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Post your message of encouragement. support. love. hope. to Cathy and Darrell Hirt

27 Guest posts

Lena Hansson Lena Hansson



Some written lines to you Tina, Alex, Karl and Mary P
and also for Karl C with family

from Lena and Tomas Hansson , our children with their families
Tobias with his wife Ida and their two small girls Molly and Jennifer
Annica and her boyfriend Johan
and among other relatives, specially my mother

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Cathy and Darrell have left mark on our world
the void left by them is infinitely
even though it is filled with their everyday deeds, thoughts and visions
and our own very personal memories of our intersecting life's
.. to not be able to give my dear friend a big hug, ..
I would love to give you Tina Alex and Karl a b i g h u g
fulfilled with all your needs

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A summer day in the 1970's in Vienna
Cathy looked at Lena and Lena looked at Cathy and they said:
"Let's go for a walk and talk!"
And these two, then 16 year old girls, keep their friendship still beyond death
As Cathy wrote in our 'True Friendship Book',
I believe we are in the "even longer" part now
after "for ever", as Winnie the Pooh said in
A. A. Milnes book

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I Talk to the Angels of my Adult Children.
- Do you still follow Them?
- Do you carry Their Wishes in your Hands?
- Do you know anything about
Their Struggleful Loneliness.

- And when They deny You and Life,
do you turn away and cry
but Still Stay?

- Oh Angels of my Adult Children!
- A parent may not intervene anymore,
but you may!
- A Mother can no longer advise
but your wisdom is God.

- Rest, by my Adult Children, Angels!
- Give Them Help to walk Through Bushes and Thicket,
to find The Right Way,
Their Only Way!
.......................................................
freely translated from the Finnish poet
Viola Renvall (1905-1998)

Marci Wixted Marci Wixted

I could never forget the amazing energy and playfulness both Kathy and Darrell brought to MP and Karl's wedding! Both loving, and loved. Just like their entire family. Forward always.

Margaret DeMoss Margaret DeMoss

Jim and I treasure the joyous, sometimes raucous, evenings spent with Cathy and Darrell in their home, and in the homes of others in our dinner group. What generous and fun hosts they were. Thank you, Carl, Alex and Tina for sharing them with us and for sharing yourselves these past weeks with so many of their friends. The funeral was in keeping with service to God and humanity lived so well by your parents. And Sunday's memorial bloomed glorious with nature's blessings of beauty and sunshine. I felt their smiles upon us all. We will continue to hold them and you in our hearts.

Robert Fernandez Robert Fernandez

Deeply saddened by this tragedy. Cathy and Darrell lived their lives to help others and were devoted to their children and family. Challenges were dealt with on a personal and private level, but they did not stop them from staying involved in the community. She would always "talk my ear off" (her words in a recent text and thank you card) when we had lunch to celebrate our birthdays or catch up and apologize at the end because I had to get to the office and she wanted to keep talking. Both were traveling a bit more and enjoying life. Her strong and passionate Catholic beliefs did not stop her from embracing Larry Wilson and I in our relationship and recently asked if we were going to get married. I know they are in a better place but they will be missed by many of us. Eternal hugs to you both.

Diane Criswell Diane Criswell

Cathy and Darrell were the couple everyone wishes to have in their life. They shared themselves unselfishly with others . I will miss our chats and her laughs and his bearhugs. Karl ,MaryPat,Alex and Tina they also shared you all in their praise and admiration of all you have become. I loved the notes and cards. The last thing l
Did was leave a message to phone me when she returned. The example they left us
Is a foot print for all to follow. So my friends you will always be with us.

Cathy and Bob Estrada Cathy and Bob Estrada

Bob and Cathy Estrada with "Her Highness" at Rehearsal Dinner for Karl and Mary Pat.
Truly a Queen of the People!

Cathy and Bob Estrada Cathy and Bob Estrada

Cathy and Bob Estrada:
We will always cherish the precious time spent with Cathy and Darrell the last week end of August, 2015, at their beloved and beautiful retreat in Santa Fe. The Hirt's were not only perfect hosts, but fellow opera buffs who treated us to a wonderful production of Verdi's Rigoletto at the Santa Fe Opera. The next night we enjoyed a wonderful "farewell" dinner at Geronimo's in Santa Fe, where we made plans to travel together in January of 2016 to the Houston Grand Opera's coming production of The Marriage of Figaro. It will be a hollow celebration without Cathy and Darrell sitting by our side. We will remember so many wonderful evenings in each other's homes, just a few house away from each other on Hillcrest Street. And the laughs shared, not to mention the serious community service both Cathy's shared, living their mutual passion for education and reform and serving on public service boards together, and Darrell and Bob's constant brainstorming on making the Texas Longhorns national champions again.
We will never sit through another opera without thinking of Cathy and Darrell surrounded by the most angelic voices of all time, humming along to their favorite scores. BRAVO, dear friends, BRAVO.

Barbara Smith Barbara Smith

My thoughts go out to the Hirt family during this time. It was fun getting to know Cathy and Darrell through Tina at work. They were so thoughtful and kind. They have left an amazing legacy through the three wonderful children they raised. Tina's sweetness, humor, and hardworking attitude are a gentle reflection of her parents. I also always enjoyed Tina relaying stories of their many travels. May the Lord bless them as they are on a new journey together beyond this life. -Barbara (and Ben) Smith

Michael Johnston Michael Johnston

One of the greatest privileges that I have had is to call myself a friend of Cathy Hirt. We first met many years ago when her neighborhood association was involved in a zoning issue and she asked for my help. I then had the privilege of being the treasurer for her first city council campaign. During that time, I came to realize that Cathy passionately cared about the neighborhood where she lived and the broader neighborhood of Fort Worth. In addition to her passion, she was highly intelligent. As a result, she became one of the most effective city council members that Fort Worth has ever had.

Cathy had the courage to state her beliefs, even if they may not have been popular at the time. For example, she had the vision to see that, with the explosion of electronic communication, traditional conventions would become less frequent. As a result, she believed that the city could better utilize its resources by not spending millions of dollars to renovate the convention center. Her vision turned out to be accurate.

After Cathy's unsuccessful mayoral bids, it could have been easy for her to "write off" Fort Worth. Instead, she did the opposite. She became more involved, especially on issues involving schools. Cathy was a passionate supporter of the Fort Worth Girl's Academy. When we last visited, approximately two weeks before her trip to Hungary, Cathy shared with me her insight about how quality public school education was critical to the development of Fort Worth. We talked about how cities in North Texas with far fewer cultural and business amenities than Fort Worth were landing corporate headquarters. The thing those cities have that Fort Worth is missing, is a perception of quality public school education that Fort Worth doesn't have.

I have lost a real friend in Cathy, but, more tragically, Fort Worth has lost a true champion.

Elsy Philip Elsy Philip

It is with great shock and sadness that I received the news that Dr. Hirt and Cathy were in a car accident that took their lives. I met Dr. Hirt 24 years ago when he joined Tarrant Nephrology Associates. He was very approachable, kind and generous. He was compassionate to his patients, dedicated to his practice, and it seemed that nothing was beneath him. I remember a time when he was found on his knees on the dialysis treatment floor performing CPR on a patient. He was also a good administrator. It was a joy to be around him during the various meetings at the dialysis facilities. He was always pleasant and very supportive of me as the Regional Director. Together with the clinical team, we resolved many issues in the centers where he was the medical director. I feel blessed to have worked with Dr. Hirt for all these years. I met Cathy on a few occasions, and I had the privilege of working for her campaign when she ran for Fort Worth Mayor. I found her very energetic, charming, and with a positive attitude. They will both be missed, and their family will remain in our prayers. I am comforted knowing they trusted in the promise of Jesus who says, “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.” (John 6:40)

Joan Scott Joan Scott

Don and I loved Darrell and Cathy. We got together as often as our schedules allowed and always had a fun, stimulating time together. Cathy and Darrell were scheduled to visit us in CA this summer, but had to reschedule because of Darrell's doc duties; they promised to come this fall or next spring. Now that will never happen.

The Hirts lived large, had great passion for life and for each other; the love was palpable. They were good, decent, polite, kind people. We miss them terribly.

And, yes, that laugh of Cathy's. I can still hear it!

Kathi Lewis Kathi Lewis

I worked with Dr. Hirt for 15 years in chronic , acute and home dialysis. He was my medical director for 10 years in the Home Therapy unit. I always knew that he supported me and provided encouragement when I needed it. He always remembered to ask me about my grandchildren and gave me a lot of travel advice when I visited Germany. We didn't see each other as much over the last few years, but we still spoke often on the phone about patients. I spoke to him just before his trip, never thinking I would never hear his voice again. I met Cathy Hirt a few times and what impressed me was the strength and positive attitude she always displayed. When I saw them together, the quiet support and admiration Dr. Hirt felt was obvious. Both of these folks made changes for the better where ever they could. Their absence will be felt through out this community.
I have been praying for their family to find strength and peace.

Elizabeth Chambers Elizabeth Chambers

News of Dr. Hirt's passing has left me in shock. I worked with him for 13yrs. He will really be missed. He was a compassionate, generous & caring soul. I feel like I have lost a family member. I pray that God will grant his family the PEACE that surpasses ALL understanding. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble." Psalm 46:1 Rest in Peace Dr. & Mrs. Hirt! Elizabeth, SFW Unit.

Karl Hirt Karl Hirt

Mom and Dad in Austin

Debbie Lindsey Debbie Lindsey

I had the honor and privilege to work with Dr. Hirt for 25 years at the dialysis centers associated with TNA- first in Arlington and then at the South Fort Worth clinic where he was the Medical Director for 24 years. He was a very kind, devoted doctor and mentor. He genuinely cared for the patients that he followed in the clinic and in his practice. He was very intelligent and even with his hectic schedule, he always took the time to answer my questions about the nephrology world and medicine in general. Dr. Hirt was very supportive of me as the dietitian in the clinic and I always appreciated his concern for the total care of our patients and the staff, as well. Over the years, we shared experiences of raising our children, travel, books, movies, and everyday life. He dearly loved his wife and was so very proud of her and their children- Karl, Alex, Tina, and Mary Pat. Dr. Hirt provided great advice on travel, giving tips on things to do, places to see, where to eat almost anywhere in the world. He always encouraged me to go to Mallorca and my husband and I were finally able to make that trip this past May. His travel tips were greatly appreciated as we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Dr. Hirt and I were both diehard Longhorn fans as graduates of UT and I know he was smiling this past Saturday when we beat OU! He will be greatly missed by our patients, our staff, and the many people he came in contact with each day. I will miss him but believe that I have been so blessed to have known and worked with this kind doctor who is still traveling with his wife on an eternal journey. God speed Dr. Darrell Hirt!