Kirk was the minister while I attended The Church Of the Good Shepherd in Vienna Va. He was the minister for Helen and me when we married in 1982. He was a marvelously talented man who was a great musician, and he had a great intellect. His sermons were usually delightfully thought provoking. He was a great gift to this world and we will miss the positive energy he offered it.

Message from Peter Lehu

July 12, 2017 2:37 PM

I never met Mr. Mariner but have read his books on the history of the Eastern Shore for years while vacationing on Chincoteague. His incredibly well researched work are passionate and inspiring and are responsible for my continued interest in the region. I hope his family does not find this presumptuous but here is a link to a song I wrote after reading Mr. Mariner's book about religion on the Eastern Shore. My condolences.
https://soundcloud.com/rocky-cryer/heading-east

A candle was lit by Robert & Gina Crockett on June 28, 2017 11:48 PM

Message from Carroll and Ruth Hastings

June 15, 2017 10:39 PM

The term "a gentleman and a scholar" was coined for men like Kirk Mariner, he was the epitome of both. I'm not sure I even remember the first time I met him, but I remember hearing so much about him and his many accomplishments during the early years of of our marriage. It was during the sixties' when my husband Carroll Hastings (a first cousin of Kirk's) and I were married and Kirk was well on his way to a remarkable future. Our lives were so drastically different. We were a young family just struggling to "get by" day-to-day. But we would hear about Kirk's ministriy and music; and the magnificent churches he pastored. Then came the first of his books, with many to follow. His love for the Eastern Shore was so evident in his writings and his attention to detail and authenticity were meticulous.
But I must say I never felt like I really knew him until his later years after he retired. At that point in our lives, conversations and visits cornered around the common bonds of faith, love of home and family, respect for your fellow man. Kirk was intelligent, witty, sensitive and caring; a joy to be around! We will miss him!
We send our condolences to Vincent and Kathy and their families and also our gratitude for the loving care he was given by all of you. God Bless You All.

Message from Ann Elder

June 15, 2017 2:40 PM

My warm condolences and prayers to God for Kirk's family to be blessed and comforted at this very difficult time. The Shore had lost a saint.

Message from Maury Enright

June 15, 2017 8:48 AM

Today, June 15, seems emptier because Kirk is no longer with us to answer questions, to engage in conversation, or to receive miscellaneous Eastern Shore artifacts as they are discovered! Fortunately for us, he will live on through his writings as well as the memories we have accumulated across the years. The service yesterday was a fitting tribute to his life and faith, and visiting his museum after we left the cemetery was a deeply enriching experience. I hope the museum can continue as a visible, lasting expression of Kirk's expertise in telling the Eastern Shore story, as only he could do.

Message from Dr. Larry Tingle

June 14, 2017 4:59 PM

Kirk was a fellow pastor and friend. We shared many moments across the years. His death leaves a massive space in our fellowship that shall only be filled with wonderful memories and songs. Rest In Peace, dear friend.

Message from Sara Toye

June 14, 2017 4:38 PM

I never had the pleasure of meeting Rev. Mariner, but I wanted to tell his family how much I like his books about the Eastern Shore.
Sara Toye
Chincoteague and Fredericksburg, VA

Message from Bill & Mary Rose Lazenby

June 14, 2017 2:23 PM

Our thoughts and prayers are with Kirk's family and friends.He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

A candle was lit by Bill & Mary Rose Lazenby on June 14, 2017 2:19 PM

Message from Warren Underwood

June 14, 2017 12:44 PM

I will miss you Kirk, and I will always have fond memories of our days at Randolph-Macon College and our friendship that continued through the years. Your many contributions through preaching, music and scholarship are so admirable. And your warm and caring personality and the way in which you valued your friends and others are outstanding characteristics of a person who will long be remembered and honored.

Message from Pat Clark

June 14, 2017 12:05 PM

Kirk was pastor of the Williamsburg United Methodist Church when my husband and I started attending there. I liked him immediately but what he did for me in 2000 I will never forget. He came to the hospital early in the morning before my surgery for breast cancer to say a prayer for me and then came back to see me in the afternoon. I will never forget that and I could always talk to him about anything. He was a gifted musician who could play any type of music and sing anything and also write music, some very funny. I feel fortunate to have known him and was sorry when he retired. God bless his family. He will be missed.

A candle was lit by A Friend on June 14, 2017 11:19 AM

Message from Evan and Mary Clements

June 14, 2017 11:12 AM

We always Kirk's visit to Mary's framing shop in Onancock. Positive thoughts and prayers to the family. Be at peace, Kirk.

A candle was lit by Tom and Margaret Cahall on June 14, 2017 11:09 AM

Message from Louisa Flaningam and Paul Brzozowski, The Captain Timothy Hill House

June 13, 2017 9:39 PM

We are so sad to hear of Kirk's passing. What a wonderful man he was. We met Kirk when we asked for his help in researching the Captain Timothy Hill House on Chincoteague. He shared so much information, let us copy early maps he had in his collection and gave us support just by being his big hearted self. When we had an event to celebrate our listing on The National Register of Historic Places, Kirk came and gave a beautiful dedication and blessing to the house. We were so honored to know him and know he will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to family and friends. Kirk...you'll now be singing I with the angels.

Message from Vida Nelson - Sierra Vista, Arizona

June 13, 2017 1:02 PM

My husband and I were members of Centerville UMC from 1975 to 1979 while Kirk was pastor there. He was never.r far from my thoughts and we spoke fondly of him often.

Kirk was working on his doctoral thesis while in Centerville and interviewed us, along with other members of the church for his research. I knew of his love for the history of the Eastern Shore and fully expected he would write about it.

Few people leave the kind of mark on this world that Kirk did. To understand the impact this gifted man had on others, how you feel at his passing says it all. We are saddened at the loss but joyful that he can now fully serve the Lord that he so faithfully served in this life.

Message from Debbie, Gene, Zachary & Jordan Bruss

June 13, 2017 12:16 PM

Our family has fond memories of Kirk's time as our pastor at Williamsburg United Methodist Church. We extend our sympathies to his family. Rest in peace Kirk.

Message from Williamsburg, VA

June 13, 2017 11:12 AM

I worked with Kirk at Williamsburg UMC. He is one of those people I wish I had stayed in regular contact with, as I admired him so much. He was a true teacher/preacher endowed with so many gifts: preaching, ministering, mentoring, listening, music, writing. He was highly intelligent, sensitive, introverted yet personable, and caring. Beloved by so many on earth, he will be busy in heaven sharing his God-given talents with God and all the saints who have gone before us. Rest in peace, dear Kirk. Cindy Freeman

A candle was lit by Fred and connie ward on June 12, 2017 10:09 PM

Message from Davis Byrd Longsworth

June 12, 2017 9:15 PM

My dear friend,Kirk, Rest in Peace. I will always remember,love and will miss you. You were a good and faithful friend. Pray for me always now in heaven.

A candle was lit by Davis Byrd Longsworth on June 12, 2017 9:11 PM

A candle was lit by Emilyrae Drummond Helfen on June 12, 2017 7:43 PM

Message from Beverley Thomas Hall

June 12, 2017 5:27 PM

Kirk was the very first person I met at Randolph-Macon in 1961, and we remained close friends despite the years and distance that separated us. My daughter told me yesterday she used to think he was my brother when she was small. A true friend and a wonderful person. He will be missed.

Message from Doug Kanney

June 12, 2017 4:39 PM

I will always remember Kirk for his help to others. I was a freshman at Randolph-Macon, and Kirk tutored me in Greek! Now that was something to see, a boy from the shore, tutoring a boy from the country--In Greek. And then through the years, also being a member of the Virginia Conference, Kirk and I crossed paths a many a time and served at least once on the same District. Kirk was always a gentleman and a fine person! I cherish our friendship over the years!

A candle was lit by Doug Kanney on June 12, 2017 4:36 PM

Message from Dottie Smith

June 12, 2017 3:19 PM

Prayers for the family. Kirk will be greatly missed. He was an inspiration to all who knew him, always with a smile for everyone an a joy to talk with. We will miss him on Sunday's at Janet's. God has a new Angel. Dottie, Rose and Fannie.

A candle was lit by Dottie Smith on June 12, 2017 3:11 PM

A candle was lit by Lois and Allen Evans on June 12, 2017 1:57 PM

June 12, 2017 1:52 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with Kirk's family and friends. His talent and joy enriched my life.

Steve Hay

Message from Joy Mair

June 12, 2017 1:07 PM

Kirk was an extraordinary person! He will be missed very very much. My prayers are with his family and other close friends.

A candle was lit by Joy and Ken Mair on June 12, 2017 1:03 PM

A candle was lit by Tamara Pruitt, RN DON Hermitage Eastern Shore on June 12, 2017 11:37 AM

Message from Lisa & Gary Gibb & Family

June 12, 2017 9:01 AM

Kirk was such a unique personality and we will miss him tremendously not only here @ Market Street UMC, but all over the Shore and beyond. It has been a joy to be entertained by him throughout the years. Whether he was playing the piano or telling a story, he made it seem as easy as breathing...a truly God given gift.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. May the peace that surpasses all understanding be with you now and in the difficult days ahead. God bless.

A candle was lit by Kay Barre on June 11, 2017 11:54 PM

Message from Peggy Miles Belote

June 11, 2017 9:31 PM

The Eastern Shore has lost a legend...Rev. Dr. Kirk was an historian extraordinaire leaving us a legacy of incomparable knowledge and lore. He was entertaining with his spoken word and piano performances as well...when I attended his lectures I was mesmerized and held captive the entire time...He will be missed...may he rest in eternal peace...thanks for our wonderful memories....

A candle was lit by Shirley Thornes on June 11, 2017 7:59 PM

A candle was lit by Linda Courtney on June 11, 2017 7:58 PM

A candle was lit by Ruth and Rob LeMoyne on June 11, 2017 7:25 PM

A candle was lit by Bill and Ellie Payne on June 11, 2017 3:54 PM

Message from Julia Ogden

June 11, 2017 1:56 PM

Thank you Kirk for being part of my life at a time when i was on a personal "quest" for understanding as a friend, mentor, and intellectual inspiration. I will remember you with much love and gratitude.

A candle was lit by Mickey and Randi Merritt, Kirk was a Great Guy! on June 11, 2017 1:27 PM

A candle was lit by Pat McArdle on June 11, 2017 11:25 AM

Message from Davidson

June 11, 2017 5:43 AM

Please accept my condolences during this time of distress. While it is indeed sad that you are mourning the loss of your dear Kirk, it saddens God more. In the days ahead, you will reflect on seemingly small, yet precious memories. This is occurs especially when we experience the loss of someone loved. However, take confidence in knowing that just as you have memories, almighty God remembers too. The difference is, God can and will restore perfect life to those in His memory as explained in the faith strengthening video link below** ** .**

vimeo.com/203513162

Message from Patricia Hart

June 10, 2017 11:30 PM

We have all lost a very good friend. Rest in Peace, Kirk.

A candle was lit by Donna and Jim Belote on June 10, 2017 8:04 PM

A candle was lit by Ann Miles on June 10, 2017 7:45 PM

A candle was lit by Thomas & Libby Widgeon on June 10, 2017 6:31 PM