Thursday, August 10, 2023
/public-file/2323/Ultra/cf1e0d60-2ae0-4635-a5fe-fcd57589147b.jpg
In the ebb and flow of life, there are few constants. One of those, for me, was Kirk Rothenberger. A man whose dedication, commitment, and unwavering loyalty made him an embodiment of perseverance. For over 25 remarkable years, I was blessed to know him, not just as an employee, but as a close confidant, a dear friend, and a member of my extended work family.
Every morning, like clockwork, our days would start with his familiar greeting. “Good Morning,” he’d say, adding a touch of his unique humor with, “Feeling most ‘Kirkous’ today?" Those moments, as simple as they were, encapsulate the spirit of Kirk – always finding ways to add a touch of brightness, a hint of joy to the day.
Kirk had this incredible quality of making an indelible impression from the very first meeting.
His commitment to his work, his friends, and more importantly, to the ideals he believed in, was unparalleled. And in all those years, not once did he waver in his determination or falter in his steps.
Today, as I reflect on the years gone by, it's not the silence in his absence that weighs heavily, but the countless memories we've created, the laughter we shared, and the challenges we overcame together. While the pain of his passing is profound, the legacy he leaves behind is even more impactful.
To Kirk’s family, I extend my deepest condolences. May you find strength in the love and memories you shared with him. Know that his spirit touched many, and his memory will forever be etched in our hearts.
In life, we are but a sum of our experiences and the people we share them with. Kirk added immeasurably to my journey, and I will forever be grateful for the time we had together.
Rest in peace, dear Kirk. You will always be missed but never forgotten.
Always,
Matthew Francis.