Kirk T. Engel, 48, of Bethel Park, died suddenly Saturday, April 24, 2004. Mr. Engel enjoyed music, playing guitar and singing for St. Anne’s Church.   from PittsburghLive.com

Statement From his close friend;

Tom Breiding

from Tom Breiding Guest book

Hi everyone,
I received very sad news on Saturday. My good friend and bandmate, Kirk Engel, died unexpectedly on Saturday morning. Kirk and I co-fronted the Mud Dogs for several years in the 90’s. He and I hit it off the day we met, and that chemistry always found its way to the stage. I shared some of my most memorable and unforgettable moments as a performer on stage with him.
Kirk was an extraordinary musician and he remains the most unique guitar player I’ve ever worked with.
After the Mud Dog days, Kirk became an original member of American Son. With Alex, Nathan, and Jamie, we did a handful of gigs including The Show of Support for American Steel at Rosebud. Kirk sat in on "Night Shift Blues" from Guitar and Pen; and he played lead guitar on "Out in the Cold," "Fight for Love," and one of my favorite tracks, "You Don’t Want to Lose Her," from Happy Hour in the Round Hotel. I shared the stage with Kirk at a pivotal time in my career. He played a big part in helping me to develop into the performer I am today.
Above all, Kirk was a good man and a good father. I will miss him dearly.
Tom

2004-04-26

From Jim Hamel
Unlike many blues guitarists that seem to be "Strat Wielding"," Cookie Cutter" reproductions of SRV, Clapton and Hendrix,…… Kirk was "his own musician".

He even made this evident in the type of guitar that he played.
His main Axe was a "Parker Fly".

And just like his Guitar, Kirk was;

 More Unique, Better Sounding, Smoother Playing and More Versatile than most Guitarists.

He was Influential to many younger guitarists including Dante Maruca and myself.

He influenced Dante to play the blues.

He influenced me, by reaffirming my belief that it’s O. K. to be a little different from the rest of the pack.

Kirk was different……he was More! 
—Jim