ATU Mourns Barbara D. Kirk, ATU Member and Wife of International Secretary-Treasurer Kenneth Kirk
The ATU family is mourning the loss of Barbara D. Kirk, an ATU member for almost three decades and wife of International Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk, who passed away on October 18, 2026, at 64.
“Ken and I have worked side by side for years, and Barbara was his partner in every sense, and a sister to all of us in this Union,” said International President John Costa. “Barbara was also a transit worker, a Steward, and a fighter for her coworkers. She knew this union from the inside as an Operator, and she brought that same strength, passion, and heart to everything she did, including her family who she loved deeply. On behalf of the entire ATU family, I send our heartfelt condolences to Ken, the Kirk family and everyone who loved her. We’ll miss you, Barbara, Rest in Power.”
Barbara was born on June 4, 1962, in Dallas, Texas, and started her career in public transit in 1989 as a Mobility Operator for TCT, then joined Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) as a Bus Operator in 1996.
Barbara became an active member of ATU Local 1338-Dallas, TX, and served as a Shop Steward and Vice President of the Local 1338 Black Caucus Chapter, where she stood up for her coworkers and made sure their voices were heard. Barbara spoke her mind, held firm to her convictions, and believed deeply in fairness and community.
After nearly 25 years in the industry, Barbara retired in January 2014 so she could spend more time in one of her most cherished roles of grandmother. Barbara, who was an extraordinarily talented and trained cook, also got more time to feed her family and friends, and travel.
Her family says Barbara had “the strength of a lion and the heart of a dove.” She could be bold, outspoken, and fiercely protective, but she was also deeply tender with the people she loved.
Above all, Barabara was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her legacy lives on in her family and in the memories made around tables full of food, laughter, and good company.