EASTHAMPTON - Kirk Alexander Yamilkoski, 49, of Everett Street, Easthampton, passed unexpectedly on Nov. 8, 2009.

He was born in Holyoke on Sept. 10, 1960, the son of Joan Cantin Yamilkoski and the late Chester Yamilkoski. He attended Easthampton schools and graduated from Easthampton High School's Class of 1978.

He also graduated from Automotive School U.T.S. in Springfield. Kirk had some of the sharpest edges and softest spots a human being could have. Regardless which were in view, he was always completely present; one knew when he arrived and when he left.

His avocations were many and varied - cars, chess, dragons, everything on the Discovery and History channels, women he could rescue. He was a committed Seahawk and a fun and loyal champion of the underdog. He had incredible comic timing, a wit his sister envied; creative skills his brother admired; and more patience with the things he loved than one would ever expect of such a mercurial individual. He worked as a projectionist in the family theaters, a mechanic, car restorer and welder.

Besides his mother of Easthampton, he is survived by one sister, Lisa Yamilkoski; one brother, Mark Yamilkoski and wife Marguerite of Cummington; nieces and nephews, Aaron, Ashley and Lauren; and his roommate Sammy, his cat which was left on his doorstep with one can of food.

Funeral services will be Tuesday Nov. 17, at 10:30 a.m. in the Mitchell Funeral Home, 15 Park St., Easthampton.

Burial will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Monday from 3 to 8 p.m. Gifts in his memory may be given to the Easthampton Ambulance Fund, in care of the Easthampton Fire Department on Payson Avenue, Easthampton, MA 01027, or to the WNECA Youth Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 99, Irving, MA, 01344, or to the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, 168 Montague Road, Leverett, MA 01054.