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02/16/2008
KIRK DUNCAN MACDONALD — Kirk MacDonald, a longtime resident of Stowe, passed away unexpectedly in Venice, Fla., on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008. He was born in Springfield on July 20, 1942, to Howard and Winnie MacDonald. Kirk was an outstanding student athlete while attending Springfield High School. He was a member of the State Championship Basketball Team that competed in the New England Championship at Boston Garden. He moved to Stowe shortly after graduating from UVM in 1966. He was a member of the Delta Psi fraternity. Kirk owned and operated Decks Unlimited, building a multitude of beautiful decks throughout Stowe over many years. He was proud of his work and greatly enjoyed meeting new friends in the process. Kirk loved Vermont. He enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors and wildlife. In his most recent home on Brush Hill, he was delighted to have deer, moose, bear, turkeys and other creatures in his yard on a regular basis. Kirk had two passions: playing golf, and spending time with friends and family. On any given weekend, he could be found on one or more courses around the state, playing and laughing with friends he cherished. Nothing made him happier than a good day on the golf course. He also loved spending time at Caspian Lake with his second family, the Perrys, and his winter vacations in Venice, Fla. Kirk's friends were his life. He had so many, including Bill and Bob, and was dedicated to keeping in touch, reaching out and lending a hand whenever needed. He was never more than a few inches from a phone, in case someone needed him. He was always happy to help out. Kirk had a heart of gold and would, and did, do anything for his friends. He will be sorely missed. Survivors include an aunt, Kay Peck of Springfield, cousins Deb Magnus and husband John of South Burlington, Larry Peck and his wife Liz of Newport, N.H., and Barb Hildreth and husband Brian of Springfield; his second “family,“ Lee and Christine Perry of South Burlington, and their children and grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Contributions in his memory may be made to either The Vermont Lung Association or the Stowe Land Trust. - Burlington Free Press
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Edward Ankuda
Kirk lived just down over the hill from me and we would spend considerable time together as young kids (13-16 yrs old) skiing in my backyard and hanging out. He would tell me about his trips to ski resorts,his life experiences and such. We all knew,as kids, that Kirk was a special guy. Kirk and his dad built, what I would call a campsite, west of our home on Craigue Hill up that wooded mountain. It was truly remarkable and I can certainly understand the quality of his life's production. I encourage anyone to hike up there and visit this early testimony to Kirk's creativity. Rest assured that I will soon visit it. I can provide more precise directions, as needed. I last spoke with Kirk, say in August, 1960 after his auto accident when Dave Sprague and I visited him at his home. I am deeply saddened by his passing.Kathleen Yoxtheimer (Shelton)
The following is from Francis Mahoney (Class of 1957)Kirk and I were college fraternity brothers, and became close friends. (We also served together in the Army Reserve- summer camps) I lost track of Kirk for some 25 years, and reconnected when I began consulting for Tubbs Snowshoe Company in Stowe, VT. I commuted from S. NH, and roomed with Kirk and his girl friend during the week. Kirk operated a small construction company, specializing in decks, and improvements. Kirk was very popular, and an avid golfer.
He wintered in FL, and while there, he had severe chest pain one night, and elected to drive himself to the ER. He must have passed out and crashed his car into a tree. Medics had no knowledge of the chest pain, and by the time they discovered that he suffered an aneurysm , it was too late.
There was a memorial service in Stowe, which drew a very large gathering of friends.
Fran