Tommy Kirk
Tommy Kirk (1908-1997)
from The Barwicker No.48
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It is with much regret that we record the
death of 'Tommy' Kirk, on Wednesday, 8 October
1997. JOHN THOMAS KIRK was born, in Garforth,
on 1 June 1908. At the tender age of 6 months he
moved to Barwick where he was educated at Barwick
Church School. He left school at the age of 13
years and at first obtained local employment in
farming but it was not long before he was
destined to change career.
He was attracted to building work and for
many years worked on the houses then being built,
in Scholes, by Messrs. Stockdale and Robinson. A
few years after becoming works foreman, he
started up his own building business in Barwick,
trading under his own name. His activities were
interrupted by World War II, when he served in
the army attaining the rank of sergeant
On his discharge in 1947, he re-started
his business. Demands for his services were
constantly made by a high percentage of
residents in both Barwick and Scholes. In those
days any 'building' problem, large or small,
could usually be solved by 'sending for Tommy
Kirk'.
Tommy was a true 'Barwicker' who played
his part in village affairs. For many years he
was a leading member of Barwick Cricket Club. He
served on the Barwick-in-Elmet Parish Council for
a considerable number of years and was its
Chairman in 1965/66 and again in 1973/74.
He and his wife Elsie subsequently
retired, in 1985, to live in Filey. They very
proudly celebrated their Diamond Wedding in 1991
and their recipe for a successful relationship
was reported to be '"give and take" and
"everything in moderation". I made regular
visits to his home in Filey and latterly to
'Rylands'. Without a shadow of a doubt his
'roots' remained firmly in Barwick. His main
topic of conversation was of Barwick - its
buildings and its inhabitants. Pictures,
photographs, books and scrapbooks relating to
Barwick were always in evidence. He contributed
much to the success of our Historical Society,
presenting us with a set of traditional
wood-working tools, and was always willing to
reminisce with much enthusiasm.
In later years it became necessary for
Elsie to move into the nearby 'Rylands Rest Home'
where she died in 1994. Shortly afterwards Tommy
relinquished his home and also moved into
'Rylands'. He is survived by his daughter Jean,
his sister Margaret, two grandsons and two
great-grandsons. He was a real character who
will long be remembered.
W J ALAN SENIOR
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