Kirk's Page
Rodney (Kirk) Vernon Kirkpatrick
Born in Spokane, Washington on Jun. 22,1932 Departed on Feb. 19, 2008 and resided in Kennewick, WA.
Rodney Vernon "Kirk" Kirkpatrick was born June 22, 1932, in Spokane, Washington, to John Elbert "Bert" and Irva (Magart) Kirkpatrick. He left this world peacefully in the arms of his family February 19, 2008 at his home in Kennewick, from a rare cancer.
Kirk was the very best kind of man, a wonderful husband, a fantastic father, and a loyal friend. He made every one.feellike they were special. There was nothing that he could not do with a little duct tape and some wire. Kirk was always willing to help family, friends, neighbors and strangers and expected nothing in return.
He was raised in Spokane, Millwood, and Lincoln Heights. He Graduated from Lewis & Clark High School June 1950. He was drafted into the U.S. Army Signal Corp during the Korean War. He attended Eastern Washington State College before going to work for Western Electric Company installing telephone central office equipment. After five years he transferred to Pacific NW Bell Telephone Co, working 7 years in Pasco, 7 years in Yakima and 11 years in Spokane, retiring from AT&T with 30 years Bell System service. As a retirement job he chose driving school bus in Yakima, Cowiche and Finley school districts for 12 years.
He had two children, John Burton and Janet Elaine, with his first wife Phyllis Anne Phillips. In 1972 he married Mary Rose Neely Williams and raised her daughter Kelly Marie as his own.
A member of the Pacific NW 4 Wheel Drive Association for 41 years, he loved jeeping mountain trails in his flat fender Jeep. He was also a member of the National Rifle Association and enjoyed big game hunting and fishing. January 7,2008 he caught his first steelhead, a 33 inch one. Thanks to Don Ford for giving him that joy.
His parents and children, Janet & Johnny preceded him in death. He is survived by Mary, his wife of 35 years, Kennewick, daughter Kelly and her husband Douglas Conner, Pasco, sister Patricia Leat Gull, Spokane, friends who are like his kids Brad & Deena Lindsey, West Richland and many special relatives, friends and kids who knew him as "Grandpa Kirk". He loved each of you.
Donations may be made to Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice, 2108 W Entiat Ave, Kennewick, WA 99336.
Memorial Service for Kirk will be held Saturday, February 23, 2008, 1 :30 p.m. at Moran Methodist Church, 3601 E. 65th, Spokane, WA. lnurnment will be in the spring at the Moran Prairie Cemetery, Spokane, WA.