Name: Viewing for Preston Fairbanks Kirk
Start: 2022-10-03T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2022-10-03T02:00:00.000Z
Location: North Canyon Stake Center

Preston Fairbanks Kirk

1958 - 2022

- My amazing life journey began in Salt Lake City, Utah on January 4, 1958, when I was born to two extraordinary and loving parents, Donald Angus Kirk and Kathryn Fairbanks Kirk. I found joy in being around others and learning life's lessons for over 64 years until my wonderful and rewarding adventures ended peacefully on September 27, 2022.

My parents and nine siblings provided me with an unusually loving family life centered around the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many of my life's philosophies were forged on the anvil of work at our home in Salt Lake City where my parents created a rich learning environment and taught by example. I learned the importance of integrity, that hard work is a blessing, and about the law of the harvest. As one of the oldest children, I learned essential lessons in life by spending time with and being mentored by my brothers and sisters, who were smarter and more talented in a wide variety of subjects. Their accomplishments and musical gifts elevated my spirits and continually brought joy through all things admirable and lovely.

As a young man I was called to serve a mission in Guayaquil, Ecuador where I learned to do hard things and to trust in the Lord. A few of my companions became life-long friends. Following my mission, I graduated from the University of Utah. I met my best friend Lori Ann Dixon at a singles dance in 1986 and asked her to marry me - the smartest and luckiest thing that I ever did.

Together with my eternal companion, we raised our four children, Alexa, Annie, Austin, and Tanner. My greatest comfort and joy was spending time with my family, whether it was sharing meals at the dinner table at home or making memories while traveling the world together. I loved witnessing and celebrating my children's successes and seeing the blessings of the Gospel in the lives of my family.

For over 37 years, I found much fulfillment in financing and helping to build capital projects for Utah communities as an investment banker. My exceptional work family and partners made work enjoyable and fun and became some of my most cherished friends. I'm honored to have worked with many

remarkable and dedicated public officials and clients who lifted me to greater heights.

I have been privileged to have served in a number of callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a home teacher, Scoutmaster, Elders Quorum president, and ward clerk. Phenomenal ward members surrounded me as both a youth and adult. They provided a healthy environment to learn, grow and serve others, for which I'm eternally grateful.

I wish to give a special thanks to Dr. Scott Samuelson at Utah Cancer and Dr. Doug Sborov at Huntsman Cancer Institute, as well as to all the other skillful doctors, nurses, and hospital staff for their magnificent care and expertise throughout my 10-year battle with Multiple Myeloma.

While my days were shorter than average, the quality and experiences afforded during this time were truly extraordinary. I was refined by the wonderful friends and family that buoyed me up and provided optimism to overcome the challenges that were mine. I'm now off looking for new adventures, rekindling valued relationships, and seeking new ways to serve people. Onward and upward!

_____

Preston is survived by his wife, Lori, and his four children: Alexa, Annie (Sam) Curtis, Austin, and Tanner.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald Angus Kirk and Kathryn Fairbanks Kirk.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, October 3, 2022, at 12:00pm at the North Canyon Stake Center located at 965 E Oakwood Drive, Bountiful Utah. Viewings will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2022, from 6-8pm and on Monday, October 3, 2022, from 10-11:30am at the same location. Interment will take

place at the Memorial Lakeview Cemetery in Bountiful, Utah. For online condolences please visit www.larkinmortuary.com

Virtual funeral service is available at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81915266098 a free zoom account is required to attend.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News from Sep. 29 to Oct. 1, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Preston Kirk

Sponsored by Larkin Mortuary - Salt Lake City.

15 Entries

Justin Peterson

September 23, 2024

Brothers always!

Rob Smith

September 23, 2023

The world needs more men like my friend Preston....I guess Heaven does too! I think of you, Lori and your dear family often. Thanks for blessing my life. Until we see each other again my friend! - Rob

Linda Anderson

October 4, 2022

Thinking of Preston makes me smile. Interacting with Preston was a pleasure. Working with Preston was wonderful. Words like gracious, positive, professional, genuine, kind, unassuming, come easily to mind when I think of him - qualities that he reflected naturally. I'm grateful for such a positive association with a really wonderful person and have no doubt that his very real goodness has left lasting impact on many. My sympathies to his loved ones.

Kevin Cowan

October 3, 2022

It has been my pleasure to do business with my friend Preston for 25 years. His professional expertise, kind manner, and genuine concern for giving us his best as clients earned our trust, respect and loyalty. My wife, Sue, and I will remember him fondly as a gracious gentlemen and thoughtful business associate, but especially as a kindred spirit and friend. We were truly blessed by our times together with Preston and Lori. We love you and wish peaceful comfort to your wonderful family as you depart well prepared to serve in your new adventures.

Carl Mathis

October 3, 2022

I had the pleasure of working on many deals with Preston in the public finance industry over the last 25+ years. He was always well-prepared and a true professional to work with. You always knew that things would be done accurately and timely when he was on the deal. He is a man of integrity and character and will be sorely missed by us all.

Paul Howarth

October 3, 2022

PS: Preston, we sat together at Nick Smith's funeral in January 2019. And you were in the midst of your Multiply Myeloma treatment and probably did not mention it. Little did I know that I would be diagnosed with Multiply Myeloma at the end of 2019.

How I wish now that we would have stayed in touch during 2020-2022. I know you would have been a great Mentor!

Jeff Senten

October 1, 2022

I was saddened to hear your passing - Preston.
Back in 1957, Dr. D. Kirk, Preston´s father helped a new immigrant from Holland, who was very pregnant and big. Dr. Kirk continued to check up on lady, but really... Dr. Kirk could only hear a one heartbeat. See, in those days there were no ultrasounds to know how many fetuses were in the womb. When that day arrive, boy was Dr. Kirk surprised to see and delivered not just 1st baby, but there was another baby also. Dr. Kirk delivered me, Jeff, then my brother Mark.
When Irving Jr. High had closed, many of us went to various Junior High Schools in other areas. I ended up at Clayton Jr. then continued to Highland High. I believe that is where I met Preston Kirk. Preston and I had a few classes together. I told my mother that I had met Preston Kirk. My mother was so excited and wanted me to find out if Preston was the son of the Great Dr. Kirk. Come to find out - yes he is.
Preston has always nice and respectful to me and many others. We share a few activities at Highland. I mainly worked with Spencer Kirk in the orchestra at Highland. But I have always had fond memories of both Preston and Spencer.
Preston, you will greatly missed. You have set an example of true friendship and for that - you are a giant. Say hello to your father and thank him for helping a young immigrant mother from another country. God Bless Preston, see you at that Great Reunion in Heaven my friend.
Respectfully, C. Jeff Senten
Son of Immigrants from Holland
Moroni 8:3

Paul Howarth

October 1, 2022

Preston, you will be missed! You and I both served in Ecuador with you headed to Guayaquil and me headed to Quito when the boundaries were split. And we both ended up in Public Finance together. Whenever we made contact over the years, you were always so generous with your time and genuine in your love and friendship. My deepest condolences to your wife and other family as this time of such sorrow and loss.

Judy Maack

October 1, 2022

Dear Lori, Alexa, Annie, Austin and Tanner:
Our family is deeply saddened to learn of Preston's passing. He was one of the kindest and dearest of friends, especially to Kevin. Upon their return from Ecuador, Preston spent some of his precious time helping to lay sod in our backyard and that was greatly appreciated. When he married into the Dixon Family we were so happy as he and Lori were perfect for each other. Preston's own words express what a great man, son, brother, husband and father he was. He lived an exemplary life and we are all honored to have known him. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
Judy Maack & Family

Richard Warner

September 30, 2022

May memories of Preston's love and example echo in the quiet chambers of your hearts. Warners

Linda & Duane Smith

September 30, 2022

I met Preston when he and my brother Kevin returned home from their missions in Ecuador. I always thought that Preston was a sweet and kind person. Preston's wife Lori's older sister Bonnie was one of my best friends in Jr. High and High School so I was happily surprised when I learned Preston had married Lori. Lori was also a sweet and kind person. They had beautiful children that I last saw a couple of years ago. I was shocked at how they had all grown up (I guess that is what happens as time flies by). My husband and I send heartfelt condolences to Lori and their children. Preston is a unique soul who will continue on this new mission to do great things.

Brian T Jorgensen

September 30, 2022

Rich memories from serving in the Guayaquil Mission office with Preston. God bless and comfort his family.

Judy Maack

September 30, 2022

Dear Lori, Alexa, Annie, Austin & Taylor:
I am saddened by the loss of one of the most remarkable human beings in this world. While I had known Preston's Dad in a professional environment, I personally met Preston when he and my Son, Kevin Tolton, were called on their Missions to Ecuador in 1977. Upon their return, my recollection is in 1979, Preston was a regular visitor in our home. One summer he helped lay sod in our backyard, always willing to give a helping hand to a needed project. Our family truly loved him. As time went on, he married Lori, a lovely young woman, whose family was also close to ours. Years passed, young families were created and we all got busy, but occasionally our paths would cross again. I am afraid to say that the last time I actually talked to Preston was in Dr. Samuelson's office. Preston said to me "I hope you are not here for the same reason I am," but of course I was. Preston and my Son have stayed in touch over the years, however busy with their own lives and families. We have also stayed in touch with the Dixon Family. Lori was so fortunate to meet Preston and he with her. They have endured much, but reading Preston's words reveals what a joyous and rewarding life he lead. His life was filled with love, integrity, respect and compassion.
Sincerely,
Judy Maack & Family

Cory Evans

September 29, 2022

All the best to Lori, Austin, Alexa, Sam, Annie and Tanner. We´re so sorry for your loss. We´d be there to mourn with you if not for being out of the country.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Cory & Markae Evans