School of Law. That same year he was admitted to the State Bar of Texas.

Since 1961, Robert Quirk worked with Quirk & Company in both full and part time roles becoming the manager in 1974 after his graduation from law school. To expand the markets for Quirk & Company, he visited and contracted with Lloyd's of London Underwriters. This contract has successfully remained in place for over 40 years.

As a respected leader in the wholesale insurance industry, he served as an advisor regarding insurance matters to the State of Texas during legislative sessions. With his visionary leadership, the first state legislation paving the way for The Surplus Lines Stamping Office of Texas became law.


He was the past president and chairman of the board of directors of the Texas Surplus Lines Association (TSLA). He served on the executive committee of the American Association of Managing General Agents (AAMGA), was a member of the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices (NAPSLO) Legislative Committee, and served, in an advisory role, as vice president and secretary of National Unity Insurance Company from 1984 to 1991. As chairman of Quirk Group, Inc., he managed Quirk & Company, Mission Claims Service and Dragonflyware. His leadership contributed to the growth and prosperity of each subsidiary.

As an active community member, Robert served on charitable boards including: president and director of the Clarity Child Guidance Center of San Antonio, past president and director of American Friends of English National Opera, Inc., past director of San Antonio Opera, Inc. and past director of the San Antonio Symphony.

Robert's deepest and most cherished love was for his family. He is survived by his wife, Karen; his children, Colleen Quirk and husband,Tim Derk; Cathleen Lane and husband, Dale Lane; Christopher Quirk and wife, Stephanie Quirk; Reuben (Daniel) Perez and Robert K. Quirk; his grandchildren, Griffin Derk, Mairin Derk, Taylor Lane, Abaigeal Lane, Caden Lane and Ryland Quirk; his mother, Rosemary C. Quirk; brother, Thomas E. Quirk; nieces, Molly Burns Quirk, Nancy Shellhorse; and nephew, Justin Jones. Robert Quirk was preceded in death by his father, Frank J. Quirk, Sr., and siblings Mary Burns Quirk Jones and Frank J. Quirk, Jr.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, January 10, 2016, at 2:30 PM at Crossbridge Community Church, located at 25700 Overlook Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78260.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer charitable donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Doctors Without Borders, two of Robert's favorite charities.

Acknowledgements for charitable donations can be mailed to Karen Quirk & Family, c/o Quirk & Company, P O Box 792030, San Antonio, Texas, 78279-2030.

Hook 'em!