Marion Kirk Lakenes

Marion Kirk Lakenes Jr., “Kirky” to those who knew him, was born to Marion Kirk Lakenes Sr. and Vivian Zamrzla on July 12, 1973, in Quilcene, Washington. After a life of serving the community he loved, Kirky left us too soon on October 22, 2025, at the age of 52.

Raised on the shores of Dabob Bay, he played hard and worked in the family oyster company. He also played hard in high school football, never missing a practice or a game. He was one of the hardest hitters Quilcene football has ever seen. After graduating in 1992 from Quilcene High School, Kirky became a foreman for Hood Canal Seafood, harvesting oysters and joined the Quilcene Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. He also coached little league football, leading the Quilcene Falcons to their first victory in 7 years.

Once he set foot in the tow truck for South County Towing, he found his ultimate calling of service to the community. From EMT to tow truck driver, Kirky's career path revealed his big heart for others. For over 30 years, he was a favorite among EMS, sheriff, state patrol, and towing companies throughout the Olympic Peninsula. Most recently, he was known for driving the yellow tow truck for Northwest Towing. He remained ready day or night, sun or snow, to come to the rescue. Kirky was a friend to all and a hero to many.

Kirky is survived by his siblings Kimberly Ajax (husband Mark), Tamara Lakenes, Jeremy Lakenes (wife Sarah), and Lathanya Lakenes, as well as his nieces and nephews Derek Ajax, Jucynda and Jobe Hathaway (children Mia and Ava), Shyann and Ruthann Patterson (Lakenes), Oliver, Penny, and Brooklyn Lakenes. He was preceded in death by his father, Marion Kirk Lakenes Sr., and his mother, Vivian Zamrzla.

A celebration of Kirky's life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Quilcene High School. A special procession of tow trucks, police and fire department vehicles honoring Kirky's legacy of service will depart from Chimacum High School at 12:30 PM and proceed to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to South Jefferson Little League (P.O. Box 704, Quilcene, WA 98376 or SJLL.org) or East Jefferson Little League (P.O. Box 403, Port Hadlock, WA 98339 or EJLittleLeague.com).