Obituary of Brian "Bud" Wilfred Kirkpatrick

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” — Pericles

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Brian “Bud” Wilfred Kirkpatrick, a man who left an indelible mark on those who loved him. Born on December 28, 1936, to George Theodore and Inez Jean (Wood) Kirkpatrick in Calgary, Alberta, Brian was one of five siblings. His early years were spent in the heart of the prairie, in a house built by his father, a place where the past met the future in the form of buffalo trails and bustling city life. That house still stands today, a symbol of the Kirkpatrick family’s legacy.

Brian’s roots ran deep, with a proud heritage from the Secwépemc & Scottish people on his father’s side and English ancestry on his mother’s side. His strong Indigenous and Scottish features mirrored the resilience and spirit of both cultures, and he embraced the traditions and strength they represented throughout his life.

In 1955, at the age of 18, Brian enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy, where he served proudly. Memories of his Navy days, spent in distant places like Japan, Panama, and Hawaii, would later bring him both pride and joy. Those years gave him a love for travel, a spirit of adventure, and many stories that he shared with his family over the years.

After his time in the Navy, Brian trained as a mechanical engineer, working in various hospitals, including Rockyview Hospital in Calgary. His skills were honed in boiler rooms, a demanding environment that suited his strong work ethic.

In 1997, Brian relocated to Hanna, Alberta, embracing the quieter pace of life, but his wanderlust never faded—road trips were a frequent pastime, and it wasn’t uncommon for family to find a note saying he’d gone on an impromptu adventure.

Throughout his life, Brian was a dedicated father to his five daughters, with a heart full of love, humor, and fierce protection. Fond memories include family picnics at Glenmore and Edworthy Parks, often with Barney’s fried chicken in hand. Brian’s family was his pride and joy.

As a member of the Canadian Legion in Calgary and Hanna, Brian often took part in Remembrance Day ceremonies and was a familiar face at Legion events, from bingo games to charity auctions. His pride in his service and his friendships at the Legion were constants in his life.

His family will remember his gentle demeanor, his quiet strength.

Brian leaves behind cherished memories and many broken hearts. He is survived by his daughters, Dawn (Kirkpatrick) Turner, Tawnee (Kirkpatrick) Shire, Karen Kirkpatrick, and Raelene (Colin) Liddicoat, his sister Rhonda Duke, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He joins his beloved daughter Janine Kirkpatrick, whose passing in 2009 left a deep sorrow in his heart.

A service will be held to celebrate Brian’s life, Dec 1, 2024 at the Royal Canadian Legion in Hanna. He will be laid to rest with his parents & daughter in a private family service in Mountain View Cemetery in Calgary at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Brian’s name to the Royal Canadian Legion branch 25