Iconic Disney legend inspired by Erika Kirk, forgives man who killed dad

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Erika Kirk's moving words during Charlie Kirk's memorial service have inspired Tim Allen to forgive the man he says killed his father.

Kirk's widow, in her address Sunday, said she was finding comfort that her husband left this world without regrets. She said she forgives the man who is charged with killing him.

"My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life," Erika Kirk, who is taking over as Turning Point's leader, said.

"I forgive him."

Those words have inspired Allen, known as the voice of Buzz Lightyear in Disney's "Toy Story" franchise, to take to social media and forgive as well.

"When Erika Kirk spoke the words on the man who killed her husband: 'That man... that young man... I forgive him,'" he posted on X. "That moment deeply affected me. I have struggled for over 60 years to forgive the man who killed my Dad. I will say those words now as I type: 'I forgive the man who killed my father.' Peace be with you all."

Allen's father, Gerald Dick, who was a real estate agent, died in a 1964 car accident when Allen was just 11 years old. The family was driving home from a University of Colorado football game when a drunk driver crossed the center line and struck the vehicle.

In a 2012 interview, per Preaching Today, Allen said, "Part of me still doesn't trust that everything will work out all right. I knew my father was dead, but I was never satisfied with why he was dead. I wanted answers that minute from God. 'Do you think this is funny? Do you think this is necessary?'

"And I've had a tumultuous relationship with my creator ever since."