The Chehalis community continues to mourn the passing of Dr. Greg Kirsch, a former superintendent of the Chehalis School District who is remembered for the love he had for education and for his community.
Kirsch died Sunday, March 20, at his home in Chehalis, surrounded by loved ones, according to his obituary.
He was 76.
Kirsch served as superintendent of the Chehalis School District from 1995 through 2010. Early on in his 15-year tenure at Chehalis, the community passed a school improvement bond for Cascade, R.E. Bennett and Olympic Elementary Schools. Kirsch created the school district’s first technology committee, which included staff and community members and led strategic planning for Chehalis Schools, as well as other districts in the region, according to the district. He formalized the beginning of the molecular genetics program at W.F West High School, which has grown into a widely recognized STEM program, and also established the Chehalis Community Cares Program to financially assist students in need.
Kirsch’s 15-year tenure at the district was the second-longest of any Chehalis schools superintendent, according to his obituary.
“All of the Chehalis School District family was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Greg Kirsch,” said Chehalis Human Resources Director Debby Gregory in a written statement. “He was a well-respected member of our community and served with great pride and care (for) all of the students, families, and staff in the Chehalis School District from (1995) to 2010. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Dr. Kirsch will be sorely missed.”
Prior to his service in Chehalis, Kirsch served for several years as deputy superintendent of the Yelm School District. He also served nine years as the state director of special education at the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
“Kirsch was a lifelong advocate of education, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, director of special education, assistant superintendent and superintendent in a public education career that spanned over 44 years,” states his obituary.
Kirsch is survived by his wife, Katrina; his children, Jeremy (Alicia) and Ali (Ryan); his brother, Dennis (Sue); five grandchildren, (Jeremy’s) Ryan, Jonathan and Elizabeth and (Ali’s) Hudson and Elena. Greg is also survived by his beloved 18-year-old dog, Lucy.
Funeral services were held on March 26 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chehalis.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in memory of Greg Kirsch may be directed to the Dr. Greg Kirsch Memorial Scholarship (chehalisfoundation.org) or the Community Cares Fund, both through the Chehalis School District, 310 SW 16th St., Chehalis, Washington, 98532.
