Norman F. Kirk, 89 of Chesterfield, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on May 23, 2016, with his daughter at his side, at The Hood River Care Center in Hood River, Oregon. Norm was born in Northampton, Massachusetts on February 24, 1927, to Charles and Beatrice Kirk. After attending Northampton High School, he served in WWII in the Navy as a Quartermaster aboard the USS Guilford, plotting charts and traveling the Pacific to Guam, The Philippines and Okinawa. Norm was asked to take the helm and steer the ship through the Panama Canal once when the captain was very ill. He did this successfully and proudly. After being honorably discharged from The Navy, he joined his parents in Chesterfield, Massachusetts where he soon met his lovely wife, Virginia. They were married October 31st, 1947 and 7 years later had a daughter. After a few years running a dairy farm, they sold the cows and he went to work for Bisbee Brothers Lumber where he stayed until retirement. Norm was a member of The First Congregational Church of Chesterfield and served as its Treasurer for many years. He was a member of the Chesterfield Grange and the Volunteer Fire Department, served on the Hampshire Regional School Board, was appointed Measurer of Wood and Lumber by the Select Board of Chesterfield and was a member and Commander for a time, of the local American Legion. Norm is survived by his loving wife, Virginia (“Vir”) Kirk of Chesterfield, Massachusetts, his daughter Joyce Murphy of Hood River, Oregon, two grandchildren, Kim Millhollin of Fairview, Oregon and Darren Bates of Troutdale, Oregon, as well as two beautiful great grandchildren, Mackenzie Marie Bates and Ayla Rose Bates. Norm’s passions were many: Family, friends, nature and the outdoors, travel, writing and of course, flying. At about 40 years old, he earned his private pilot’s license and turned the stone walled cow pasture, behind the farmhouse, into a small grass landing strip equipped with 3 runway lights! He gave many people in the area their first airplane ride in his plane. Norm had a love and zest for living matched by very few. Though he was small in stature, he was mighty in strength, courage and spirit. He lived his life to the fullest until the end. May he rest in peace, knowing we all had something to learn from him. Services will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date in Chesterfield, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The First Congregational Church, PO Box 56, Chesterfield, Massachusetts 01012. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031 and Ahearn Funeral Home Inc. 783 Bridge Road PO Box 901 Northampton, MA 01061. Please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com or www.ahearnfuneralhome.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.