David Quirk

David Dave John Quirk, 84, of Black Eagle, MT passed away August 30, 2017 at a local hospital after 42 years of battling heart disease and beating the odds of multiple other medical conditions. Dave fought long and hard which should have taken his life years ago, but his will to live and take care of Karen kept him going. The doctors referred to him as the Miracle Man. He leaves behind his wife, Karen Sorensen Quirk of 64 years; daughters Tami (Jim) Harrison, Great Falls and Linda (Doug) Wright, Battle Creek, Ml; favorite grandchildren, Justin (Erin) Quirk, Great Falls, Kevin David Wright, Milwaukee, Wl, Kyle (Karen) Wright, Merritt Island, FL, Heidi (Reid) Edwards, Great Falls, Katelynn Wright, Battle Creek, Ml and Hillary Harrison (Alex Wermling), Great Falls; and precious great grandchildren, Justine Quirk, Keilee Edwards, Hayden Wright, Rylan David Edwards and Sydney Wright.His son, Daniel and daughter in-law Debbie Quirk preceded him.Dave was born in Erie, PA on April 21, 1933 to Peter and Audrey Quirk. One of 13 children, all preceded him except Barbara Zmijewski, Patrick Quirk and Nancy Lilja. He has numerous nieces and nephews, too many to count but loved them all. A great-great nephew, David Lay-Doci was named after him. This was a great honor for Dave.Dave graduated from McKeon High School in 1951. He was proud that his basketball team made the New York Times when they beat their rival team Fairview by one point with only 3 men on the team. Dave was 1 of the 3 remaining players. This was the 1st game they won after 7 previous losses.October 15, 1951 he enlisted into the US Air Force in Erie, PA. He proudly served our country from 1951 until his retirement in 1971 as an OSI Special Agent. One thing that never left his mind was August 21, 1954 his final salute to Col. Malmstrom as he took off in the airplane even though Dave warned him it was too foggy to fly. Not five minutes later he got the call on the radio the plane had crashed. Dave was the last person to see Col. Malmstrom alive. (Malmstrom AFB was named after Col. Malmstrom).On December 26, 1953 he married the love of his life, Karen Sorensen and together they enjoyed traveling the United States and abroad with their three children. They chose to retire and live in Great Falls, Montana where Dave continued to work in various jobs. Dave and Karen took many trips to England, Germany, Turkey and several places in the US to visit family and loved every trip.Dave loved his family more than life itself. He supported all of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in everything they did. He especially enjoyed watching their sporting events. He loved to hear all the accomplishments that his grandchildren have had which are many. He was a very proud papa.Dave made friends wherever he went including his doctor appointments or even the grocery store. He invited everyone over to the house to visit. He was never without a story to tell to anyone who would listen. He was a genuine gentleman with a heart of gold. He played the sextet harmonica and always said Its like a credit card, I never leave home without it. He made many strangers into friends while playing everywhere he went. He was given the nickname Harmonica Man. He would sit on his porch and play, as people drove or walked by they would stop to listen. He played each and every time he was in the hospital and even played on his way into surgery or during any procedure. He would ask the nurses and doctors Have you ever done this to music? Papa, we will miss your everlasting love for us and the lessons you have taught us. Each of us will carry on the love and stories you have shared.Love all of your family.Graveside service will be held Friday, September 22, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at the Highland Cemetery with military honors.