Kirk H. Titus IV

Kirk's Story:
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Kirk Titus, 74, of Wolfeboro on May 13, 2025. Kirk died at his beloved home in the loving arms of his wife Pat (Patty) and his daughters, Jessica and Sarah.
Kirk was born on October 13, 1950 in Wolfeboro to Kirk (Bud) and Barbara Titus. He attended Carpenter School and Brewster Academy, graduating in 1969. He lived his whole life in Wolfeboro and frequently would tell his children and grandchildren how lucky he was to have grown up in such a beautiful place. With a deep love for local history, Kirk was a true Wolfeboro historian, possessing a wealth of knowledge about the town's past. He liked to reminisce about the simpler times, playing baseball, swimming at Brewster Beach, hanging out with his friends on the town bridge and caddying at Kingswood golf course.
Following graduation Kirk attended the UNH Thompson School majoring in forest technology. He began his career in forestry in 1971 working for Main Line Tree Service, later assuming ownership of the business in 1976. Four years later he sold Main Line to Bartlett Tree Experts where he was employed for the next forty years as the local arborist, branch manager and sales representative. Kirk loved his job and many of his loyal customers who remained lifelong friends. He was a fair man who took pride in his work and earned the trust of all who knew him. People knew that they could count on him. He mentored countless employees, many of whom became sales representatives themselves. Kirk's influence was reflected in their loyalty and years of service with Bartlett.
Kirk loved trees. His passion for them was a lifelong calling and an extension of who he was. He knew the history of almost every town tree in Wolfeboro and many across New Hampshire. As Wolfeboro's tree warden for the past sixteen years, he dedicated himself to the care and preservation of the town trees. One of the highlights of this job was the annual Arbor Day celebration, particularly those years when he planted a tree with the Crescent Lake School fifth graders.
Kirk loved music. His passion for it was a defining part of his life, whether listening to it or playing his guitar. As a young man, he was deeply involved in the folk music scene, and over time, his musical tastes expanded to embrace a wide range of genres. In recent years, he immersed himself in Americana and country music. A devoted admirer of Bob Dylan, Kirk could easily be described as a Dylanologist-an expert in Dylan's work, lyrics, and legacy. Alongside Patty, he attended countless Dylan concerts, as well as performances by other beloved artists. His journey as a musician began in his teenage years when he taught himself to play both the guitar and harmonica. He and his neighbor, Jon Whiting, shared their musical discoveries and formed the folk trio, the Back Bay Singers. In 1968 they entered the Rotary Club talent show and won first place.
Kirk loved to travel. In the early days of family life camping trips in Acadia and the White Mountains were the most affordable vacations. One of his greatest adventures was a six-week cross country camping trip in 1973, driving a VW bus with Pat, the 2 kids and her 16-year-old brother Dick. They drove 11,000 miles across thirty states with $600 in cash and no credit cards. Thanks to Kirk's ingenuity, problem solving skills and infinite patience the trip was a success. Years later he and Pat traveled extensively in Europe, the Caribbean and the United States including multiple trips with the entire family to the national parks in the West and annual family vacations on Martha's Vineyard. In 2018 they changed direction and purchased a cottage on Triggs Island on Lake Wentworth to better accommodate their daughter Emily's needs. There was a learning curve to living on an Island which Kirk met head on with humility and perseverance.
Kirk also loved to cook. What started as a necessity soon became a passion. Over the years he cooked hundreds of meals for family and friends, always with joy and taking pleasure in sharing meals with others.
While Kirk had many interests and talents, his love for and dedication to his family remained his deepest commitment. He and Patty began their lives together in 1970, spending the next fifty-five years nurturing their daughters Jessica, Sarah and Emily and their grandchildren, caring for Emily at home until her passing in 2022 and creating a home full of love and compassion. When he was twenty-five with the help and guidance of friends, Kirk built a log cabin in the woods where they have lived for the last fifty years. What began as a simple, rustic structure grew into a home with warmth and soul, welcoming all who entered. The transformation both inside and outside was amazing, a testament to Kirk's vision, commitment, and hard work. Throughout this time, he and Patty remained a team working side by side both as parents and caretakers of their home. Nowhere was it more apparent than in their care of Emily. When Kirk was not at work he gave selflessly, participating in her care every day in the early morning and evening hours. Kirk loved being a girl Dad. He was perfect for the role with his unconditional love, his calm demeanor and ability to just be present with them. Throughout their lives he led by example and inspired them to be their best selves in their relationships, in school, in their careers and in their roles as parents. It would be an understatement to say that Kirk was adored by his daughters and grandchildren. He was their best friend and hero. We would like to think he is somewhere up in a tree, strong and whole, listening to music while smiling down on us.
Kirk is survived by his wife Pat (Patty) and daughters Jessica Titus and Sarah Titus-Smith, son-in-law Karl Smith, sister Barbara Shaw (Russ), brother-in-law Dick Mullen, sister-in-law Teresa Mahoney-Mullen and grandchildren Samuel, Grace, and Jack Smith; Brynn and Emmy Van Dorn. He is predeceased by his parents, Barbara and Bud Titus, his beloved daughter Emily in 2022 and son-in-law Henry Mellynchuk in 2024.
To honor Kirk's memory, consider planting a tree as a lasting tribute. Even more meaningful is embracing his values- showing kindness and respect, fostering tolerance and acceptance, and advocating for equality.
A celebration of Kirk's life will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Pinckney Boathouse at Brewster Academy, beginning at 4:00 p.m. Tributes and the service will commence promptly at 5:00 p.m. followed by a reception.
Donations to Kirk's legacy can be made to the Society for Protection of NH Forests or Wentworth Watershed Association.
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