Kirk Miles Swain

Kirk Miles Swain

Kirk Miles Swain (aka ‘Poppa Wheelie’) passed peacefully surrounded by his immediate family at his home in Arlington, Washington on December 26th at the age of 64. He had a lengthy battle with ocular melanoma and fought bravely and without complaint, beginning with having an eye removed in December of 2018.

Kirk was born in Spokane, Washington in February of 1960 and was the son of Susie Swain (Morris) and the late Ronald (Homer) Swain. He is survived by his two daughters, Chandra Jones and Emily Peterson, his two son-in laws (John & Dan), his two granddaughters (Maybelline & Penelope), his sister Roxann Nelson and brother in-law Garth Nelson, as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends. Kirk was preceded in death by his sister, Ronda Largent Darsch.

Kirk attended school and grew up in Sedro Woolley, Washington. He graduated in 1978. He moved to the Arlington area in 1990 and planted his own family roots there. His kind, social and humorous personality, combined with his fun hobbies, easily gained him a large circle of family and friends that contributed to his very fulfilling, adventurous and exciting life. Kirk traveled a lot for both work and personal, and made friends everywhere he went. He was known as the most reliable and dependable person, a constant in so many people’s lives. He loved his children, grandchildren and family very much and dedicated his life to spending as much time with them as possible. His absence from this world will truly be felt by many and he will be greatly missed.

Kirk spent ~20 years working in the construction and trucking industry before landing his dream job, teaching ATV Safety for the American Safety Institute. He was forced to give up that career when he was diagnosed with cancer. He spent his last few years working (volunteering) for his daughter Emily’s business, where he gained another very close circle of dear friends that inevitably helped keep an eye on, entertain, support and encourage him through his final year(s). Kirk had a lot of exciting hobbies in which he passionately shared with his family and friends his entire life: ATVs, dirt bikes, ATCs/3-wheelers, side-by-sides, tractors, BMX/bicycles, roller-skating, traveling and treasure (and junk) collecting. He also volunteered a considerable amount of time during his adult life in various community organizations, non-profits, clubs and groups. He was a leader and supporter of all things involving his kids and grandkids, and all their life ventures.

At Kirk’s request, no services will be held. He will be buried beside his father and grandparents in Spokane, Washington. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The family wishes to thank Kirk’s wonderful team of doctors, nurses and staff at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle (Dr Veatch MD & PhD, and his spectacular team).

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Ocular Melanoma Foundation to help find a cure.