David Shirk

David (Dave) Shirk

Des Moines

David (Dave) R. Shirk, 61, passed away on the morning of Friday, February 17, 2012. Dave is survived by his wife, Chris Shirk; his parents, Don and Lorraine Shirk of Des Moines; son, Staff Sgt. Steven Shirk of Patrick Air Force Base (USAF); daughter, Catherine Shirk Reid (Kyle) of Orlando; sister, Julia Shirk (John Rupp) of Tulsa, OK; and grandson, Oliver Reid. He was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey, who passed away in 1980.

Dave was raised in Des Moines, IA and graduated from Roosevelt High School. He earned a BS degree in architecture from Iowa State University with a minor in structural engineering. He was employed for 30 years by Economy Forms Corporation as regional manager, overseeing the Southern US and Caribbean, and eventually transferring to Orlando.

Dave had a strong passion for music and built his first electric guitar at the age of 13. He played in a band called The Quarry from 1966 to 1971 and was inducted into the Iowa Rock 'n Roll Music Association Hall of Fame in 2007, along with Ritchie Valens. The band traveled the central United States, playing at colleges and concert halls. Besides headlining their own concerts, they opened for famous bands such as the Association, the Doors, and Neil Diamond, to name a few. They played several of the Byrds' songs due to Dave's mastery of the twelve string electric guitar, which was extremely rare and which brought much admiration from not only fans, but also from other bands. His hobbies included vintage guitars and classic sports cars. He followed Iowa and Iowa State football and often called his dad and friends to discuss the games.

Dave was an integral part of the Hunter's Creek community after moving to the Falcon Pointe neighborhood in 1994. He was elected to the Hunter's Creek Community Association Board of Directors in October 2000 and was elected President in November 2003, an office he held at the time of his death. Dave was recognized by his community in December 2010 when he was chosen as Outstanding Volunteer Community Leader of the Year; a lake near his home was named in his honor to commemorate this event. As a strong advocate for the community of Hunter's Creek he acted as a liaison between Hunter's Creek and Orange County government. He was later honored by Mayor Teresa Jacobs in 2008 as District First Citizen of the Year.

Dave left us all too soon but leaves those who loved and knew him with great memories and a wonderful legacy. David, your sense of humor, laughter and wisdom will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held February 25, 2012 at Westminster United Presbyterian Church, Beaver and Franklin, at 2 p.m. Visitation will take place prior to the service at 1 p.m. as well as a reception directly following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the Diabetes Association.