Donald Kirkpatrick, a 98 year-old, proud patriotic WWII veteran, passed away peacefully on August 21st at the Brookdale Montclair Senior Care facility in Poulsbo, WA.

Don was born Aug. 17, 1923, in Dickinson, SD, and raised in Missoula, MT. Don lived a full life with no regrets. Don is predeceased by his wife, Joan Kirkpatrick (1930-2013, married for 56 years); survived by his children (David Kirkpatrick and Diane Visser), grandsons (Doug Hamilton, Jason Kirkpatrick, and Josh Kirkpatrick), and great grandson (Kelvin Hamilton).

He earned his college degree and obtained his Private Pilot’s License after serving in WWII. Married in 1956, he lived in New York, Alaska, and California before retiring in 1984 to Poulsbo, WA.

After retirement, Don started on his last chapter of life in Poulsbo. At the age of 65, he joined the Washington Explorer Search and Rescue (WESAR) – Kitsap Unit as an instructor; at the age of 70 he joined the Olympic Mountain Search & Rescue Team; and in his early 70’s he joined the VFW and was active up to the age of 96. He relished living in Poulsbo for the past 37 years.

Don belonged to the Neptune Society who will be spreading his ashes at sea. A memorial is not planned per his wishes. He’d prefer that you contribute to your favorite charity, on his behalf.