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Obituary for Kirk Ruffner Couch
Rochester, NY: It is with great sadness that the family of Kirk Ruffner Couch announces his death June 15, 2023 at Strong Memorial Hospital. Kirk was 62 years old and died of aspirated pneumonia caused by muscular dystrophy.
A 1980 graduate of Allendale Columbia School and a 1984 graduate of Boston University, Kirk was a natural, standout athlete who excelled at every sport he tried: hockey, soccer, lacrosse, and baseball. He was recruited to play soccer in college, but later also played club hockey. After he graduated from B.U., he remained in the Boston area for almost 20 years and competed in his free time in other individual sports such as biking, inline skating, and speed skating, and watched his beloved B.U. hockey team play as often as possible. He was a whiz at assembling, caring for and repairing bicycles, loved photography, and was a big car enthusiast.
With a B.A. in Psychology, Kirk counseled a variety of clients, including those who were mentally ill, dually diagnosed, substance abusers, had special needs or were homeless. He was recognized by the Homeless Services division of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health for Outstanding Service to Homeless Mental Health Consumers in the Metro Boston area. He also managed several group homes.
Kirk returned to Rochester in 2002. In 2014, he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, an incurable, debilitating disease. Despite this, he continued to work and drive until close to the end. He led a valiant 10-year fight against his weakening muscles, rarely complained and faced it all so bravely.
Kirk is survived by his parents, Sarah Ann Swan Couch and Henry Ruffner Couch, Jr. of Penfield, NY; his sister, Lissa Couch Seeberger (George J. Seeberger) of Wilton, CT; his uncle, Robert Rennie McQuilkin of Bloomfield, CT; his cousins, Eleanor McQuilkin Burns (Dr. Archibald S. Perkins) of Rochester, NY, Sarah McQuilkin Leverett of Colorado Springs, CO, Robert Rennie McQuilkin, Jr. (William B. Russell, Jr.) of Tuxedo Park, NY, Lina Robinson Hart (Charles T. Hart) of Chattanooga, TN; and his nephew, Andrew George Seeberger and niece, Gabriella Anna Egdahl Seeberger, both of Wilton, CT.
There will be no calling hours. A memorial celebration at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Rochester, NY will be held at a later date. To leave online condolences for Kirk’s parents and sister or to share stories about Kirk, which we would welcome, please click on the “Share a Memory” button to the left.
To plant a tree in memory of Kirk Ruffner Couch, visit the Tribute Store.
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