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Carter Webb Kirk died Tuesday, December 23, 2003 at Albuquerque Regional Medical Center. Born January 2, 1916 in Falls City, Nebraska, Mr. Kirk moved to New Mexico in 1947. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Marjory; daughter, Kristin Hakanson, and husband John of Alamogordo; two grandsons, John Hakanson and wife of Decatur, Texas, and Eric Hakanson of Alamogordo; two great-grandsons, Carter and Seth; a dear niece, Patricia Blake, and a much-loved caring friend, Annie Achay. To them and additional friends and relatives, comrades, compadres and associates, employers and employees, he expresses thanks for making his life at worst tolerable, and at best joyful and exciting. A veteran of World War II and Korea, Mr. Kirk was an Appraiser and Realtor. Mr. Kirk served as Bernalillo County Assessor in 1957-58. Disturbed by the discrepancies in assessment of like properties within the County, Mr. Kirk unilaterally established and published a County assessment rate of 16% of value and originated the advance mailing of notices of proposed assessments. The property owner was urged to report questionable figures and appraisers were assigned to review the properties. The Albuquerque Board of Realtors was supportive and many members thereof volunteered time to help in this effort. Mr. Kirk was also the first to employ a computer (punch card). He was elected to head the NM Association of County Assessors. He helped found the original Albuquerque Chapter of the Society of Residential Appraisers and served as the first president thereof. In later years Mr. Kirk helped in founding the New Mexicans for Improvement of the Judicial System, later renamed Court Update, and served as President for two years. This group sought appointment of Justices in the various courts as opposed to election. The New Mexico Bar Association granted the Outstanding Citizen's Award for this effort in 1976. Mr. Kirk served as a New Mexico Representative to WICHE (Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education) in the late 60's and in the 70's was a member of the New Mexico Amigos. As a resident of Deming from 1961 -1982, while associated with the Deming Ranchettes, a nationally advertised subdivision, Mr. Kirk served as State Representative from the then district of Luna and Hidalgo Counties. Upon retirement in 1983, Mr. Kirk returned to Albuquerque. Since 1985 he has spent part of each year in Lady Lake, Florida. Mr. Kirk was a member of the Albuquerque Country Club. He and Marjory enjoyed cruising and traveling throughout the world. The body has been cremated. Services will be private. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th ST. NW. ABQ. 505-343-8008.
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