Robert W. Kirk

Robert Warren Kirk , age 88, of Savage Farm Rd, Ithaca, died Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at his home. He was born May 20, 1922 in Stamford CT to Frank and Edna Kirk. In his youth, he developed a lifelong love for hunting, fishing and outdoorsmanship and achieved Eagle Scout with bronze, silver, and gold palms. He served in the US Army and the US Air Force. He attended the University of Connecticut at Storrs to study agriculture, planning to be a dairy farmer, earning his BA with distinction in 1943.

His vision of animal medicine expanded as he came to the Cornell Vet School, graduating in 1946. He made major contributions to the veterinary profession and earned numerous awards. His most important contribution was belonging to a cohort of veterinarians who brought veterinary medicine from “farm doctoring” to the profession it is today with its significant contributions to community and human health. One of his great professional interests was strengthening the connection between veterinary research and practice. http://veterinarylegacy.blogspot.com/2011/01/by-donald-f.html

He was married to Helen Grandish Kirk who predeceased him. He is survived by three daughters, Kathryn Kirk, Barbara Kirk, Jan (Mike) Hamilton, two granddaughters, Megan Hamilton, Andrea (Travis) Faber and two great-grand children, Adalia Faber and Odin Faber. The family is very proud to have been associated with the veterinary profession through Bob and lucky to have him as a dad.

Services will be held on Sunday, January 23, at 2 pm at the First Congregational Church, 309 Highland Rd, Ithaca. There will be a public reception at Kendal at Ithaca on Monday, January 24th at 10 am.

Memorials may be sent to the Robert W Kirk Practitioner-in-Residence Program, Office of Alumni Affairs and Development, Box 39, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853. http://www.vet.cornell.edu/hospital/PractitionerResidency.htm

Perkins Funeral Home assisted the family. www.perkinsfuneralhome.com