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Claude Kirk Obituary
January 7, 1926 - September 28, 2011
Governor Claude Roy Kirk, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday morning, September 28, 2011 at his home in West Palm Beach, Florida. Governor Kirk was born January 7, 1926 in San Bernardino, California. He lived in Chicago, Illinois and then moved to Montgomery, Alabama where he attended Sidney Lanier High School and graduated at age 17. He served in the United States Marine Corps and rose to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Kirk served in both World War II and the Korean War. Following his service he attended the University of Alabama and also became a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He went on to graduate from the University of Alabama Law School. In 1956, he moved to Jacksonville, Florida where he co-founded American Heritage Life Insurance Company. Complementing his success in business, he decided to run for elected office. In 1968, Claude Kirk became Florida's 36th Governor and the first Republican governor of the state since Reconstruction.
During his term in office, he oversaw the drafting and successful enactment of Florida's modern State Constitution, signed legislation side-by-side with Roy Disney, Jr. to bring Walt Disney World to Florida, created a centralized law enforcement agency which is today known as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and in an unprecedented move by a chief executive, began to focus on the stewardship of Florida's natural resources. This passion followed him for the next forty years where he worked tirelessly with friends and acquaintances to protect the Everglades and maintain a clean water supply throughout Florida. Kirk served as a Republican but quickly came to be known as an independent thinker and pursued many diverse reforms throughout his term.
Following 1971, Kirk moved to Palm Beach, Florida and returned to various national and international business pursuits. He campaigned again several times for elected office, became a sought after public speaker and enjoyed his regular visits with the press.
Claude Kirk has often been referred to as "Claudius Maximus" and was known by many to have a larger than life personality. He was a colorful politician with a charismatic ability to tell stories and entertain an audience. He captured the attention of all, whether you agreed with his views or not. It could be said that Kirk made each and every person he met feel like they were his favorite. Gov. Kirk was known to appear often with his signature scuffed tan Stetson hat, which he never left home without.
Claude Kirk would claim his greatest blessings to be his large family. Gov. Kirk is survived by his German-born wife, Erika Mattfeld Kirk, and his 7 children, 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, which include: Sarah Patent (children: Sophie and Alexander), Katharine "Kitty" Crenshaw (married to United States Representative Ander Crenshaw (R-Jacksonville), children: Sarah and Brad Grace, and Alex Crenshaw), William Kirk (married to Tricia; children: Neillie and Tom Butler, Laura and Andrew Willoughby, and Hannon and Cameron Doody), Frank Kirk, Adriana Dolabella, Claudia Kirk Barto (children: Wen, Kirk and Marina Barto), and Erik Kirk (married to Kristen; children: Caroline, Teddy, Katherine "Kaki" and Annabelle).
Claude Kirk was a family man, friend, Espiscopalian, politician, businessman, and champion of Florida's natural resources.
Congressman Ander Crenshaw said of his later father-in-law: "Claude Kirk could be hysterically funny and fearlessly bold, and he championed the environment, education and diversity long before those issues were fashionable."
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, October 3, 2011 at Bethesda-By-The-Sea Episcopal Church, 141 South County Road, Palm Beach, Florida 33480, with The Rev. James R. Harlan, Rector, officiating. The family will receive friends during a reception immediately following the Service.
A graveside service with Military Honors will be held privately at the South Florida National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations made be made in the governor's memory to The Everglades Foundation, 18001 Old Cutler Road, Suite 625, Palmetto Bay, Florida 33157.
For general questions, please contact Gus Corbella at 850-222-6891, direct all media inquiries to Sarah Bascom at 850-294-6636 and other inquiries to Quattlebaum Funeral Home at 561-832-5171.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Claude Kirk
Dale Greene
June 23, 2025
He was an extraordinary man and changed the political landscape! He was the forerunner of Donald Trump and had that flamboyant way of getting things done! I met him when the VP of McDonald Douglas asked me to take him on a tour of our plant in Titusville Florida . He was responsible for getting the plant in Titusville. I really enjoyed the time with him. Found him to be down to earth and very smart!
T Lowell Dent
September 20, 2018
Claude was at one time or another, my friend, employer and business associate. He was an exemplary human being, businessman and in every conceivable way.
Sid Poe
October 17, 2011
October 17, 2011,
I first met The Governor during the mid 80s at the Holiday Inn Restaurant in Ft. Pierce where he liked to have lunch. I was with Southern Bell then, and we had a great time talking politics, etc. What a great guy and man's man! In the years, I worked with Claudia through her imvolvement in many organizations, and always enjoyed keeping up to date on his doings. A few years ago, while I worked at New England Tech/Lincoln College, he and Erika attended a reception at Cafe Protege. What an honor to spend time with him again. He was a fine man, that did good things for the citizens and state of Florida. I feel fortunate to have known him!
Sincerely,
Bill Eichhoefer
October 12, 2011
Claudia: I was deeply saddened to hear of your father's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
October 11, 2011
Our most heartfelt condolences to the family of Governor Kirk. With our thoughts and prayers,
David Shisoff and Family
October 7, 2011
Dear Mrs. Kirk,I was saddened to learn of governor Kirk's passing.I can say I will never forget him and his wonderful sense of humor and him driving that old Jeep Wagoner.You were both so kind to me.You took time to tell me about your family of which you were so proud of.Thank you for sharing all those moments and conversations.I will never forget it.I know you will miss him.Yours Truly, your "old pool man" Bill Anthony,Norman,Oklahoma,
Maredy Hanford
October 6, 2011
On behalf of the REPUBLICAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF VOLUSIA COUNTY please accept our feelings of sympathy and our condolences on the passing of Governor Claude Kirk. At our monthly meeting on Oct 1, 2011, Governor Kirk's biography and accomplishments were presented to the Committee. We want to express our admiration for this Florida gentleman, Marine, true patriot, and Statesman. Marines don't die, they just get reassigned. We are sure he is guarding a post in heaven.
Tina Billias
October 5, 2011
He was the last of the Statesmen. I cooked him a Thanksgiving Turkey once back in the eighties...my Mom was so absolutely Star stricken to see him in our front yard in Lake Worth! Rest in peace,Mr.Kirk.
Lou Perini III
October 5, 2011
Mrs. Kirk & Family,
On behalf of the late Lou Perini Jr and his surviving family members please accept our heartfelt sincere condolences on the passing of a true southern gentleman. My father and grandfather were grateful for the many years of friendship with Claude. As a young boy I traveled with my father many times to visit Claude at his Palm Beach Home. Later in life my father shared with me some of the mentoring Claude was so generous to give to my father.Claude was always highly spoken of in our household and considered a true friend by my father and grandfather, the late Lou Perini Sr.
Please know you are in the Perini family's prayers and may Claude rest in peace in heaven.
Sincerely
Lou Perini III
Deborah Walker
October 4, 2011
To Erika and the family my deepest sympathy! Hugs and prayers!
Behind every great man is a great woman. Claude would be the first to tell you that. I met him over the many years I worked at Thrift Inc.Charity Thrift Shop on Worth Ave. where Erika volunteered . Actually Claude did too because he was her chauffeur. He would drive her and pick her up ( a job he loved driving the one he loved) and when you saw him coming get ready to laugh. When I would see him coming up the sidewalk I used to love to put items they would donate in the window on Worth Ave. with a high price and say formerly worn by Governor Claude Kirk. He would see it and laugh. I loved his Alligator Alley stories like many did. I know the angels are gathered around him laughing with him now! I heard them as I sat in the circle in Sebring FL. Veterans Memorial and watched the sunrise over our flag at half staff in honor of a great man, a true southern gentleman that tipped his hat. R.I.P. Governor! your friend and fan Debbie Walker Sebring FL.
At the Veterans Memorial downtown Sebring FL. circle.R.I.P. Governor Kirk Thank you for your service to your country Semper Fi
Deborah Walker
October 4, 2011
Sebring FL Early morning flag at half staff in honor of Governor Claude Kirk.
Deborah Walker
October 4, 2011
Lois Wiley
October 4, 2011
To Sarah and all of the Kirk family ... Joe and I send our deepest sympathy to you. We have great memories of "The Governor" and the Kassuba days. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Paulette Lewis
October 3, 2011
Governor Kirk wasn't a Politician... he was a "statesman"!
...and he was my daddy's friend!
Phil Lewis will miss your lunch dates at "Barbie's" and so will the staff!
I loved the stories dad would tell...Alligator Alley...every story seemed too kool!
A real loss... for the rest of us, but he is at Peace.
Blessings, The Phil Lewis Families
Jud Spence
October 3, 2011
Please accept my sympathy for your loss. His passing affects everyone who knew him.
Governor Kirk inspired loyalty. I was one of his Security Agents and can say that all nine of us thought of him as a leader. He proved it many times.
Just the other day, I spoke with another former agent. We both acknowledged how Governor Kirk influenced our law enforcement careers.
About seven years after he left office, I spent a couple of hours with him. I was able to thank him for his loyalty to us.
October 3, 2011
OOur condolences to the Kirk family. I used to see him all the time at the Village Blvd. Publix, not knowing he was the former governor. He was a great man, full of insightful words. I saw him a few months ago with his wife, and he jokingly asked me why I wasn't working. We lost a good man. May God be with the Kirk family in this difficult time.
Richard Perez
October 2, 2011
Thanks for being my Governor when I was a boy.
Jean Kauth McGrath
October 2, 2011
I will always remember Claude's 1966 Governor's election as a memorable day for all of us who worked on his campaign. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Cren and Doris Crenshaw
October 1, 2011
We are to hear of the news of your father's passing.
Our memory of your dad is a happy one at your wedding.
Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike Pasko
October 1, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are for the entire Kirk family at this difficult time. Another of "the greatest generation" is lost to the ages. God bless.
~ The Pasko Family, Jacksonville & Amelia Island
October 1, 2011
With respects to the family, I assure you that this man was loved by many heads of state, kings and queens, emperors, presidents, as well as the common man, as we traveled together throughout the world...he will be remembered in my heart...
Adnan M Khashoggi
October 1, 2011
The heavens have paled at the loss of this great man....a new star now twinkles above...
Rest assured he is cradled warmly in the arms of his Creator...
He will be remembered with a tear and a smile...
The Shaheens
D E
September 30, 2011
May you feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
2 Cor 1:3,4
rosa murray
September 30, 2011
To the family of Mr kirk we are sorry for your lost.we know you will miss him. because we miss and love him also your publix family 319 village blvd wpb love rosa murray and publix family
Terry Rowe
September 30, 2011
Mrs. Kirk and Family,
On behalf of my Dad, Dr. Daniel H. Rowe, we would like to send our condolences to you all. My Dad has fond memories of the Governor during the time you lived at Ducksnest and the birth of Claudia. He kept an autographed picture from the Governor in his office until he retired. My Dad is now 92 years old and will be unable to attend any services, but does send his thoughts to you all.
Floyd Ganassi
September 30, 2011
The Ganassi family is saddened by the passing of this great American patriot who had common sense with a sterling personality. Our most sincere sympathy to his family.
September 30, 2011
To Gov. Kirk's Family,
You are in our prayers. I will always remember your father calling to check on his children during his travels, a good father who loved all of you deeply. I was priviliged to run into him periodically at Publix and get the latest updates. We at Cardinal Newman are praying for you during this diffuclt time.
Theresa Fretterd
Mac McLendon
September 30, 2011
I was a Trooper at his Inaugeral and will never forget after he met probably 25 of us at the mansion - he then came around the circle and called us by our first and last names ! He was one of a kind and really livened up the room. God Speed Gov. !
Stephanie
September 30, 2011
I am sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man. God is near to those who are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. -Psalms 34:18
Ralph Schenck
September 30, 2011
Governor, In the spirit of Eccumenism, I am having Holy Mass said in your honour for your eternal repose at St. Edward's Church on the Island, Your friend, Former Mayor Ralph Schenck
Kathy Bush
September 30, 2011
Claudia and Mrs. Kirk, my prayers are with you and your family. Governor Kirk was a wonderful man.
Rodney Highsmith
September 30, 2011
I met Governor Kirk for the first time at USF in 1970 or 71. He spoke to a group of student activists while sitting in a rocker outside the college center. One of the more radical types handed him a live rat snake, hoping to unsettle him, but the Governor just petted the snake, continued to speak to us, and casually handed the snake to his aide. I became a fan at that moment, and almost 40 years later it remains one of my fondest moments. His grace under pressure was legendary, and I was able to witness it firsthand.
Sylvia Williamson
September 30, 2011
Mr Kirk was a wonderful Governor and very nice when I met him and his baby,I almost got shot by his security.He had his security to take the picture and he got in the picture between Nelda Hicks and I.
Our thoughts and Prayers are with the Family and May God Bless You.
Lorraine Eddy
September 30, 2011
I am a Nurse at the VA and when ever he came to the 5th floor he always stopped in to see me. How he loved that old battered dirty State Troopers Hat!!! I saw him on Monday and he did not have the hat on so I asked him where was the hat. He told me that it was raining so he left it in the car so it wouldn't get wet. He always asked about my familly and had a joke for me. He had a wonderful sense of humor. The last thing he said to me was about my hair. He wanted to know what I had done to my hair because it looked better than the last time he saw me.
I did not live in FLorida when he was Govenor but I got to know the man. My life has been enriched by knowing him.
My deepest sympathy to his family. Rest in Peace Governor Kirk.
Karsten Vortanz
September 30, 2011
Hallo Tante Erika,
mein herzliches Beileid. Ich habe gestern mit Mama telefoniert und sie ist auch total traurig.
Alles gute für die schwere Zeit die jetzt kommt.
Liebe Grüße
Karsten
Annie Marie Delgado
September 29, 2011
Rest in Peace Great Man! You will be dearly missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kirk family. God Bless you all.
Beverly Palatiello
September 29, 2011
Claudia and Mrs. Kirk: My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I have fond memories of the Governor's kindness and humor.
September 29, 2011
Please allow me to extend my condolences for the recent loss of your dear love one, Mr Kirk. God promises at Psalms 147:3 to heal the broken-hearted ones and bind up their painful hearts. may these words be of comfort to you.
Joan Wilson, Florida.
September 29, 2011
Liebe Erika,
Unser herzliches Beileid fuer Deinen Verlust. Wir haben Dich und Deinen lieben Mann bei Margrit in Palm Beach kennengelernt, und ich werde nie vergessen, was fuer einen Sinn fuer Humor Ihr beide hattet.
Alles Gute fuer Dich, und moege Gott Dir beistehen.
Petra und Guenter Reich
September 29, 2011
as the first person I ever voted for God bess his family and may he rest in peace Sincerely Shirley Small Conway SC
Erika von Beren White Schaffer
September 29, 2011
Erika,
Please accept my sincere sympathy at the passing of Governor Claude. May all of your good memories of your life together serve you as comfort during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Erika von Beren White Schaffer (formerly from Bremen)
A State of Florida Employee
September 29, 2011
My prayers are with the Family of Gov. Kirk. May he rest in peace.
kurt becker
September 29, 2011
from kurt and lois becker ex chair of gop in nassau county,we loved claude andwere active in his campains.he will be missed.our condolences to all his family
September 29, 2011
May peace dwell with the family of Claude Kirk during this difficult time.
BILL ELLIS
September 29, 2011
"THE GOVERNOR", AS HE WAS CALLED BY THE EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS, AT PUBLIX VILLAGE BLVD WILL BE SORELY MISSED BY ALL. HE AND HIS WIFE, ERIKA, WOULD STOP BY MY APRONS STATION AND I WOULD GIVE THEM A SAMPLE OF THE LATEST RECEIPE,AND DISCUSS MANY SUBJECTS WITH THEM BOTH. THEY EVEN GAVE A GIFT FOR MY GRANDDAUGHTERS' BIRTH. I WILL MISS HIM AND HIS HUMOR,SMILE AND FAST WIT. I WAS BLESSED TO KNOW THIS FAMOUS AND HISTORIC MAN. R.I.P. GOVERNOR KIRK.
Jack Moss
September 29, 2011
Claude Kirk was one of a kind. I recall him campaigning in a restaurant, and after working the crowd at the tables and booths, he went into the kitchen to ask the cook and dishwasher for their votes.
Paul Mitchell
September 29, 2011
A great many men and women of Florida owe a lot to Governor Kirk - personally and professionally. Thank you, Governor, for your service, your wit and your wisdom. You leave a legacy of public service, a larger than life personality, and most of all, a wonderful family to carry your name and remind people of your legacy for many generations to come. Rest in peace, Governor, and thank you.
Bill & Shirley Stewart
September 29, 2011
Our sincere heartfelt sympathy not only to the Kirk family but all who knew and loved him. Governor Kirk served proudly and with love for family, friends, church family, neighbors and people of Florida. Thank you Governor Kirk for "A Job Well Done". Rest in peace.
September 29, 2011
My sympathies go out to all the family of Gov. Kirk. He was one tremendous man. His years of Governor changed Florida in a positive way forever. I was fortunate to spend three years as a member of his staff and traveled with him throughout Florida, the U.S. and Europe. I get a smile on my face every time I think of the many experiences I shared with him from visits to the White House, viewing the liftoffs of Apollo 8 and II to the moon, watching audiences hang on his every word during his hundreds of speeches and appearances, being with him on the streets during riots following MLK’s assassination, watching him interact with citizens in a trailer in town squares during “Meet the Governor Days” throughout Florida, and so many, many more. He was the most dynamic man I have ever met.
It was the quiet times we spent together on the plane heading home that we got to talk and I would get my brains beat out playing hearts that were also so memorable. Rest in peace my friend.
Warren Wankelman, Knoxville, TN
Susan Starr Coleman
September 29, 2011
I remember riding ponies at the Governor's Mansion at parties that included the Press Corp. Gov. Kirk always had a photo made with all of us kids, I still have several copies. I remember the softball game at the mansion when he broke his arm playing. He was a lot of fun. He also kept his campain promise to this girl scout to buy as many girl scout cookies as I could carry to his office (I could always carry 4 cases). He kept my dad, Ray Starr, of the capital press corp on his toes during his 4 years. I loved hearing the stories from those times over and over. Politics just aren't fun like they were back then. I am sorry for the loss to his family and friends. I can imagine what a big void such a big person leaves in the lives of those close to him. Thank you for sharing him with us, he certainly is a colorful part of Florida history and added a great deal to my childhood.
Butch Hale
September 29, 2011
Claude Kirk was a amazing man , he could debate with Kings or bs with the the Maid . He was a incredible friend and i already miss him . Bye Claude , All my love to his family.
Lynelle Chauncey Zelnar
September 29, 2011
On behalf of myself, and my entire family who have known the Governor and his family since the mid '70s (Adriana was one of my best friends during the 70's), Our deepest condolences. May God grant ALL of you peace at this time. It was an honor to know Governor Kirk....I have great memories, of when he would take us to Greens Pharmacy when we were kids! Wow, so long ago! Again, our condolences! He will be missed!
Beth Nobles-Waters
September 29, 2011
Sad to hear of Gov. Kirk's passing. I have many fond memories from his term as Governor. He had a direct impact on the course of my life, and for that I thank him. Just yesterday, my mother recalled the events of his inauguration and the years of his term in office. He was one of a kind, and left his mark in Florida forever. Prayers offered up for his family.
Tami W
September 29, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jan Rogers
September 29, 2011
Never a dull moment for all four years. As a person he was warm, funny and children instinctively liked him. So did I.
steven stancia
September 29, 2011
R.I.P.
Richard Downs
September 29, 2011
I remember when Gov.Kirk was campaigning against Jack Eckerd. I thought the Gov. was the greatest thing since sliced bread. God Speed Gov. Kirk.
David L.
September 29, 2011
My deepest sympathies to the Governor's family. He had a flamboyant style for certain but stood by his guns. I will always remember his style, since of humor and the time he headed off a possible explosive situation in Jacksonville by facing down a radical leader. Governor Kirk? None like him before or since: nor will there be again! God Bless!!
Henryk Zaleski
September 29, 2011
Now you can really rest in peace, God bless your soul.
Lon Parsons
September 29, 2011
Came to know Gov. Claude many years ago.. Terrific guy, always made you laugh. Worked on a couple of real estate deals with him many years ago,as young man he helped mentor conservatism and a wish to keep our beloved Florida great. I thought a lot of him. He wil be missed..God Bless Governor Claude.!
September 29, 2011
Somewhere out there in one of the papers from 1969 is a picture of me in my Boy Scout uniform shaking his hand at a bridge opening. He was very nice guy and asked a lot of questions about how I liked being a scout and told me to keep at it. Very nice guy!
emerson emery
September 29, 2011
Never knew you, except from your stepdaughter's kind memories. My thoughts to the family.
Ben woodson
September 29, 2011
My deepest sympathies go out to the family of Governor Kirk.
Kimberly Mitchell
September 28, 2011
Wonderful. Kind. Smart. Sassy. Comfortable in his own skin. These are the words that come to mind to describe this remarkable Floridian. He left his mark in so many places, touched so many lives. He raised amazing children and grandchildren -- they are truly his greatest legacy. God speed, Governor.
Robert Singer
September 28, 2011
I really enjoyed the former Governor. He let you know where he stood on the issues. Not afraid to speak his mind, which is what Republicans need in the 2012 election. Thoughts go out to the entire family. The state of Florida has lost a great spokesman.
Estus Whitfield
September 28, 2011
Governor Kirk was a long-time friend of mine. I always admired his courage and tenacity when facing tough issues. More importantly, he always made me smile. My deepest condolences to the Claude Kirk Family.
Wayne Arnold
September 28, 2011
A wonderful great man who loved Florida and really enjoyed being the first Republican Governor since re-struction. I had lunch with him a few years ago and I will always treasure our discussions about Florida.
Dave Pattison
September 28, 2011
Christmas before he became Gov. Of Florida, he was on his way to a party, Highway Patrolman was shot in Glades county, he told his driver take me to Clewiston Hospital, MY TROOPERS ARE MORE
INPORTANT THAN A PARTY. He was a great man. I was the ambulance driver.
Estus Whitfield
September 28, 2011
Governor Kirk was a long-time friend of mine. I always admired his courage and tenacity in facing tough issues. Most of all, he made me smile. My deepest condolences to the Claude Kirk family.
Robert L."Bob" Mitchell,Sr.
September 28, 2011
Governor Kirk was very firm in his belief;he always wanted a unicameral legislative chamber.Governor kirk will be missed,and my the peace of the Lord be with his wife and family.Much agape!
Babe Davidoff
September 28, 2011
Bobby & I were there when Claude Kirk became governor, we were there when he introduced the "mystery woman" who turned out to be Erica and we were there when he married Erica. Though we did not agree with him politically, we had the greatest respect for him and admired him. He was "one of a kind" and will be sorely missed by all his family and friends.
Babe Davidoff
Denise Joyce-Huchet
September 28, 2011
My condolences and prayers to the KIRK family. I met the Kirk's back in 1969 when I lived in Palm Beach. My only friend at that time was Adriana. We used to play every day at the mansion and her parents were the nicest, sweetest people, they treated me just like family. He was a great man and left an ever lastng impression in my mind and heart.
Namaste
Denise Jouce-Scheibner
September 28, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
September 28, 2011
Claudia and family - we were so sorry to hear of your loss. Your father taught you to be the person you are, so I can say without a doubt, he was a great man and a great inspiration. Our prayers are with you and your family . . . Kathy and Ken Healy (Wellington, FL)
Wayne Etheridge
September 28, 2011
I had the pleasure of meeting Gov. Kirk in Crestview, when I was 16.. he signed a paperplate for me while at a fund raiser. I now wish I still had it... Rest in Peace Gov. Kirk.
Kimberly Suarez-Baker
September 28, 2011
Claudia & Family,
So sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you are in my prayers.
Carol Campbell
September 28, 2011
RIP Claude!
September 28, 2011
Claude was a real inspiration to me while serving as Mayor of the City of Lake Worth, he would often encourage me to do more to improve Lake Worth. May he rest in peace, God Bless Claudia and the entire Kirk family.
Tom Ramiccio
Mayor City of Lake Worth 1997-2001
murray.sr fulton
September 28, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Carol Roberts
September 28, 2011
Claude was a fine man and a fine politician! He and I were friends for many years and always enjoyed good conversation abut the world. Florida did well during his years as Governor and they were difficult years. He will be missed!
Carol Roberts
Phillip White
September 28, 2011
I met Gov. Kirk around 1967 in downtown Pensacola. He had a trailer placed on the main intersection and was meeting the public. My father and I were allowed to go inside and meet the governor. A reporter from the Pensacola News Journal later wrote a story about our visit. I was only about 7 or 8 years old and he was the first major political figure I met. I remember him being very personable and I told him I wanted to be a baseball player when I grew up. Florida will never see another Governor like him. Rest in Peace.
Herbert Mckinney
September 28, 2011
Gov. Kirk was a good man, and a good governor. We talked about politics briefly, and other issues. He was always nice to me, and anyone who had the good fortune to meet him. His family has my deepest sympathy, and I wish them well.
Stacy Mather
September 28, 2011
I had the privledge of meeting Mr. Kirk a few years ago. He was a very nice man.My prayers go out to his family and friends. May he rest in peace
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