Richard Lord Kirk; Retired BMI Executive

Richard Lord Kirk, a former executive for Broadcast Music Inc., has died. He was 86.

Born on June 12, 1912, Kirk was raised in Curwensville, Pa. After graduating from Curwensville High School, Kirk studied at Pennsylvania State University and received a bachelor’s degree.

A lieutenant in the Navy during World War II, Kirk was stationed in the Pacific.

After the war, Kirk returned to school and received a law degree from Harvard University. He went to work for BMI in New York City and later transferred to Los Angeles, where he oversaw writer and publisher relations.

In 1973, Kirk married Trudy Van Suchtelen van de Haare and the couple lived in Beverly Hills. They later moved to Camarillo.

When Kirk retired in 1978, BMI established the Richard Kirk Award for career achievement.

In addition to his wife, Kirk is survived by his former wife, Bonnie Marie Cary of Kansas City, Mo.; his son, Christopher Kirk of Kansas City; his stepdaughter and her husband, Celestine and Robert Feldman; a niece and a nephew.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. today at Trinity Presbyterian Church of Camarillo, 2304 Antonio Ave. A service will follow at Ivy Law Memorial Park in Ventura.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to a favorite charity.

Pierce Brothers Griffin Mortuary, Camarillo, is handling the arrangements.