Kirk Andrew Smith

     Kirk Andrew Smith was born in Glenwood Springs, Colorado on June 2, 1965.  A Forest Service family, the Smiths lived in numerous towns in Colorado and Wyoming prior to moving to Carson City, Nevada in 1976.  Kirk graduated form Carson High School in 1983, was a Zone Wrestling Champion and captain of the wrestling team. He then attended the University of Nevada, Reno until he became a member of the Mormon Lake Hotshots in 1985.

     For 17 years. Kirk did not miss a fire call for Mormon Lake, and after several progressive positions on the crew, became the Superintendent in 1996. Under Kirk's leadership, the Mormon Lake Hotshots are a highly respected organization which the Fire Management Community can trust to put in the most critical positions on a fire. The crew members were of the highest priority to Kirk, and no major injuries or deaths occurred under Kirk's command, despite being dispatched to the most hazardous locations on the fire line. No Mormon Lake Hosthot ever pulled a fire shelter durning Kirk's tenure.

     Kirk was co-Owner in th Mormon Lake Ski Center for many years, working his Forest Service job full time while managing the Ski Center. The business and Kirk participated in community service, including sponsoring and managing the Winter Special Olympics.

     Kirk was an avid sports fan and participant. He was an expert skier, an excellent golfer and softball player, and shot a mean game of pool, among other sporting activities. Kirk personified the 'work hard, play hard' ethic. He dearly valued his friendships, and this tribute serves to trumpet how dearly his friends held him.

     Kirk was a loving father and husband to his young family, and worked hard to take care of them and shelter them. His loving family includes his wife Jessie, three daughters Kyla, 10, Kayla, 8, and Madison, 1; his father Hiram B. 'Doc' Smith and his mother Kathleen Smith, both of Flagstaff; his Grandfather Marvin Feis of Colorado Springs; his sister Kelli Smith-Wolsiffer of Phoenix; his brother Kenny Smith, of Austin Texas; three nieces, two uncles, two aunts, and a large extended family.

     Kirk lost an 18 month valiant and proud struggle with cancer on 9/11. He will be missed terribly. The September 11 mantra for the fallen FDNY firefighters resonates with Kirk's family and friends.

"We will remember". Every day.

If you would like to contribute to the Smith family please contact us.

Mormon Lake Hotshots
4373 S. Lake Mary Rd.
Flagstaff AZ, 86001
928.214.2458

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