Gerald (Jerry) Wilson Kirkpatrick passed away Feb. 28, 2021 at McKenzie Willamette Hospital at the age of 91, surrounded by his loving wife, three daughters and granddaughter.
Born Aug. 17, 1929 to Mathew Elisha & Francis Pauline (Wilson) Kirkpatrick in Creswell, the sixth of seven children.
In April 1940, the family moved to Walterville, Ore. and eventually lived in a tent on Booth Kelly Road while their home was being built on Deerhorn Rd.
He was a track star who had to hitchhike home after practice. He ran hurdles and went to State before graduating from Springfield High School, class of 1947.
In 1948, Jerry joined the Air Force. He was a B52 mechanic, crew chief and attained the rank of staff sergeant. He was honorably discharged 1952.
He worked hard his entire life in the logging industry, working long hours and sometimes 6 & 7 days a week, for companies such as Stafek, Bohemia & Murphy. He retired around 1989 as a shovel operator. He loaded many, many loads of logs in his career and knew just about everyone in the industry. He loved to attend the Logging Conference every February.
In 1965 he met the love of his life, through his nanny, Hazel, who happened to be Gladys’ mother. Jerry and Gladys fell in love and on Oct. 12, 1967 they were married and became a blended family. In 1969, with the birth of Jennifer, their family was complete.
In 1970 they returned to the country, bought acreage, built a house and settled in the Mohawk Valley. In 1978, they bought 21 acres, built a house and raised cattle.
As was his wish, he lived there until his death.
Once the children were grown, and he retired, they became avid horseback riders, logging many trail miles behind the house and also, his favorite horseback riding area – Three Creeks Wilderness Area outside of Sisters, Ore.
Being retired gave him time for his precious grandchildren that he may not have with his children. He attended many sporting events and many 4-H meetings, events and fairs to show his support for his grandchildren.
Survived by his wife of 53 years, children: Daren (Toni) Kirkpatrick of Marcola, Kathy (Dave) Major, Sandra (Glen) Volz, Deanne (James) Miller, Jennifer (John) Littrell, all of Springfield. Grandchildren: Melissa Thorp, Daniel and Christopher Downey, Fawna Roberts, Josiah and Seth Kirkpatrick, Rachel, Zion and Michelle Cosby, Charlie Volz, Bethany and Joshua Miller, Megan Gaston, Garrett, Jake and Noah Littrell. Numerous great-grandchildren, many nieces & nephews and numerous special friends.
Predeceased by his parents, Mathew and Francis, brothers: Eugene, Carroll and Donald Kirkpatrick, sisters: Doris Miller, Ruth Knox, Helen Brush and granddaughter Tiffany Cosby.
Jerry was a longtime member of Mohawk Community Church.
He chose to be cremated and his headstone will be placed in the Stafford Family Cemetery.
A memorial service will be held this summer.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mohawk Community Church, Paving Account. 91190 Hill Road, Springfield OR 97478.
Services are in care of Major Family Funeral Home in Springfield.
Visit majorfamilyfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest book.
