Ken Kirk

Ken recognized talent and so he built a staff at AMSA/NACWA and fostered leadership across the national membership. He touched and influenced thousands of lives. He enriched us and taught us how to use our voices. The impact of his life was beyond measure.

Many fond memories. Going to the movies, playing golf. The outstanding Christmas parties are most memorable. Miss being able to talk to him.

Seeing the movie Wargames.

Seeing him off to school st LaGuardia Airport when I was about 5 years old.

A funny guy. A person I thought looked like a movie star. He just had that look. A gracious host he and Aurora who allow our members to enjoy a wonderful outing at their home in Santa Fe. You will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to the family. May the peace and love of God be with you. Amen.

My uncle was a big part of my life growing up. He´s was always around and always made me laugh. Our birthdays are 3 days apart so when I would call him to say happy birthday at the end of our conversation I´d say to him "talk to you in 3 more days." He was also my Godfather and as I lost my mom 4 years ago, his sister, I will miss him dearly. The hole in my heart just got a little bit bigger. Aurora and David there are no words, I love you both.

When Ken and I met, I was working for the House committee with jurisdiction over the Clean Water Act and Ken was the Executive Director of NACWA providing me with the experienced and intelligent advice I needed to shape legislation. Beyond water resources issues, we soon learned that we shared other interests -- a love for particular Colombian women. Aurora and Guiomar became friends from the day they met and the four of us enjoyed many good times together. I admired and appreciated Ken's knowledge of water issues and his advice on how to modify federal programs for the Nation's benefit. And I also admired his love for the arts. But he was family man who dedicated his life to to Aurora and David. We grieve with them and promise our support because we shall miss Ken too.

I met Ken shortly after I moved to Las Campanas in Santa Fe. He helped me immensely with my candidacy for the LC Water Board. We shared a lot of common interests. I admired his achievements and valued him greatly as a friend. He will be missed by the many who were fortunate enough to profit from his good natured guidance and generous support!

I met Ken at my first NACWA conference in Savannah Georgia around 1998 where we travelled to DC for the memorable SSO FACA meeting. He was kind and welcoming to me and welcomed me with open arms.

We quickly became good friends and we met Aurora and Lubna and I became family friend.

I remember when I became president of NACWA in 2016 at Ken´s last NACWA meeting where everyone got sick from a virus. As a President, I had an award to award to Ken. The room was empty and Ken worked peak in then run back fast to the bathroom. He did that few times until I figured out what was going on. It made us laugh.

He was a smart, kind and loving friend who cared and put others ahead of himself.

We will miss him but his legacy will live forever.

Ken was one of the most energetic champions of everything water. He was also a cherished friend and admired by all. I was honored to work with him in partnership on many initiatives. He is no doubt forming coalitions in Heaven! I will miss his warm smile. My deepest sympathies go out to Aurora, the love of his life, and David, the son he was so proud of.

Dawn Champney

My first memory is meeting Ken and Aurora in China during a trip of WEF delegates he was leading with Mohamed Dahab. I loved Ken´s chile. He made it often for friends. I will never forget how he introduced me to so many leaders in the water industry. We could talk water and Santa Fe art for hours. I will miss him always. Blanca.