Timothy Stuart Kirk

December 22, 1951 - July 16, 2026

Timothy Stuart Kirk died July 16, 2026 in Oakland, California after a battle with cancer. He was 74.

Tim was born Dec. 22, 1951 in Harlingen, Texas to Elwood and Jane Kirk. He graduated from Harlingen High School in 1970 and from Southwest Texas State University, where he earned a graduate degree in English. After teaching public school in Van, Texas and New Braunfels, Texas and working as an insurance adjuster in North Carolina, Tim graduated from law school at the University of Texas. He spent much of the next 35 years practicing law in San Francisco.

Tim is survived by his wife of 27 years Pei-Ying Wang, his sister Juli Bergstrom (Terry) of Salado, Texas and brothers Eddie of Salado and Scott (Nancy) of Bryan, Texas, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews and Calvin Metcalf of Las Cruces, NM, his best friend since first grade. He was predeceased by his parents.

Tim was known for his quick and irreverent wit and love of puns as well as his sharp intellect. He read extensively and enjoyed lively political discussions. He and Pei-Ying enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Tim enjoyed traveling both domestically and internationally. He was a devoted dog lover of his own dogs and foster dogs. He was an accomplished cook, woodworker, and gardener.

Timothy Stuart Kirk died July 16, 2026 in Oakland, California after a battle with cancer. He was 74. Tim was born Dec. 22, 1951 in Harlingen, Texas to Elwood and Jane Kirk. He graduated from Harlingen High School in 1970 and from Southwest Texas State University, where he earned a graduate degree in English. AfterContinue Reading

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With deepest condolences to our beloved Tim.

We miss you, Tim. Thank you for sharing your home, food, your always interesting conversations. You made us better people. Love you for ever, Tim.

So many wonderful memories of Tim - his laughter, Tim & Pei-Ying's parties with fabulous food and friends, and the conversations. I'll miss him.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Timothy Kirk . Plant a Tree

Rest in peace my dear friend

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Timothy Kirk . Plant a Tree

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Tim was like a brother to me. He had a great sense of humor and was one of the nicest persons I’ve known. I will miss him dearly. Our memories of him will live in our hearts forever.

Tim was not only my cousin-in-law for 27 years, but also one of the kindest and most gracious gentlemen I have ever known. Because Tim often accompanied Peiying back to Taiwan, and later because my son, Justin, attended law school at UC Davis, I had many opportunities to spend time with them. Whenever we visited the U.S., Tim warmly welcomed us into their home. He always greeted us with a smile and took such joy in preparing delicious meals for everyone. I can still picture him happily cooking in the kitchen, and proudly showing us his woodworking projects in the basement with the enthusiasm and sparkle that were so uniquely his. The last time I saw Tim was in October of last year. He looked healthy and full of life. It is still so hard to believe that illness came so suddenly and took him from us far too soon. Even during his illness, Tim remained incredibly thoughtful. The graduation gift he chose for Justin was so meaningful and perfectly suited to him—it reflected the care, wisdom, and generosity that defined who Tim was. Peiying once said, "I know it will never get better; I will simply learn to live with it." Those words broke my heart. Tim, you will always be remembered with love and gratitude. Thank you for your kindness, your warmth, and the beautiful memories you gave us. Please continue to watch over and protect Peiying from above. Rest in peace. You will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Timothy Kirk . Plant a Tree

Rest in peace good friend!

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Timothy Kirk . Plant a Tree

Loved Tim’s paella among his many culinary creations!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.