NAGA, Philippines, Sept. 4, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — A Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission president has passed away while serving in the Philippines, officials said Wednesday.
A statement from Church spokesman Daniel Woodruff said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Bradley Wayne Kirk, president of the Philippines Naga Mission. Early Monday morning, President Kirk had a stroke at home and was taken to the hospital.”
Kirk passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 61. He and his wife, Shirley, are from Clovis, California and had been serving since July. They have three children.
“We call upon people of faith to join us in praying for the comfort and well-being of the Kirk family at this difficult time,” the statement said. “We also pray for the missionaries who will miss this wonderful and capable leader.”
The Kirk family also asked that the following statement be released on their behalf.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our father, husband, grandfather, brother, and uncle. We find comfort that he passed while doing what he loved — serving the Lord in a place dear to his heart amongst a people he loved, with his lifelong sweetheart by his side.
“Our family has been overwhelmed with the public and private outpouring of the positive impact he has left on so many people. Although his time in Naga was short, he felt a deep love and appreciation for the missionaries. His love for family, music, the outdoors, and our Savior Jesus Christ will never be forgotten. We await the day of our joyful reunion.”
Even though I didn’t know him, this makes me sad. But he is in a better place and in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father ?. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very emotional time