Kirk was born in Fullerton, CA, to Bob and Linda Howe on June 15, 1977. His parents say he was the exact son they had hoped for. His early years were highlighted by the lasting friendships formed in Irvine with friends from Stonewall to Kingsford. Kirk’s deep appreciation for the outdoors began during many happy summers spent at Shaver Lake. Some of his best childhood memories were of riding the scadittle, waterskiing, juggling in talent shows, and winning horseshoe tournaments with his brother Andy and sister Katie and the Shaver Lake family.
Kirk attended University High School in Irvine, where he was a standout athlete in football, baseball, and soccer and was voted Most Athletic during his senior year. Kirk cherished the many close friends he made in high school and the special bonds they shared into adulthood.
After graduating from high school in 1995, Kirk earned his bachelor’s degree in Construction Management with a minor in Horticulture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 2002. Kirk carried his incredible work ethic and passion for detail into his chosen career field. He loved the entire home building process and being involved in every stage, from breaking ground to the finishing touches. He cared for the community landscaping in his neighborhood and put his homebuilding expertise to charitable use through Habitat for Humanity, traveling to Thailand to rebuild homes for tsunami victims.
Kirk’s great faith was a cornerstone of his life and a constant source of peace and fulfillment. He was a dedicated member of the men’s ministry at Mariners Church in Irvine and enjoyed volunteering as a greeter on Sundays. Kirk also valued the time he spent in nature on Mariners Men’s Retreats with his dad, brother, and Bill West.
Kirk and his wife Jenny were married at the chapel at Mariners Church on August 1, 2009. Before they were a couple, Jenny and Kirk were individually active in the Mariners community. They treasured the mutual deepening of their faith as their relationship grew into a great bond of love and respect. The chapel was an especially meaningful place for Jenny and Kirk, as they signed the cement floor as it was being built and were also baptized there together.
Kirk and Jenny’s daughter, Jillian Katherine, was born on May 7, 2011. Jillian was the light of Kirk’s life and one of his proudest accomplishments. Nobody could make Jillian smile like her daddy. Kirk loved to be with Jillian outside, describing all the lovely flowers and trees around them. A special Daddy-and-Jillian memory was viewing the decorated Christmas trees and lights at Rogers Gardens in Corona del Mar. He bought Jillian a set of baby golf clubs and a soccer ball, dreaming that his daughter would be a scholar athlete someday like her mom.
While Kirk had many passions in life, none inspired his enthusiasm like Bruin football and basketball. John Wooden was a role model to Kirk. Saturdays in the fall were devoted to the Rose Bowl with his dad and Jenny. He also loved being outside at any time of year, admiring the beauty around him. Walking with Kirk meant learning about manzanitas, magnolia trees, bougainvillea, or Ceanothus — just a few of his favorites. He appreciated life’s simple pleasures, like watching the waves crash at the beach, going on a hike or camping with his buddies, buying Jenny flowers, and savoring a glass of Silver Oak with Jason and Marty. Most of all, he valued celebrating everything good in life and spending time with the people he loved most: his daughter, wife, family, and close friends.
Kirk is survived by his loving wife, Jenny, and their daughter, Jillian; devoted parents Bob and Linda; caring brother Andy and his wife Whitney; sister Katie and husband Victor Nodtvedt; and grandmother Barbara Andrew. Kirk joined grandfather William Andrew and cousin William Parker Andrew in heaven.
Miss you every day.
Paula Berry, sister-in-law