Timothy Mark Dirks

Dirks

Timothy Mark Dirks (Age 74)

In the late hours of November 13, 2023, Timothy Mark Dirks of New Smyrna Beach, FL, passed away peacefully, flanked by family, knowing he was loved.

Born in Spokane, Washington to Harley Dirks and Lavonne Davis, Tim grew up in Othello working at his parents' shoe and liquor store, Tim's Shoe Horn. After his father received a loan from the Veterans Administration, he moved with his parents and five younger brothers and sisters to a prefab Quonset hut on a remote farm in Mesa. They lived a humble, full life, enjoying "old-time flapjacks" and his mother's homemade maple syrup when they could, and building out the farm in between dust storms. Reflecting on this time in his final days, Tim was grateful to his mother for keeping their family well-fed, giving them the love they needed, and staying positive despite challenging times. According to Tim, she expected that they would be happy and successful, no matter what they faced. And they were.

Tim worked his way through both college and graduate school, obtaining a Bachelor's and Masters degree from George Washington University. He met Kerry Delaney, the love of his life, while they were both working as Congressional elevator operators in Washington, DC, striking up conversation while waiting for riders. After they married in 1980 and welcomed their first child in 1985, they bought a home in Annapolis, Maryland. It is impossible to quantify the amount of happiness and comfort he brought to Kerry, his son Conor and daughter Margot during those years in Annapolis. Tim was an incredible father and a loving husband who showed up for all of us. He was patient and open-minded, protective instead of judgmental, and diplomatic to boot. He always knew exactly when and how to nudge us in the right direction.

Over an impressive career that started in a U.S. Senate mail room, Tim helped usher in the Civil Service Reform Act at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management from 1979 to 1991 and capped his federal career as a Deputy Assistant Secretary, Director of Human Resources Management at the Department of Energy, retiring from government service in 2002. At Energy, Tim was a force; he received the prestigious Gold Medal Award from the Secretary of Energy in both 1996 and 2002, and the Presidential Meritorious Rank Award in 1996 and 2001, for his pioneering work and executive leadership.

Tim was an introspective charmer, a serious person who got a kick out of mischief. Those who knew him described him as a good man, reflective of the genuine connections he was able to forge with friends and acquaintances alike. We all learned and benefited from Tim's patience and deep well of kindness. He was interested in everything, an intellectual powerhouse, structured and organized in his thoughts even in the later stages of his nine-year scrap with a brutal cancer. More than just interest, Tim cared deeply about the planet, and dedicated much of his time to learning about environmental issues.

After his cancer diagnosis in July 2014, Tim fought ferociously for time. He brought all of his diligence and focus to bear, exhausting every path available to him. Despite long odds, he beat back his illness and won years of happiness with Kerry. They spent their time wisely, traveling abroad and at home, carving out a good life full of new friends in Florida. Those years, spent fishing in Mosquito Lagoon, hiking in the mountains of North Carolina, exploring Portugal, and watching their kids start families of their own, were priceless. At an early Thanksgiving dinner on November 9, 2023, he told his wife and kids that he was grateful, and not afraid. We loved him so much.

Tim will be remembered and missed dearly by his family. His mother Lavonne, who was so special to him. His stepmom Ruth Sanchez-Way, who he stayed close with after his father's passing. His brothers Jimmy, David and Dale, and his sisters Darcy Kimmel and Marcine Stone, whom he loved and respected. He leaves behind dozens of nieces and nephews, who he built strong and varied relationships with over the years. His wife Kerry, who was his best friend and source of strength during their shared fight. His daughter Margot, who he was so proud of, and his grandson Malcolm, who made him laugh and knew him as "Pa." His son Conor and daughter-in-law Sara, who are expecting Tim's granddaughter any day now. We know you wanted to meet her, and promise she will know what kind of man you were.

Tim's character was apparent as he recorded his life story over the last few weeks. In his final recording, he expressed gratitude that his battle with cancer had shown him the importance of empathy and love, the "alpha and omega of human existence" in his words. That spirit, generosity and wisdom, which flowed freely from him, will live on through his memory, his children and grandchildren.

- Prepared by Kerry, Conor, and Margot.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life in the near future. If you are interested in attending, please reach out to Tim's son Conor at conordirks@gmail.com for details. Memorial contributions may be made to the Environmental Defense Fund or the Riverside Conservancy, at riversideconservancy.org.