President Bradley Wayne Kirk, president of the Philippines Naga Mission, passed away early Wednesday morning, September 4, at the age of 61, the Church announced in a statement.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Bradley Wayne Kirk,” said Church spokesman Daniel Woodruff in the statement. “We call upon people of faith to join us in praying for the comfort and well-being of the Kirk family at this difficult time. We also pray for the missionaries who will miss this wonderful and capable leader.”

President Kirk was taken to the hospital early Monday morning after having a stroke at home. He and his wife, Sister Shirley Kirk, have been serving since July 2019 and are from Clovis, California. They have three children.

In the announcement, the Church included a statement from the Kirk family: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our father, husband, grandfather, brother, and uncle. We find comfort that he passed while doing what he loved—serving the Lord in a place dear to his heart amongst a people he loved, with his lifelong sweetheart by his side.

“Our family has been overwhelmed with the public and private outpouring of the positive impact he has left on so many people,” the statement continued. “Although his time in Naga was short, he felt a deep love and appreciation for the missionaries. His love for family, music, the outdoors, and our Savior Jesus Christ will never be forgotten. We await the day of our joyful reunion.”

President Kirk was one of 399 mission presidents currently serving worldwide.