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    In Loving Memory of Kirk Thompson
    (aka The Crow)

    It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we share with you that the OH/Bariatric community has suffered a great loss.  OH Member Pioneer (a celebrity amongst OH Members in the early days and beyond) and former OH staff member,  Kirk Thompson, gently passed away on August 7, 2009. 

    When Kirk's weight loss journey began, he weighed in at 745 pounds.  His courage and commitment shined when 36 months later, he had lost 450 pounds.  Despite his shyness,  his isolation over the years, Kirk went public with his journey and struggles. He appeared on National TV shows, spoke at OH events,  and more importantly to him, he spent countless hours online chatting, emailing and posting in hopes to support and inspire others. He was determined to make a difference in the fight against obesity... and he did.  He was a remarkable man and will forever live on in so many hearts and souls.

    OH staff member, Shannon shares her love for Kirk:

    "Kirk was my co-worker at ObesityHelp for many years, but beyond that, he was a one of a kind friend. A favorite memory of Kirk is when we were at the ObesityHelp Pittsburgh event.   It was amazing to see Kirk's genuine love for our membership.  His big smile & hugs, eagerness to help anyone, and care-filled talks were a highlight for many of us. He will be missed, but never forgotten."

    And Bo McCoy, OH staff member and motivational speaker, is grateful for the support Kirk bestowed upon him. With a broken heart, Bo posted innocently sharing his grieving heart:

    "Kirk was a former employee of ObesityHelp (member services department) he was very instrumental in introducing me to staff at OH and helping me  join the OH team.  I owe Kirk many thanks for the love and support he gave me.  He was my friend and I am not sure what more I can say except he was funny, loving, and my personal 'angel' when I was 626 lbs.  He was my friend when I felt I didn't have any.  My world has changed today.  I will miss my friend."

    Kirk was instrumental in bringing OH members together and he was a true angel in the lives of so many. His legacy, his love, and his laughter will live on in us all forever. We love you Kirk...you will be forever missed.

    You can read more tributes to Kirk on the main OH Message board located here. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/3996496/Kirk-Thompson-the-Crow-RIP/

    *OH Magazine will feature a special tribute to Kirk in the Nov/Dec issue.

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    16 Comment(s)
    Comment by ArielSanders on Aug 20, 2009 at 07:12am
    you will be missed and thanks for your contribtutions Kirk. arielsanders
    Comment by 72inches on Aug 20, 2009 at 12:31pm
    Earth lost a "crow" and heaven gained an "angel". - Love you Kirk, Bo.
    Comment by firefly58 on Aug 20, 2009 at 05:55pm
    Fly free my friend, fly free
    Comment by Cathy1 on Aug 21, 2009 at 05:05am
    Kirk was a very special person and I'm grateful for getting to work with him. He'll always be remembered and his kindness lives on in our hearts.
    Comment by fishingwiz on Aug 21, 2009 at 05:28am
    Sorry to hear of Kirk's passing. He was an inspiration and a wonderful success story for those of us that share the journey.
    Comment by coop7727 on Aug 21, 2009 at 01:58pm
    We will always remember you and your kindness, support and contributions. Thanks for everything Kirk.
    Comment by Debbie_Doty on Aug 21, 2009 at 03:35pm
    You will be missed Kirk.
    Comment by loriehartwig on Aug 22, 2009 at 08:04am
    I never knew Kirk until I read about his passing a few moments ago . But since I am struggling with my own weight loss journey , I know how he struggled , and how he must have helped others , I am shedding tears for you now Kirk , even though I didn't know you ,I can imagine the love you had in your heart , and the desire to help everyone else who has to struggle with their weight . GOD WILL REWARD YOU NOW............. LORIE H
    Comment by OntarioSilk on Aug 22, 2009 at 11:42am
    I don't want to sound insensitive here at all and I am sorry in advance if it sounds this way.. I am about to embark on the journy of a RNY and I was wondering if this man was doing so well... what was the cause of death.Was it complications in regards to his surgery although years later.I am sure that I am not the only person with this question in mind. My condolances to his family ,friends, co-workers and members. It is not easy ever losing a person that i m pacted your life.
    Comment by OzarkMark on Aug 22, 2009 at 12:10pm
    I met with Kirk when I was nearly 650lbs on May 8, 2001, just 5 months and 1 week prior to his gastric bypass. He was warm and caring, with a contagious smile, but had rarely left his home due to his obesity. Kirk and I were instant brothers. Maybe not blood brothers, but in spirit, and in surgery. I feel responsible for my brother. In me, he had seen an obese person not afraid to go out and meet the world head on. Although he is no longer here, I feel that he lives on in me and the others that he has touched. Although lately plagued with failing joints, constant and unrelenting pain, he alway was there to lend a hand to whomever needed lifting up. Sure he had issues. Don't we all. His surgery was the most drastic that one could have, Roux-en-Y distal with DS. Although good for taking weight off fast, the dangers of future metabolic challenges awaited him. Vitamin, Iron, B12 and other deficiencies were expected. He did his best to keep up with the hand he was dealt. I remember driving with SandySD to the Columbus OSU hospital on Oct 8, 2001, just 4 weeks after my own surgery, when his parents had to rent a van and he had to lay in the back for 130 miles to get from WV to the hospital. The disappointment loomed once we got there as he was told his surgery had been cancelled because the surgeon had been tied up with a prior complicated surgery. But several days later he was reborn. SandySD and I were there by his side as he awoke and his journey began. He strived to be the perfect patient and took his WLS seriously. By this time he was already very active in the OH chat room and became a staffer. As he shed the outer self, the inner Kirk emerged whom was so compassionate about helping others. He had gone public with his journey by going on talk shows, traveling to many places and inspiring countless unknown people. He even had the chance to go see his brother in Hawaii. We were given a gift when Kirk entered our lives. We all know the risks. We all know that we cannot stop death. What we choose to do with our gift of a second chance is what matters most. Kirk embraced life and as such, should not be mourned in death. I feel honored to have been called friend and brother. Kirk will never be forgotten. Peaceful journey my brother. We shall meet again.
    Comment by AuntieBliss on Aug 23, 2009 at 07:24am
    I also did not have the honor of meeting Kirk on this plane but feel he was an angel sent here to help and inspire so many that were his calling. He is a true inspiration and we can only hope to be as inspirational to others in need. Thanks Kirk and Godspeed....AuntieBliss
    Comment by ladybug1957 on Aug 24, 2009 at 04:15pm
    I am so sorry for Kirks loss to all that knew and loved him and for all that he touched his life, Can someone share what kirk died of please. I think it would help us the ones going though this if he passed from complications from this surgary. It could still help us under stand what happened to him. Maybe we can learn from him still. again sorrry for all your loss. sounds like he was a great guy .I wish I would of had the pleasure of meeting him.
    Comment by ThompsonKHi on Aug 24, 2009 at 09:26pm
    Hi everyone, my name is Scott Thompson. Kirk Thompson was my brother. Even though I've lived in Hawaii for the past 17 years, Kirk and I were still pretty close. After reading some of the comments posted about Kirk, I felt I needed to make a few comments of my own, and hopefully answer some questions and concerns that others may have. My brother died from heart failure. At least that's what his doctor said. Was this a result from or connected to his surgery? Absolutely! Although the surgery helped Kirk to lose weight and extend his life,it was also a contributing factor in his death. For a long time Kirk's body could not absorb nutrients such as calcium, potassium, or vitamins of any kind that are essential for a person to be healthy. He was in tremendous pain for the last few years. My intention is not to frighten anyone who may be considering this irreversible weight loss surgery, but to urge you to check out all your options. The surgery may work well for some people, others maybe not. I remember Kirk telling me that he had a group of friends including himself who all had the surgery around the same time. Most of them had all died, and that scared him. But I know in my heart that had he not had the surgery when he did, he wouldn't have survived much more than another year. I just wish that he had other alternatives back then, like there are today. I know people who have had great success with the lap band. Maybe it's right for you too. I'm certainly not an expert, but please get all the information you can before you make your decision. I hope I've answered some of your questions. I loved my brother very much and I'll miss him forever. Aloha Kirk
    Comment by Chyanee on Aug 28, 2009 at 08:32am
    Hi Scott, Thank you so much for sharing. I am so sorry for your lost. I too was scared of the by-pass surgery, I did however choose the gastric sleeve. I too have had my problems but I am still on my journey, with still alot of weight to lose. I too want to extend my life.
    Comment by DannyandRyansMom on Aug 28, 2009 at 09:25am
    I have never had the honor to know Kirk. May he rest in peace. God Bless You Kirk
    Comment by Charby731 on Sep 01, 2009 at 11:18am
    I am so sorry to hear about Kirk. I too was scheduled to have surgery on June 30, 2009, but my doctor would not release me to do so because my A1C numbers are high. She explained to me the complications that could happen if I went on and had the surgery. So now I am working on my blood sugar to get the numbers down and losing weight at the same time. Who knows, I might not even need the surgery if I keep this up. Nevertheless, I send my condolences to Kirk's family and friends..Sincerely Charby
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