Francis Bernard Kirsch IV, "Kip", 43, of Suffolk, died unexpectedly, Thursday, December 11, 2014. He was born in Portsmouth to Linda Watson Pace and Bernie Kirsch. He is survived by his sisters, Robin and husband Kevin Martin of Spring, Texas, and Lisa and husband Kendall Rump of Fishers, Indiana, niece Lauren Martin and nephews Collin Martin and Benjamin and Joseph Rump, a host of cousins, aunts and uncles as well his dog, Bo, his best friend. He was a well-loved and loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend and master.

Kip was an outdoorsman, simply the best of that group. He knew the forest, the ocean, our rivers, hunting, crabbing, fishing and treating his friends and family to his many harvests. He spent his life becoming an expert in the outdoors and was widely respected by his peers.

A memorial service for his friends and family to honor Kip will be held at 11 AM, on Monday, December 15, 2014 in Foster Funeral Home, 1926 High Street, Portsmouth, VA. A private family burial will be held at a later date. You are encouraged to make a gift to your local Humane Society.