Robert L. Kirk, 80, died peacefully at his home in Lititz on Tuesday, February 7, 2006.

He was a beloved husband and devoted father.  Surviving are his wife of forty years, Eileen D. Kirk; his five daughters, Anna L., wife of Thomas Casetta of Philadelphia; Patricia Gibason of Lititz; Deborah Gibason of Greeley, CO; Diane Gibason of Denver, CO; and Kathleen Buckley, partner of Pat Baldridge and mother of his grandson, Tyler Buckley Baldridge, all of Windsor, CO.

He was born in 1925 to Dr. Elisha T. and Alice Steer Kirk in Media, Pennsylvania.  He attended and graduated from Westtown School and Haverford University, and received a Masters Degree from Temple University.

As a young adult he volunteered one year on an Apache reservation, and was active in the early civil rights movement. Bob taught sixth grade at George Ross Elementary school in Lancaster for 23 years.  He was very active in St. Thomas Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, chairing the Bishop's Commission on Racism.

Bob was an avid golfer and long-time member of Olde Hickory Golf Club.  He enjoyed the outdoors, particularly hiking and birding, and taking long walks with his devoted dalmatian, Sheba.

A memorial service will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 301 Saint Thomas Road, Lancaster on Saturday, February 18 ^th , 2006 at 10:00am.  In lieu of flowers contributions in Robert's memory may be made to Hospice of Lancaster County, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.