Kirk was generous with his time and academic support. On a TCU international trip, he allowed me to join the business school group as we went to various companies to learn more about their operations. This was the closest match to journalism, since freedom of the press was severely restricted by threats to journalists and in reality not an option for study in many international countries.
Kirk sponsored a dinner for TCU faculty members who traveled with that group. I remember his giving advice to a business school faculty member who told him about an issue she encountered. He listened carefully to her description of the situation and then recommended how to deal with it constructively. I learned a lot by watching Kirk interact with his colleagues, even one from another academic discipline. I appreciated his approach to teaching and learning.
0
Kirk did more than just take an academic interest in business. We served together on the board of AZZ, Inc. for over 20 years. During that time, the board lead the company through three changes in CEO. Kirk was a great contributor to that effort. As Chairman he set a high standard of professionalism and governance. He always remained calm, even when others were quick to anger. He was a pleasure to work with.
0
Kirk was a great friend of my late husband, Tamás. They had excellent ways of understanding the cultural differencies thus their various educational projects were fruitful in Hungary. He was like an uncle to our little ones whenever he visited us. We really enjoyed his company and also could learn a lot about how to see education from different angles. His friendship enhanced our lives.
We are so sorry for your loss.
0
Kirk and I were fellow Deans for many years. He was a valued colleague and a good friend. I remember Kirk for his calm demeanor, his forward-thinking insight, and his dedication to TCU, the School of Business, and students. In all our years working together, we never had anything other than positive interactions. It was a pleasure to know and work with him.
0
Dear Linda and Meghan:
We are so sad to learn of Kirk’s passing. He was truly an inspirational individual who treated everyone fairly and respectfully. Integrity is among many of Kirk’s traits that we admire. He was always truthful and forthright in his interactions with people from all walks of life. Kirk found value in every individual and reflected his respect for all people as he engaged with them. It goes without saying that Kirk was an unbelievably talented scholar—in terms of research and teaching. His foundational work in the perceived environmental certainty space remains significant today and continues to influence the questions that other researchers choose to examine. We can honestly say that Kirk had intellectual talents that were second to none. So many of us are blessed by how he chose to use those talents to help others—students, business people, leaders, and friends. We can say too that we have yet to laugh as frequently and hard as was the case when we were with you and Kirk, Linda. We still recall “funny” stories from 40-plus years ago; and, we laugh again when we talk about those stories. We had such great times with you and Kirk during the Oklahoma State days. We cherish those times and always will.
Thank you for sharing your husband and father with us. We are better people because of our times with Kirk and with both of you as well.
0
Kirk hired me at TCU nearly 30 years ago when he was the Dean of the Neeley School of Business at TCU. Kirk became a great mentor and friend. I was honored when Kirk called a few years ago to ask if I’d be interested in serving on the board of trustees for LKCM Funds. Kirk was the Chairman of the Board. Kirk was a born leader, a loyal friend, and a courageous man. Kirk will be missed. His legacy of leadership, kindness, and friendship lives on through all who had the honor and pleasure of knowing him.
Sincerely,
Larry and P.J. Lockwood
0
Kirk became a valued colleague and close friend through working together on numerous projects on campus, in the Fort Worth community and in international locations for over 20 years. His good work and outcomes can be seen today in ongoing programs as he enhanced the University’s quality and reputation in Business and other areas.
Yes, Kirk was a very capable colleague. Importantly, though, he was a dear friend. . . to myself and many others. His friendship enhanced our lives, and we will continue to have many fond memories of Kirk.
0
Not only do I think of Kirk as an incredible mentor, he was like a second father to me. My own father passed away while I was in graduate school at Oklahoma State, which is where I first met Kirk during my first semester as a student in his management course. I finished my degree in 18 months, and with Kirk's help, I remained on staff for the next three years, both teaching and working alongside the Director of the MBA Program. It is in this latter role that I gained the experience that led to a call from Kirk five years later, asking if I would like to interview for a position on his staff as the new Dean of the Neeley School of Business. He had faith in me when I didn't have confident in myself, and gave me so many opportunities to grow professionally in a career I had never dreamed of. I always knew that he had my best interest at heart, and when I married in 1992, Kirk graciously agreed to walk me "down the aisle."
I am saddened by his passing and will miss his unexpected phone calls. May he rest in peace.
0
I remember well many visits we made together looking for individuals and businesses who would help Kirk and the Neeley School realize its goals and plans when I was vice chancellor in the 80's. When Becky and I returned to Fort Worth in 2006, I was active in TCURA and worked with Kirk as we fought the battles over the changes in the health insurance plans for retirees. Please know of our sympathy.
0
I was a newly tenured faculty member and a new Department Chair (not in Neeley) back in 1992. I was forced to make a very difficult decision to deny tenure to an extremely popular professor who did not publish. I was denounced on the front page of the Skiff newspaper. Kirk called me up on the phone and asked me, "Paul, did you make the right decision?" I said yes and he then told me that he appreciated my willingness to do the right thing when it was difficult. It meant so much to me for the esteemed Dean of the Business School to call me with that personal assurance. Kirk was a very thoughtful and kind person and I'll never forget him.
0
I was honored to serve with Kirk on the board of the TCU Retirees Association and benefited from his wisdom and leadership. We often swapped memories of TCU in the “good old days” and how fortunate we were to have been a part of the university’s history.
0
I met Kirk when I painted the house in Candleridge we did a special antique finish on the cabinets and paneling
I started working at TCU and got to visit with him while he worked there he was a really nice person sorry for your loss
0
I remember when, as a dean at Brite, I made a trip to Budapest with Kirk in 1996. We had a great time, even found a few minutes to play blackjack in a Budapest casino together! I always enjoyed time with Kirk when we had opportunity to be together. My spouse is in her 11th year of a journey through Alzheimer’s. My thoughts are with the family during these days.
0
Meghan, what a unique and special man your dad was. As Bill said, we met your parents when we bought the Koen’s house, which was an across the street from your parents home in Ruidoso. And, we considered ourselves most lucky to have them as neighbors!
We shared such fun memories together; motorcycle trips to Cloudcroft, drinks on our back deck, dinners at their houses in NM, his wonderful stories, and his joy in sharing his love of NM and the many surrounding towns, always including their history. Most special for me was his patience and his confidence in getting me back on the ski slopes after a nasty fall and fracture. I was hesitant, but he was not!!
Both he and Linda were the proudest of parents and loved you with all their hearts.
What a super fellow. Bill and I are so sorry for your loss.
Much love,
Randy and Bull Race
0
Meghan,
We are so sorry about losing Kirk.
As Billy said, they were great friends, neighbors, and with us adult senior citizen delinquent’s partners in crime in Ruidoso!
I loved Kirk’s intellect, energies and passion. He loved you with all he had, and was so proud of you as was your mom.
He loved his TCU years , the university life, and his many business and Board friends from Budapest and all over.
He was a gifted and patient teacher seen by us being more patient than Bill in helping Randy to get over her post fractured tibia anxiety about and learning to ski again. She loved it and did well! Bill is also forever grateful too!👍🏻🤗🙏🏻
He would always show up within ten minutes of our arrival to help and catch us up on all those Ruidoso happenings!
One of a kind!
Love to all of you.
Randy and Bill Race
0
Kirk was the Dean of the Neeley School when I was hired in 1994. He was a friendly and accessible Dean and we soon became friends. He was a strong champion for technology that helped Neeley obtain better computers than were available elsewhere on campus. He embraced the evolution of the internet and helped us stay up to date with software developments. Kirk was also a champion of international collaborations. He established relationships in Budapest, Hungary and arranged for TCU faculty to visit there. I was among those faculty. With Kirk's support, that experience resulted in me later leading multiple student international experiences in Europe. Kirk encouraged me to take family ski trips, which produced some of the best memories in our lives. After retiring, Kirk stayed in touch and continued to provide good guidance. I will always be grateful for Kirk's leadership and friendship. He will be greatly missed.
0
Kirk played such an important role in my life. He was a mentor, teacher, boss and friend. He had faith in me and gave me opportunities that formed my career. I am blessed to have known Kirk. We will all miss him dearly.
0
I never met Kirk, but I have been good friends with Meg for some time now. I still remember the first time I met Meg and her telling me about the principles he instilled in her that helped her be a better leader and build more diverse teams. Since then, I have seen Meg always embody her father’s philosophies in her career, and she has been wildly successful. She creates a following of people unlike anything I’ve ever seen. And I have to believe that her success, in part, comes from the primary lessons she learned from Kirk. What better way to honor someone so dear than to live their legacy daily? God bless and much love to the celebration of the life of Kirk Downey.
0
Kirk hired me in 1989 to join the faculty of the Neeley School and became my mentor, cheer leader, friend, and neighbor. He was so supportive of all my efforts and so enthusiastic about the progress of the Neeley School. Under his leadership, the Neeley School started its rise to national prominence. I remember Kirk’s personal warmth and sense of humor and his love of skiing, roller blading, and dogs. Since learning of his death, I have been thinking of him daily. To Linda and Meghan, I share your grief and will always be grateful that I was fortunate enough to share some of my life with Kirk.
1
My first dean at TCU and very much appreciated - he will be missed - Garry Bruton
1
Kirk was probably one of, if not the smartest man I have ever known. I’ll always cherish my time with him and his family. One of my most cherished memories is when my son Jordan and I spent the day driving around Ruidoso New Mexico and the surrounding area. We got to see where the Lincoln County War was, the beginning of Smokey the Bear and the beginning of the nuclear weapons testing. I’ll always remember his take on The Wizard of Oz, and his love of fine Scotch. I admired him for his work, and his strong work ethic. He seemed to never let a day go to waste.
My heart goes out to Linda, Meghan and Evan. May they find peace in his lifetime of memories.
0
Share with others
Donate in memory
