Kirk Thomas

Kirk Arnold Thomas, loving husband and devoted father, was called home to his Lord and Savior on Sept. 24, 2008.

He was born in Petersburg, Alaska, on Sept. 22, 1953, the son of Arliss and Samuel Thomas, a Norwegian/Tlingit Alaskan native.

Kirk was an Alaskan commercial fisherman for more than 35 years. He poured more saltwater out of his boots than most men sailed upon.

He met and married the "love of his life," Tracey Burgoyne, on June 4, 1983, in Honolulu, Hawaii. His father-in-law referred to him as a "diamond in the rough."

In 1991, he moved his family to Whitefish, where he started his business, NorskStar Seafood. The most commonly-used adjective to describe Kirk was "intense." If someone needed to get a job done they would call on "Kirky."

His heart was as big as the world, and to those who knew and loved him most, he was one of a kind. With an infectious smile, his energy was felt as he entered a room. As tough and rugged as his exterior appeared, his inner spirit was refined and gentle. He loved nothing more than to watch babies and children laugh and play.

His integrity was beyond reproof and his word was as good as gold. Few men could compare with his work ethic. The only time off from work was spent on hunting, and he was a master hunter, keeping the freezers full each year.

He taught his children to be true to their convictions, never back down to adversity, be courageous, follow their dreams and treat all individuals equally, saying, "We all put our pants on one leg at a time."

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Tracey; son Barry Thomas, wife Jen and their sons Adian and Addison; sons Tristan and Evan and daughter Tianna, whom he lovingly referred to as his princess; sister Kerri Tonkin, of Juneau, Alaska; brother Kelly, of Naknek, Alaska; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins of Petersburg, Alaska; and his NorskStar family across Montana and the U.S.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, Oct. 2, starting at 4 p.m. at the Whitefish Assembly of God on Karrow Avenue. Kirk would want us all to be joyful in celebrating his life rather than mourn his death.

Family donations can be made to the Kirk Thomas Family Memorial Fund at Glacier Bank in Whitefish.