Kirk Vincent Burl

     Kirk Vincent Burl age 81, of Ashley, MI, passed away Friday, January 20, 2023, at his home after a long hard-fought battle with prostate cancer, surrounded by his loving family and cherished friends.  He lived his life to the fullest until his last day.

     Cremation has taken place and A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

     Kirk was born in St. Johns, Michigan on January 27, 1941, the son of Louis and Esther (Vincent) Burl.  He was a graduate of Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns, with the class of 1959.

     Kirk retired from Federal Mogul.  He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, during that time he participated in boxing and the rifle team.  Over the years, he played softball, enjoyed golfing and bowling, was in archery and cribbage leagues.  For decades one of Kirk's favorite activities was drinking coffee with his buddies at the Hitching Post.  He had an energy that would bring great levels of entertainment to all who met him.  He certainly had the gift of gab.

      Kirk was an outdoorsman, and loved fishing, hunting and trapping.  One of his favorite things to do was trapshooting and was in the Michigan Trapshooting Hall of Fame as well as on the All American Team, multiple years.  He was a member of the Oak Hill Gun Club where he helped coach the local youth Trapshooting Team.  Above all, his favorite time was spent enjoying his hobbies with his kids and grandkids. 

     He is survived by his spouse Robin Sample of Ashley, MI; son Michael Burl of La Canada, CA; son Mark and Victoria Burl of Fontana, CA; daughter Danielle Sample of Grand Rapids, MI; daughter Jaime Sample of Austin, TX; like a son to him Joel Bohil of DeWitt, MI; brother Mike and Cindy Rademacher of St. Johns, MI; brother Ron and Rhonda Burl of DeWitt, MI; brother Jeff and Judy Burl of Hancock, MI; grandchildren: Orion, Titan, Chiron, Elara, Zachary, and Madison; several nieces and nephews.  Kirk was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Burl and Esther Rademacher-Burl, his beloved uncle George Burl, step-brother Dick Rademacher, and niece Lily Burl.

      Memorials may be made to the Oak Hill Gun Club or a Hospice of donor's choice.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.