David McCormick Dirks

David McCormick Dirks was born on June 29, 1941, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Vera and George Dirks and he died in Louisville, Colorado, on November 28, 2018, in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by his loving family.

As a child, Dave loved to fish with his family in Canada and he achieved the Boy Scout Eagle Scout rank with support from his father. When Dave was seven, his younger sister, Mary Kay, came into his world, bringing with her an abundance of giggles.

Dave attended college at the Dirks family school, DePauw University, from 1959–63, graduating with a BA in Economics. He went on to earn his MBA at Indiana University in 1965.

As a teaching assistant at IU, Dave met Laura McClure, who was serving coffee in the faculty lounge. He thought she was very cute and she didn’t believe he was old enough to be teaching. They were married in 1966 in Michigan City, Indiana.

Dave enlisted in the US Air Force, and he and Laura moved to Denver, Colorado. For his time served as an accounting and finance officer in Vietnam from 1968–69, Dave was awarded a Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star and a Commendation Medal.

Returning to Colorado after he completed his service, Dave and Laura had children: first Anne, then twins Michael and Katherine. Dave was a wonderful father who never missed a high school sporting event and who regularly scheduled special lunches with each of his children to talk about life, school and later careers. Though a quiet man, Dave created an entire make-believe world for his kids’ stuffed animals to live in, with distinct voices and personalities for dozens of cherished stuffies.

Through the years Dave led by example, teaching those around him the value of giving back to their community. Dave loved his profession as a CPA and partner at Heider, Tanner & Dirks, where he chose to work with many nonprofits. Mentoring and coaching other professionals was important to Dave, and he loved to see others find a path that made them feel successful. After retiring, Dave taught accounting at Johnson & Wales University, and later at Metropolitan State University in Denver where he helped launch their MBA program.

Throughout his life Dave’s friends were vitally important to him, including people from his Denver network, his Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, his fellow Vietnam veterans (VNRRS), and his Shortridge High School “Nation.”

Dave loved to travel, especially with Laura and his children. He spent time on five continents, traveling all over the US and Europe, as well as Vanuatu, Cape Town, and Hong Kong. He enjoyed being in the mountains and had homes in Vail and later in Steamboat.

Dave was a beautiful soul with a big heart who touched many lives. He will be remembered as an intelligent and humble man who allowed those around to him to shine. Dave believed that treating each other with respect is the best gift we can give each other.

Dave is survived by his wife of 52 years, Laura Dirks, and his children, Anne Henderson, Michael Dirks and Katherine Dirks. He is also survived by Anne’s husband, Will Henderson, Michael’s husband, Joe Tate, his only and favorite grandson, Henry Henderson and his younger sister Mary Kay Mitchell and brother-in-law, Doug Mitchell. Dave was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, George Jr. Dave is also still loved by countless cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held for Dave at St. John's Episcopal Cathedral, 1350 N Washington St, Denver, CO 80203 on December 12, 2018 at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Colorado Children's Chorale https://www.childrenschorale.org or Bayaud Enterprises https://www.bayaudenterprises.org

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