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Updating and correcting Cliff's In Memory info per communication from his identical twin brother Chris Kirk:
- Date Deceased: July-10-2018
- Age at Death: 66
- Cause of Death: Murdered in a robbery home invasion at his Caribbean compound
- Classmate City: Ambergris Caye, Island off the Coast of Belize
- Classmate Country: Belize
- Was a Veteran: Yes Army
- Survived By: R. Christopher Kirk, identical twin, also from the Class of 1970
/kalm 08.05.2021
Per article and obituary in the San Pedro Sun newspaper July 10, 2018:
After five days of fighting for his life, 66-year-old island resident Cliff Kirk passed away at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. He had been undergoing treatment for a gunshot to the head. Kirk was surrounded by family members, including his beloved wife Linda.
Kirk was shot during a home invasion on July 5th, after four masked robbers assaulted his property situated off the coast of north-west Ambergris Caye. The assailants stole several items from the house before making good their escape in jet skis. After days of police investigation, on Monday, July 9th, Christian Espat (22), Nigel Williams (25) and a 16-year-old minor were formally charged with the charges of Aggravated Burglary, Attempted Murder, Dangerous Harm and use of deadly means of harm.
Kirk had initially been transported to Belize City from where he was airlifted to the US on Friday, July 6th for further medical treatments that were unavailable in Belize. He was listed in a stable but very critical condition, but after days of first class treatment, he succumbed to his injury.
The Belize Police Department has yet to update the charges on Espat, Williams and the minor.
The San Pedro community is saddened by this tragic incident, as the Kirks were beloved members of the island town and contributed a lot to the island since their arrival. The Kirks are retirees of the American Armed Forces and had been visiting Belize since the 1980’s. The fell in love with Ambergris Caye, acquired a property north of the island and named it ‘Casa Brisas.’ Cliff had a quirky sense of humor, and his gregarious personally drew him to many who were lucky to cross paths with him. He always had a kind word to share and his easy smile will be sorely missed.
The San Pedro Sun extends sincerest condolences to Mr. Cliff Kirk’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.
https://www.sanpedrosun.com/crime-and-violence/2018/07/10/cliff-kirk-retired-lt-colonel-succumbs-gunshot-injuries/
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Walter ("Skip") F. Daniel Jr
Cliff was the twin brother of Chis Kirk, who also went to Myers Park High School. As I undertood it, Cliff was an Officer in the Navy, and, upon retirement, he bought (and lived on) his own island somewhere. His brother Chris (Richard Christopher Kirk) used to be a realtor here in Charlotte, but he may have moved elsewhere.
Catherine Elizabeth "Cathy" Taylor (Metz)
Cliff Kirk and I dated our junior year at Myers Park. We went to the Prom together. I saw him a few times when he was at Davidson. The last time I talked with him was when I was working at Intimate Bookshop at South Park. He was on his way to the Navy; I was on my way to graduate school at Chapel Hill. He was the epitome of an officer and a gentleman. I am happy that he had such a wonderful life. He was kind, brilliant, and funny. My heart breaks for his wife, his brother, and his family that he was taken away so tragically.