Douglas Kell Kirk

  Douglas Kell Kirk, age 69 passed away in Renton, Washington on January 11th, 2026. He was born on March 1, 1956 in Glendive, Montana to Charles Kirk and Judy Kirk (Chouinard) and grew up on the family place outside of Glendive, Montana, graduating from Dawson County High School in 1974.

  While attending the University of Montana, Doug worked summers for the Burlington Northern Railroad as a Gandy Dancer repairing tracks and ties. He graduated in 1978 and received one of their first Computer Engineering degrees. Almost immediately he was hired as a  Software Engineer at Boeing Aircraft in Renton, Washington, working there for nearly 40 years until retiring.  An early member of the Society of Vintage Racing Enthusiasts (SOVREN) he was very active in West Coast vintage racing circles, campaigning his prized possession, his MK 5 Ford GT40.  Later, he organized and raised funds for the SOVREN charity supporting Seattle Children’s Hospital. 

  Doug is survived by his son, Mark Kirk (Lindsey), brothers Terry Kirk (Rita), and Bill Kirk (Patricia), his sister, Hallee Gentry (Jim), his step sisters Laurie Grimsrud (Jay), Karen Boysun, and Julie Ruff, step brother Curt Rice (Lisa) and step father Steve Rice; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Kirk and Judy Chouinard Kirk Rice. 

  The family expresses deep gratitude to those who cared for Doug including friends Deborah Haley and Michael Pallson, the staff at Sun Vista Care where Doug resided, the Kaiser Hospice Care System, his classmates, friends, and especially the Vintage Racing Community in the Pacific Northwest. Doug will be remembered for his dry humor, his deep love for racing and dedication to charity. He will be greatly missed. 

  Internment will be at Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive, Montana.  Per Doug’s wishes, no formal service will be held. There will be a celebration of life at a later date in Glendive, Montana.

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