Body pulled from lake

By Charles Sheehan
Tribune staff reporter
Published December 28, 2005, 3:11 PM CST

Chicago police are investigating the death of a man whose body washed up today on Oak Street Beach on the city's North Side, police said.
A person who passed by the beach spotted the body about 10:30 a.m., said Officer Patrice Harper.
The body was identified as that of Kirk Harber, 49, of Nadeau, Mich. An autopsy was pending at the Cook County medical examiner's office to determine the cause of death.

CLTV and Tribune wire services contributed to this story.

Copyright © 2005, Chicago Tribune 

I thought I was dreaming. I thought that must be a common name. Kirk is only 49, the man who drowned was in his late sixties. I have to call Kirk and tell him he's dead!

He'll laugh and say "..nope, I'm still here, Thank God."

Some times you hope what you hear is wrong… and some times what you hear is truth… I had received confirmation from his sister, Sharon... It was my bass player. The age reported on the news was a mistake. Kirk was still registered as a Nadeau, MI resident. According to Sharon, he often went to the shore with his rosary to pray. Their mom and step-father had both passed this last summer. He was never lost, but recently found God, was baptized and very happy. Speculation is that he may have slipped on ice near the shore.

I am putting together a benefit for Kirk with the help of Kenny White and Bill Osman, as his funeral and such will be a burden on his sisters family.

The benefit will be held at:

American Dreams

207 S Lincolnway

North Aurora, IL

Feb. 19th, 2006

As of this posting the following bands will be performing:

• Bob Pecora - Master of Ceremonies

• Big Daddy Shark and the Fins (Hosts) - Kirk's Jam Night/classic rock band

• Chase Daniels and Western Star (Headline) - Kirk's steady band

• Twist and the Groove Machine featuring Twist Griffin and Al Sparks - Jam Night regulars

• American Rock Club - my steady band

• Great Big Noise featuring my Brother-From-Another-Mother Mark Hoffman

PLEASE NOTE: Donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Kirk Harber's name

Kirk's memorial service will be Thursday Jan. 5th at St. Clemens Church 642 W. Deming Place Chicago, IL