Richard “Rich” Owen Kirk, passed away on September 20, 2026 in Austin, Texas. Rich was born November 10, 1946 to Giles “Harley” and Lena (Callahan) Kirk in Pasadena, California. Rich grew up in Ukiah, California. Christianity was a central pillar in Rich’s life which led him to become a minister. In 1966, he enlisted with the United States Army and served two tours of duty (February 1966 to December 1968), in Vietnam as a medic. Following his military service, he worked in hospital emergency department in Los Angeles, California, where he met Sandra “Sandy” Coffman in 1969. They got married in 1970, and had two children, Michael Owen Kirk and Rhonda Lynn Kirk. In 1975, the family moved to Colorado were Richard completed training at the Nazarene seminary. From 1977 to 1989, Richard worked with several Christian denominations as a “church planter,” going into communities and starting churches.
In 1989, Richard began, what he considered his greatest ministry, as the Executive Director of the Community House on Broadway (CHOB), a homeless shelter in Longview, Washington. Rich viewed CHOB not just as a shelter, but as a homelessness rehabilitation program. CHOB helps people rebuild their lives by connecting them with the services they need to succeed; whether it be job skills training or addiction treatment. Through his work at CHOB and in the greater social services community of Cowlitz County, Washington, Rich positively impacted thousands of people.
Rich enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family, often exploring wilderness areas, fishing or walking along the beaches collecting sand dollars. Following the death of his son Michael Owen in 2014 and his wife Sandy in 2016, Richard moved to Austin, Texas to live with his daughter Rhonda Camp and her family. Richard enjoyed spending time in his twilight years with his grandchildren. Always gregarious, Richard approached life with a mischievous smile, a positive attitude and a penchant for telling stories. Even while ill, Rich would strive to make others smile. Rich was deeply loved by family, friends and acquaintances.
Rich is survived by his daughter, Rhonda (Brian) Camp, his sister Charmaine (John) Hengel, his “bossy chick” Linda Pliler, and three grandchildren.