Kirk J Collier

Kirk J Collier was born on April 10, 1954, at the Eaton Maternity Home in Shelley, Idaho to Bill (William) & Gayle (Johns) Collier.

He joined his parents and beloved sister Betty (Oakman) on December 18, 2023, after a brief illness. Kirk spent his last months at the Central Utah Veteran’s home in Payson Utah, where he was visited by friends and family.

Kirk graduated from Shelley High School in 1972 and quickly joined the Army reserves. Mom cried when he returned from basic training with a buzz cut. Saying they had cut off all of Kirk’s “pretty curls.” He completed his 40-year military career in the Air Force Reserves as a Master Sargent with an Honorable Discharge. He was activated during Operation Desert Shield/Storm from 1990 to 1991. Kirk received the following medals/ribbons: AF Training, National Defense Service, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service, Air Force Longevity Service, Army Reserve Component Achievement and Sharpshooter qualification.

Kirk spent over 30 years with the Idaho Transportation Department, before retiring to travel the United States on his bike (motorcycle). He supplemented his travels by driving Truck during Spud Harvest.

Kirk enjoyed snowmobiling, skiing, parachuting, reading, history and traveling. He hated the cold, so he spent his winters in the Philippines with his friend Allen Peterson. He continued his travels while in the Philippines, often commenting on the beauty of the Asian Countries. During Kirk’s travels he met many people who quickly became life-long friends.

Kirk leaves behind sisters, Billie, Denna and Mary, brothers-in-law Dave Stoddard, Tony Oakman and Stephen Halverson, five nephews, one niece, five great nieces, and one great nephew.

A celebration of his life is being held on December 30th at 11:00 am at the Nalder Funeral Home 110 West Oak, Shelley Idaho 83274. He will be buried with military honors at the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery in Shelley, Idaho.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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