Francis Mckinley Kirk Jr.

The Rev. Dr. Francis McKinley Kirk, Jr., 90, returned to his heavenly home on September 19, 2022, where he resides with his Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Fran served others humbly, graciously, generously, and believed in bringing people together as a family and as a community.

Fran was born November 26, 1931, in Houston, TX to Francis McKinley and Lucile Haden. Fran and his younger sister Carolyn Haden spent their youth in Pasadena, California. In junior high, he joined and became very active at the Pasadena Presbyterian Church as an usher, camp counselor, and radio host on the church radio station KPPC, where he cultivated a love of Christ. Fran was inspired by Eugene Carson Blake, who later served as General Secretary of the World Council of Churches and helped organize the March to Washington with Martin Luther King. Fran attended high school at Pasadena City College and completed a Bachelor of Philosophy from Stanford University while also serving as Student Body President.  He obtained his Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey, where he spent his free moments listening to Robert Frost recite poetry.

Fran loved his wife, Nancy, whom he met when he accepted his first job as Assistant Pastor to First Presbyterian Church in Boise, Idaho. In December 1959, Fran married his bride in a holly and poinsettia-filled sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church. That same year, he accepted the call to St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Camas, Washington. Fran and Nancy raised three beautiful children; Katherine, Andrew, and David, all of whom were a constant source of joy and pride throughout his life. Fran was committed to his family and marriage, and both sons were honored to have their father officiate their wedding ceremonies. This past year, he and Nancy were blessed to celebrate 62 years of marriage. They experienced many adventures throughout their life together, highlighted by sailing through the Puget Sound and the North Atlantic, as well as traveling to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Devoted to bringing people to Christ, Fran served twenty years as pastor in a number of communities in Idaho, Washington, and Utah.  He served as Moderator of the Presbytery and was a leader in establishing youth and family camp programs throughout the Northwest. He was known by his parishioners to play the ukulele and encouraged those of all ages to join in his fun and games, while also being a calm spiritual force, emanating God’s strength and peace.

In keeping with Fran’s beliefs in ministry to others, he become interested in mental health and counseling. He returned to college and obtained a Master of Education from Oregon State University and a PhD in Clinical Psychology and Counseling from the University of Utah. In 1974, the family returned to Boise, Idaho. For the next twenty-six years, Fran served as a practicing Psychologist for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, where he started the first mental health unit for children in Idaho.  Fran enjoyed teaching as an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the College of Idaho and Boise State University, with several of his works being published in professional journals.

Though he loved his work, Fran cherished retirement life. As was the case throughout his earlier years, skiing, hiking, reading, and time with family at the cabin on Payette Lake, Idaho, singing with the Boise Philharmonic Master Chorale, and playing with his beautiful granddaughters was his true joy and happiness. His family and friends will remember his contagious laughter, his sharp intelligence and wit, and his immeasurable patience.

Fran leaves a legacy of love and leadership, strength and tenderness, and commitment to family.  Fran will lovingly be remembered by his loyal and affectionate wife Nancy, his three devoted children, Katherine, Andrew, and David (daughter-in-law Lori), and his four beautiful granddaughters, McKinley, Anhwei, Prairie, and Goldie. Heaven has a new angel. May he rest in peace knowing his legacy lives on through his family.

A Celebration of Fran’s Life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 950 W. State St., Boise, Idaho on November 26, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in-person and LiveStream, https://link.fpcboise.org/FrancisKirkMemorial .  A reception will follow in Lindsay Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Fran’s honor to First Presbyterian Church in Boise, Idaho.