Stephen Quirk

Longtime Alaska resident Stephen J. Quirk, died Aug. 3, 2009, at Providence Alaska Medical Center. He was 56. A public visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Evergreen Memorial Chapel, 737 E St., Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m Monday at Holy Family Cathedral, 811 W. 6th Ave., with the Rev. Francis Le, OP, presiding. Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m. Steve was born on Aug. 20, 1952, in Valdosta, Ga., to parents John and Angela Quirk. Steve was a well-known musician and played lead guitar in various rock, blues and country bands throughout Alaska as "Screamin' Steve." He also played acoustic guitar at local parishes and with his wife, Karen, joined Holy Family Cathedral in Anchorage. His family wrote: "Stephen grew up with a guitar in his hands, which became his passion, although his day jobs included working for Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage School District, Southcentral Foundation and Cook Inlet Tribal Council. Most recently he was a case worker in substance abuse and mental health. He was a graduate of the University of Dallas. "Steve started his days by reciting all four sets of Mysteries of the Holy Rosary, attending AA, biking, reading and watching the history and military channels. He was a good cook and true to his word took with him the secret to the spices he used for baked salmon." He was preceded in death by niece, Tricia "Tootie" Wilson. Steve is survived by his parents, John and Angela of Anchorage; his wife, Karen Quirk, of Anchorage; daughters, Martha Tansy and husband Roy Jr. and Theresa Quirk, both of Chugiak; his ex-wife, LeeAnn Quirk of Eagle River; brothers and sisters, Jack Quirk of California, Mike Quirk and wife Monique of Texas, Sandy Magnuson of Louisiana, Lisa Wilson and husband Vernon of King Cove, Kate Thurmond and husband Ed of Galena, Tim Quirk and wife Carolyn of Unalaska and Andy Quirk and wife Kathy of Arizona; granddaughter, Elli Tansy, and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.