Samuel Reed Kirk

1942 - 2021

May 14, 1942 - February. 3, 2021 Samuel Reed Kirk was born to Catherine McBurney Kirk and Samuel I. Kirk on May 14, 1942 in Sierra Madre, California. Sam attended Sierra Madre Elementary School, John Marshall Jr. High School, and graduated from Pasadena High School in 1960. He went on to attend the University of Redlands, where he graduated in 1964. In addition to his academic success, Sam won numerous awards in Pole Vaulting. In 1961, he earned the SCIAC League record at 13' 5"; in 1963 he was the University of Redlands school record holder at 15" 1-1/4". In 1964, at the Fresno Relays, Sam took first place in the College Division pole vaulting at 16' 3", the best in the world at that time. He went on to try out for the 1966 Olympics pole vaulting team at 17' 1", another world record. What he started as seventh grade fun, he took to greater heights becoming an athletic world record holder as a young adult. In 1984, Sam was inducted into the University of Redlands Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of his pole vaulting achievements. Sam wore many hats: playing the drums in college; teaching high school for over 30 years; coaching pole vaulters; and being a Christian role model; but his most important and favorite hat was being a dad. Sam passed away and pole vaulted over the pearly gates into heaven and claimed his gold medal from his Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 3, 2021 at Redlands Community Hospital with his loving wife, Jane, by his side. They were married for over 45 years and long-time residents of Yucaipa. Jane held his hand and loved him for the rest of his life; he loved her enough for the rest of hers. Sam is preceded in death by his eldest son, Eric Shane Kirk. He is survived by his son Matthew Reed Kirk and his wife Sarah; his son Samuel Wade Kirk; and granddaughters Emma and Hannah Kirk. He is also survived by his two sisters, Carolyn, and her husband Bob Winter, and Marilyn Meyers; as well as his nephews Byron Meyers, and his wife Tiffany, and Gregg Winter and his wife, Elise. Services will be held at Grace Point Fellowship (formerly First Baptist Church of Yucaipa) 34784 Yucaipa Blvd., Yucaipa, CA 92399 909-790-1971 Services to be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 11:00 am. Luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to Grace Point Fellowship missionaries.