Donald Robert Kirk

Donald Robert Kirk, 80, of Winona, MN., formally of Palo Cedro, CA., died Friday, Dec. 25, 2015. He was born in Canon City, CO on April 19, 1935 to Robert and Dorothy Kirk. When Donald was 14 his family moved to Redding CA where he lived for 50 years. There he met Janice, the love of his life for 59 years. Donald was a gifted teacher in natural sciences at Shasta Community College, Redding. He shared his love of the natural world with over 20,000 students during 40 years of teaching. When he wasn't teaching, he enjoyed fly fishing, nature photography, 4-wheel driving, storytelling, model railroading, and listening to music--especially classical piano, opera, and Johnny Cash. Donald was the author of Wild Edible Plants of Western North America(Naturegraph) which has been a best seller since 1970, sold over 100,000 copies, and is still in print. He was also co-author with wife Janice of Cherish the Earth, the Environment and Scripture (Herald Press). He could name almost everything west of the 100th meridian including plants, animals, geologic features, and had a deep knowledge of Western history. Donald was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Winona and was a student of the Bible. Donald is survived by his wife, Janice; son, Ned (Caroline) Kirk; daughter, Amy (Rigo) Guevara of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren, Julia and Jonathan Kirk, Matthew and Elizabeth Guevara; and cousin, Shirley Faver of Portales, NM.He is preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 2, 2016, at Faith Lutheran Church in Winona, MN., with Reverend Mark Dumke officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred are Holden Village, HC 0 Box 2 Chelan, WA 98816-9769 or Save the Redwoods League, 111 Sutter Street, 11th floor San Francisco, CA 94104. Hoff Celebration of Life Center-Goodview, MN. is assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign the guest book and leave a memory at www.hofffuneral.com.
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