He had just completed the final journey in a railway career which spanned almost 50 years.
Mr Kirk started as a locomotive trainee in Dunedin in 1959, aged 16.
He progressed from locomotive assistant (or "fireman") to driver on steam trains and later diesel-electric locomotives.
"I must admit I had a bit of a lump in my throat when I turned the loco off for the last time.
''The last 10 years have just flown by," he said.
His infatuation with rail started at a young age.
He would often "keep an eye on things" at rail yards near his home in Arthurs Pass and occasional rides on steam trains made a lasting impression.
He later mostly drove between Dunedin and Timaru or Temuka, and Invercargill, and described runs to Central Otago and north of Dunedin as "real favourites".
Working on steam trains was the highlight of his career, as it was technically demanding and required good concentration.
Teamwork between the driver and fireman was also essential.
The pair would know every curve on a long rail journey and would "almost instinctively" anticipate gradients, and increase and decrease power and speed.
In the late 1950s, 29 steam and four diesel locomotives were based in Dunedin.
In 1966, the bulk of the fleet was replaced with diesel-electric Mitsubishi locomotives.
Steam locomotives ceased operating in 1972.
In the 1960s, about 150 drivers and firemen were based in Dunedin.
Today, there were only 19 drivers.
His last day was "emotional", but Mr Kirk said he would not miss the night shifts, or the numerous "hairy moments".
"I'm probably one of two drivers in New Zealand who has avoided a serious level-crossing accident.
''But I've still had two or three close shaves, on average, every week.
''It's usually people going around barriers.
''Often, they hear the horn and have just stopped in the nick of time."
However, he was driving a train which hit a four-wheel-drive vehicle near Timaru several years ago.
The 2000-tonne freight train was travelling at 80kmh and braked 400m from the point of impact.
The occupants of the vehicle, which had crossed the tracks between farm land, jumped from the vehicle just before the collision.
In retirement, Mr Kirk, a keen tramper, will continue to assist the Otago Youth Adventure Trust with outdoor activities.
He may also take an interest in Dunedin-based historic steam rail hobby groups.
