Sean Kirk

Durango resident Sean Christopher Kirk died Wednesday, August 1, 2012, in a motor vehicle accident. He was 46.

Mr. Kirk was born to Loren and Alice Kirk on April 5, 1966 in Denver, Colorado. He was one of two children. The family moved to Silverton, Colorado, before settling in Durango, where he attended Durango High School. Sean married Durango resident Kathy Lynne Wegher on November 30, 1991. They were married for 21 years.

In May of 1988, Mr. Kirk enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he spent twenty years proudly serving his country.

Gunnery Sergeant Kirk was a highly decorated Marine with multiple deployments, serving as an Infantry Squad Leader, Platoon Guide, Platoon Sergeant, Ground training Officer, Platoon Commander, Company Gunnery Sergeant, and as Detachment Commander for the American Embassy in Seoul, South Korea. He participated in support of Operation Desert Storm, Operation Fiery Vigil, Operation Support Democracy, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Dynamic Response, Operation Southern Watch, and Maritime Interdiction Operations with the Seoul and combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. His awards included the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat “V”, Combat Action Medal (Iraq), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Marine Security Guard Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (11), Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Kosovo Campaign Medal. He served two tours in Iraq and was awarded the Purple Heart in 2005 for wounds received in action in Ramadi, Iraq.

In 2008, Gunnery Sergeant Kirk received his degree in International Relations from American Military University, attending college while active duty. At the time of his death he was enrolled in a Master’s Program.

Known as “Gunny” he was respected by his Marines and made many lifelong friends over the years. His home was always open and he spent many a night counseling a Marine, offering support, or issuing orders. His own unique vocabulary was a source of entertainment to his Marines and to his wife.

Gunnery Sergeant Kirk retired from the Marine Corps in May, 2008. He and his wife returned to Durango and he worked most recently for the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad as a Brakeman. He had an adventurous spirit, loved life, all animals, and family. His smile would light up a room and his off the wall comments were legendary. He was giving and affectionate with everyone he met. He would become animated when talking about his beloved Marine Corps and when he spoke in Marine Corps terms it was a source of great amusement to his family.

Gunnery Sergeant Kirk (Ret), is survived by his wife Kathy. He is also survived by a sister, Theresa Sutton, of Artesia, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins on his mother’s side of the family. He was especially close to his father-in-law, Jack Wegher, as well as brother- and sister-in-laws, Michael and Kristy Rodri, Keyvan and Karen Nichols, Bobby and Joyce Wegher and David Wegher. “Uncle” Sean was a favorite with his numerous nieces and nephews, and much loved by his extended Wegher family.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 11, 2012, at St. Columba Catholic Church in Durango. Visitation will be at Hood Mortuary, Friday August 10 from 6-8 pm. Burial will take place at Greenmount Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Sean's name to the Injured Marine Sempi Fi Fund at semperfifund.org, or by mail to Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd, Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057.