Carolann Fisher-Linn-
Previously unknown to me, I had the opportunity to “meet” Carl Kirchner posthumously, through the stories told by his long-time fiancée, Alison Edwards. This perpetually on-the-move guy got stopped in his tracks on May 12 driving one of his beloved Harley’s when he hit a deer on Maples Road. Although he survived the accident while properly helmeted, Carl sustained traumatic brain injury and succumbed on September 22. 2022. He was 68.
Born in Niagara Falls, NY, Carl lived in Sanborn and Lockport (where he got his start in the ski industry at Snowflake Ski Shop, then Kissing Bridge) until 21 years ago when he moved to Ellicottville to manage the Holiday Valley Mountain Shops. He knew the sports clothing industry well and could generally find exactly what a customer needed. He loved skiing, so he naturally had first-hand knowledge of the demands on the clothing to keep a customer comfortable and warm.
In the summers, Carl worked at American Harley Davidson in North Tonawanda, and at Gowanda Harley Davidson. He knew the Harley bikes inside and out, so he proved to be a valuable employee and a great resource for his Hog motorcycle buddies. When he wasn’t working, he was doing things around the house or he and Alison were off on a motorcycle adventure, near or far. They particularly loved heading off to New Hampshire on the 34.5-mile Kancamagus Highway in northern NH that is known as one of the best fall foliage viewing areas in the country (but then, there is Ellicottville, right?). It’s no wonder they loved the area between the scenery, the covered bridges, and the New Englanders’ friendliness. Of course, Alison relates that Carl knew no strangers, just friends he hadn’t met. “No matter where we traveled, even out of state, Carl would bump into someone he knew.”
Carl was quite a character, in a good way. He would draw people into conversation, sometimes even when they didn’t want to engage. Usually a very happy guy, Alison was told by a friend that “Carl could be ‘annoying,’ but the kind of annoying you can’t help but love.” Alison said that “Carl had a BIG personality and those around him loved to feed off it. And he loved that.” An unrestrained hugger, and firm, warm handshaker, he loved life and greeted it head on, with an optimistic smile.
Carl’s optimism was put to the test when his 11-year-old son, Daniel, sustained a head injury playing baseball. X-rays revealed a life-threatening tumor, which Daniel fought for a period, ultimately succumbing two days before 9/11. The double tragedy left Carl reeling but with time and compassionate friends, Carl pulled himself together and continued with what may have been his life-purpose, to be a spirit of love and humor and friendship to those around him. As Alison pointed out, “when Carl was in town, everyone knew he was there.” He loved life and was always genuinely happy to see and talk with people. He quickly made friends and continued to keep in contact, even long distance. Carl was always fun to be around, but moreover, he was loving and caring, and did not hesitate to show it. A problem solver, Carl was also an intent listener, offering sound advice when asked.
Carl loved good food, especially anything Italian paired with is favorite Titos vodka and soda. He enjoyed the Buffalo Bills but more so enjoyed being a spectator at hockey. A blues fan and all-around music lover, he enjoyed hanging at Balloons on Blues Night, even getting up to dance, and encouraging others to join, in his most charming, yet persuasive way.
Carl leaves behind a daughter, Jenna Kirschner of Canandaigua, and two beloved grandchildren, Piper (5) and Lincoln (8) Corley. He will be greatly missed by Alison’s 13-year-old daughter Ainsley, who looked at Carl as her stepdad since Alison and Carl started dating right after Ainsley’s birth. Alison smiles and chuckles talking about Carl’s peculiarities and antics, but she acknowledges the bigger-than-life hole left in her heart. He always wanted to head where the front wheel took him, with the wind in his face and joy in his heart. He got his wish.
Alison invites Carl’s friends and family to a Celebration of Carl’s life which will be held at the Main Lodge at Holiday Valley on his 69th birthday, December 3, from 1pm to 4pm. Memorials honoring Carl can be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Please check my byline in The Villager next week for a tribute to another Ellicottville presence, Dekdebrun’s “The Bootman,” Tim Cummiskey.