Farewell, Kirk!

This is an impromptu community memorial created for a Portland icon, busker Kirk Reeves. I've blipped and blogged about Kirk in the past, and our local papers ran stories about him once in a while, because he was such a unique character. (Be sure to watch the short video at the bottom of that web page.)

Much more than a busker, Kirk was a bright spot in many people's days. Perched on a stool at the entrance to the Hawthorne Bridge, he'd sometimes play his trumpet, but more often play with toys and colorful baubles, rubber chickens and teddy bears. He was there nearly every day for years.

There was little opportunity to talk to him because of the traffic, but once in awhile I'd have enough time to exchange a few words with him. Sometimes he'd be in a different location and more accessible for conversation.

But I now realize he may have been avoiding direct contact with people. Those close to him knew that, underneath the laughter and bad jokes, he was deeply depressed and struggled with several illnesses. He dreamed of being on one of the big national talent shows but never was chosen. He was poor and mostly alone, with the exception of a few kind-hearted individuals.

A couple of weeks ago, Kirk's body was found in a local park; he'd apparently died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

There will be an emptiness on that bridge for a long time to come.