Kirk Clifford Eklund was born September 6, 1968 in Seattle WA and lived in Washington his whole life. He has one sister, Kimberly Eklund Beelitz.

In 1987 he graduated from Decatur high school, where he played football and wrestled. Kirk also played soccer for 12 years in Federal Way. After graduation he went to work at Pacific Prop. in Kent. Kirk was laid off but later returned to Pacific Prop. where he worked until his death.

In 2001, Kirk married his wife Patricia (Trish). Their daughter Brooke was born in 2004.

Kirk inherited his dad's love of open wheel racing. He started racing midgets at 20, belonging to the Washington Midget Racing association. When his daughter was old enough he switched from driving to being a dad of a quarter midget racer. He was still involved with racing until he fell ill. Kirk is also survived by his mother, Diane, and numerous nieces and nephews.