Kirk Paul Gary, 60, of Rapid City, SD, passed away at his home on August 20, 2017.   He suffered from pulmonary fibrosis, which is a heredity disease that also took his father, Norman Gary.

Kirk was born on September 11, 1956, in Rapid City.  One of four children born to Norman and Marilyn Gary.   He graduated from Stevens High School in 1975, studied at the University of South Dakota for 3 years, and returned to Rapid City where he managed Mountain Goat Sports.   In 1980, he married Cindy Reiff and they had two children, Tyler and Tara. Gary and Cindy divorced in 1990 and he welcomed his daughter, Shelby, in 1997.

Beginning in 1984, he was part of the family-owned corporation and worked at the Gold Company in both Sturgis and Rapid City. In 2008, Kirk left the Gold Company and went to work at Well Spring Treatment Center, now known as Wellfully,  as a chemical dependency technician.   He was employed there until the time of his death.

In Kirk's younger years, he was a competitive swimmer and diver. He had a passion for snow and water skiing, and loved the game of golf. He played in many golf tournaments and brought home some trophies, but more likely the "bogey" prize! On Friday nights, he had his buddies over for some hot games of poker which he thoroughly enjoyed.   Kirk was an independent and strong willed person and always made time for his family and friends.  He loved to work, never had a negative word to say, and typically would run around with the "Kirk Smirk" on his face!

Kirk is survived by his son, Tyler, Rapid City; daughter, Tara, Rapid City, Shelby Harding, Florida; sisters, Cheryl Ruggeri (Paul), Tracy Bode (Rich), both of Rapid City; brother, Kim Gary (Barb),Rapid City; nieces, Tonya Walters and Caitlin Gary, both of Rapid City; nephew, Angelo Ruggeri, Cedar Rapids, IA, Jason Gary, Shane Gary, and Christopher Eichers, all of Rapid City.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Coyote Den, Camp Rapid, on September 15, 2017.   To sign Kirk's guest book, you may go to blackhillsfuneralhome.com.

A Kirk Gary memorial account has been established at Pioneer Bank.