Harry Vladimir Kirk

Harry Vladimir Kirk was born on February 20, 1928 in the Czech Republic. He died in his home in Acworth, Georgia on October 29, 2021. He was the son of Josef and Zdena Krivohlavy. Harry's childhood and teen years were difficult, as he lived in a region directly impacted by World War II. When Harry was 10 years old, Germany invaded and occupied Czechoslovakia until 1945, when the Soviets invaded. Harry's family lost many things during this time period, including their home. In 1948, when he was 20, Harry made the decision to leave his home country in order to create a better life for himself. Harry escaped communist-ruled Czechoslovakia and made it to Germany, where he spent six months in a refugee camp. From there, Harry made his way to England. His ultimate dream was to live in the United States, but in order to fulfill his visa requirements, he was required to stay in England for five years, where he waited for permission to travel to America. He finally arrived in the United States during the mid 1950s. He traveled to Vermont to pursue a work lead, which didn't pan out. He subsequently made his way to Chicago, where he was able to find work and connect with a community of Czech immigrants. He found a position with a small mailing company called Cheshire. Starting out in the machine shop, his natural engineering abilities and work ethic allowed him to excel. Quickly, he climbed through the ranks, and despite little formal engineering training, Harry soon earned the role of head engineer. In the late 1960s he started a business, Kirk-Rudy, with Fred Rudy, a friend from work. Kirk-Rudy had humble beginnings, starting out in a small, modest cinderblock building in Libertyville, Illinois. Over time, the business grew and Harry moved the company to Kennesaw, Georgia in 1971. After the move, Harry purchased the entire business from Fred. In the early 2000s, Kirk-Rudy built a high-tech manufacturing facility and relocated to Woodstock, Georgia. Harry loved his work and was very active in the business throughout his entire life. He had several hobbies, including work, work and more work. He truly had two families: his biological family and his work family. He was deeply devoted to his work and his employees, garnering great respect from those he worked with throughout the years. He is survived by his wife, Edith, daughter, Andrea Blaesing, son, Rick Kirk, 11 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, as well as his sister Zdenka. He was predeceased by his first wife and mother of his children, Lorraine, and his sons, Ray and Tom. A funeral mass will be held Thursday, November 4 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at 87 Lacy St. NW Marietta, GA with a reception lunch immediately following at the Whitlock Inn at 57 Whitlock Ave SW, Marietta GA 30064. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Duke's Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center.

Harry Vladimir Kirk

February 20, 1928 - October 29, 2021