Brian E. Newkirk, age 57 of Paris formerly of Wisconsin, passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at his home. He was born June 16, 1954 in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Philip and Patricia (Pfeiffer) Newkirk. Brian enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching football; especially the Wisconsin Badgers and the Green Bay Packers. He lived his life helping others and he would quote, "It's not about who's right, it's about what's right." Brian always brought a smile to everyone's face. He cherished his children and grandchildren. Brian was a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle; he will be missed by everyone. He is survived by his loving wife, Laurie (Venema) Newkirk of Paris; his children, Nicole (Jeff) Langenhahn of WI, Brian James (Rachel) Newkirk of WI, Keith (Fawn) Henry of Grand Rapids and Steven (Kari) Henry of Grand Rapids; 10 grandchildren, Lauren, Nicholas, Gavin, Hannah, Shayla, Levi, Lily, Austin, Nora and Jordon; his mother, Patricia Newkirk of WI; 7 brothers and sisters, Philip Newkirk, Beverly Smith, Brett (Barb) Newkirk, Sandy (Bob) Miller, Raoul (Judy) Newkirk, Vicki Fisher and Chris (Chrissy) Newkirk; many nieces and nephews; mother and father-in-law, Sherwin J. (Marilyn) Venema of Bitely; brother and sister""in""law, Steve (Paula) Venema. Brian was preceded in death by his father, Philip Newkirk and his sister-in-law, Reggie Newkirk. The family will greet friends on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A funeral service for Brian is being planned for 12:00 p.m. Monday, July 18, 2011 at the Bruce Federated Church, 730 N. 2nd St., Bruce, WI 54819. He will be laid to rest at Bruce Cemetery.