🦋 Kirk's Family 🦋

February 26th, 2019 was and always will be, the worst day in our lives. 

I lost not only my youngest child, but a son who I had a special bond with, the one who confided in me, hugged me no matter who was around, told me “I love you” at the end of every conversation and still wanted to hang out with mum. I miss when we would drive home and just sit in the garage in the car and talk, not rushing to go inside, I miss the road trips to baseball games, watching our TV shows together and all the special little things we did.  

His sisters, Rikki and Serena, lost not just a little brother, but a best friend, a companion, their "Bubba", the one they loved to be with.  When they were all together, it was always a fun-time.  My “three musketeers,” playing board games, sing alongs on road trips, snuggled up together watching movies, and just loving being together.  He had a special bond with each of his sisters, they both doted on him and he loved them with all his heart. 

Kirk's grandparents, Lesley and Roger Keller, loved to travel to watch him play, whether in Campbell or elsewhere.   The last time they saw Kirk play was in Reno, August 2018.   David, his father, had dreams of him playing in the MLB.  

Kirk’s smile and laughter were just seconds away, always at the ready to do something goofy to make you laugh too.  A one in a million who will never be again. The loss of Kirk has devastated us and we miss him every day.

We love you now, always, and forever

💙🐻🐻🐻 🦋

Knowing and being around Kirk Vasquez was an honor and I am thankful for having him in my life. He wasn’t only a member of the California Bulldog team but a brother to all. He was the player who lifted teammates, threw gems and smiled as he crushed the ball over outfielders heads.  He was the kid we called the Unicorn because there was no other person like him. His passion for the game was enough to drag the best out of the players. He would just show that there is more to life and wanted the best for everyone.  We spent numerous road trips together on a plane and driving in a car. He would talk from San Jose to LA about baseball and life. He would just tell us how lucky he was and how he wanted to be in the MLB, fascinating stories that I wish I could keep hearing. He wanted to make an impact at the University of Pacific and make us all proud.  I would tell him I was proud of him as a Bulldog and person. Kirk was my other kid, people would say. He would crack up and call me "dad".  Little did I know what an absolute great young man I was bonding with.  Thank you Kirk for allowing me to know such a great person and great player. I miss you daily as my Unicorn and kid -  

Ernie Sarinana -#playfor8

I got to coach Kirk on a few different occasions, most recently the 16u USA Championships in Arizona. What I can tell everyone is that Kirk was a star. No doubt about it. A very good player with a huge future- even bigger than he probably knew. He was underrated to be honest. But more than his baseball skill: Kirk was smart and funny, and he was also… kind. In the testosterone soaked world of sports, kindness is pretty underrated too.  It hasn’t gotten any  easier, you know? How do we fill the empty spaces that should have been filled with his laughter? We all lost so much. It’s hard to even write about Kirk without living in that hurt.   The KV8 foundation honors everything that was good  about Kirk. It keeps his memory present, and it looks to help those with the same dreams he had. It also gives those of us who feel the loss a purpose: to honor Kirk by being the best versions of ourselves and help others like Kirk to achieve their dream - Adam Farb, NCTB

Kirk wasn’t your normal kid. He was a kid that lit up the room with just one smile. The first time I met him was when we were trying out for Campbell Pony. We were both in the outfield, and I remember everyone was surrounding him because he was cracking the funniest jokes. After that is when I knew he was special. I was so lucky to be put on the same team as him in Pony and our bond grew even stronger when he joined the Bulldogs. I can’t even put it into words how much he meant to me. I know he isn’t here with us physically, but he’s here with us spiritually, and every game he’s looking down from the heavens supporting his brothers. I miss you so much Kirk. You were my brother and you always will be. Everything is for you. I love you so much.   Fly High Kirky - 

Hayden Matulich

Kirk was a special character who shined both on and off the field. His bright and kind personality could lighten up anyone’s day. His fun loving spirit and witty sense of humor was one of a kind. Kirk showed people that a positive attitude could go a long way. He was somebody I looked up to as a role model and he will never be forgotten -

Ian Torpey 

Kirk committed to the University of Pacific for baseball. He was a lefty pitcher, with all the talent in the world. He was a skinny, lengthy kid but could throw the ball like no other. He was one of the best baseball players I knew, but also one of the purest friends I had. We spent hours hanging out on and off the field, and he always had a smile on his face and would make you laugh even on your darkest days.  Although he went to Westmont, I luckily got to play on Bulldogs with him year round. Going to different cities and states for showcases just made us bond even more. We became brothers. A brotherhood that could never be broken. Always in my heart Kirky - Joey Taddie

 Kirk was my best friend first, and boyfriend second.  There wasn't a day that went by without him putting a smile on my face, he was my number one supporter through the bad and the good, and he'll forever be my happy place - Audrey Salvador 💞

There's no other like him, he's just perfect & I will forever cherish every moment we had, fly high Kirk - John Gedam

Kirk was the funniest and most genuinely happy person I've ever met.  He brought light into everyone's lives and I will be forever grateful for that - Ilana Tenberg

Friends since kindergarten, Kirk was one of the only friends of mine who never made fun of the way I looked or what I wore, he was always so nice and funny - Aidan Kushmaul

Kirk was the type of guy that would never let you down.  You could always count on him to listen and cheer you up.  He was so nice and caring and will be missed forever 💙 - Mia Davis 

Loving, caring, and always laughing; every moment I spent with Kirk was filled with smiles and endless joy ❤️- Kenzie Durill

Kirk was a really great friend for a long time.  He was one of the funniest people I've ever known and he could easily light up a room.  He was also super nice and made sure everyone around him felt important and comfortable.  He was one of the best people I've ever met.  I miss him a ton.  #KV8 - Jackson Wegner

His smile and laugh brought a smile to my face everyday. He could crack one joke and it always cheered me up & put me in a better mood - Mia Sredanovich