Brian Collins Kirkpatrick
Obituary
Brian C. Kirkpatrick passed away quietly October 18, 2022 due to ongoing health concerns complicated by Covid. Brian was 97 years old and is survived by his wife of 23 years, Earlene Kirkpatrick and his son Terry Kirkpatrick of Walla Walla, Washington.
Brian was born in Ainsworth, Nebraska on February 29, 1925 to George and Doris Kirkpatrick. Brian had three older sisters, also born in Ainsworth; Betty, Pat and Marsha. After Brian was born the family moved to Sioux City, Iowa. The Kirkpatricks lived in Sioux City until their children had finished high school. Brian Joined the Navy in 1943 at the age of 18 and was stationed at the San Francisco Naval Base Treasure Island. Brian was assigned to the Armed Guard Division and saw duty throughout the Pacific until 1946. Shortly after joining the Navy, Brian and Betty Jane Foster, high school sweethearts, were married in San Francisco, both were only 18 at the time. The couple shared a small flat with their high school friends, Patty and Jack McCambridge in the city while Brian and Jack completed their tour of duty, Betty and Patty worked at the Crocker National Bank in the city.
When Brian was discharged from the Navy in 1946, Betty was expecting their first child, Terry. The couple moved to Pocatello, Idaho where Brian’s parents were living at the time. Terry was born on June 21, 1946. Brian took a part time job with the US Postal Service then enrolled at Idaho State University. On January 27, 1948 Betty gave birth to their daughter, Susan. Not long after Susan’s arrival, Brian was accepted into Iowa State University’s School of Engineering. Brian, Betty and babies moved to Ames, Iowa where they lived in student housing until Brian graduated in 1950.
Later in 1950, Brian accepted an engineering position with the Boeing Airplane Co in Seattle, Washington, the family moved to the Seattle area that same year. Brian stayed with Boeing for 35 years. During that time, Brian proved himself to be a valued aerospace engineer and was assigned to project manager positions on a number of high priority projects. Brian’s work required him to travel extensively, travel that took him many places within the US and around the world. Beyond his work within the company, Brian created and was actively involved in the Boeing wine making club, windsurfing club, tennis club, ski club, and computer club. Brian and Betty were also charter members of the West Seattle Promenade’s Square Dance group for 50 years.
Brian retired from Boeing in 1985. Beyond retirement and well into his late eighties, Brian remained active with his club interests; especially with windsurfing and skiing. Brian’s wide range of interests and his inquisitive nature kept him mentally alert and involved in life.
Brian’s wife of 50 years, Betty suffered a protracted struggle with lung cancer and passed away in 1996. Brian remarried in 1999 to Earlene Tucker of Seattle. Brian and Earlene live in Burien where the Kirkpatrick family has lived for 70 plus years. Earlene was happy to adopt an active life that suited them both. Brian and Earlene traveled and windsurfed along the Gulf Coast for years. Earlene was single handedly responsible for keeping Brian alive and happy longer than one might imagine considering his failing health and ability to care for himself. Brian passed as he lived, on his own terms, perhaps looking forward to the adventure ahead, as he did with most everything he did.
We will miss you. Maggie and I enjoyed the visits that we had with you. Clearly Uncle Brian enjoyed life and it would have to be said it was a life well lived. We admired the way that you and Earlene treated each other with kindness and respect. The laughter and joy that we shared with you will linger in our memories for ever. Mike and Maggie