Stevensville – Sunday, November 10th was a most amazing day for John Howard Kirkpatrick and a bittersweet day for his family here on Earth. He returned to glory with a crowd of relatives and friends welcoming him to Heaven as he was enfolded into the loving arms of his Savior.
Howard was born on December 30, 1929 in Arborfield, Saskatchewan, the second child born to John Gordon Kirkpatrick and Thelma Ethel Piper that year.
He grew up in Eastern Washington and graduated from Walla Walla High School where he met Bonnie June Lamb as she dripped glue into his ear in Science class. Immediately he knew they would be stuck together forever. And they were.
He was drafted into the US Army and served in the Korean conflict. Upon return, he and Bonnie married and moved to Seattle. They bought a house just outside of the city limits in Shoreline and raised their family there, spending much time teaching their kids values, how to work hard, have fun and to love their Savior. This last April he moved to Stevensville to live with his daughter and son-in-law.
From an early age, Howard was a hard worker, always industrious, earning his own way. He delivered the Walla Walla Union Bulletin for a first job. Other jobs included working at Sand Point Golf Course, Ivan W. Lee, running a popsicle business for neighborhood kids and starting and managing Aurora Lawnmower near Green Lake for 60+ years. He was the first Vespa dealer on the West coast.
He volunteered many hours to his community as a Cub Scout leader, PTA president and served on the Juvenile Court Conference Committee for 27 years.
He was preceded in death by his dear wife on March 24, 2002.
Survivors include his children Kevin, Gordon (Debi), Daryl Little (Gary) of Stevensville, Shawn, and Erin Randall (Keith) as well as 11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister Mary Stevanus of Portland, OR and brother Roy of Connell, WA.
Services will be in Seattle. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.