Robert Wendell "Bob" Kirkpatrick

A bright light ended with the sudden passing of Robert Wendell “Bob” Kirkpatrick on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.  Bob was an active member of the Spokane community that he loved.  Since 1977, he ran every Bloomsday but two.  He was recently active in both the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church choir and the Contraband brass band.  He previously attended Manito Presbyterian Church and was active in the choir and instrumental music. He was  a past member of the Lilac City Community Band as well as the Spokane Symphony Chorale and volunteered for the Spokane Symphony Associates. 

Bob was born in Burundi, Africa on August 22, 1943, where his parents, Virgil Kirkpatrick and Faye Craig Kirkpatrick were missionaries.  He cherished his memories and time in Africa and had many entertaining stories. The family would return to the US, periodically, to visit their supporters and family in Mansfield, Ohio.  Bob attended Rift Valley Academy in Kenya for most of his secondary school and graduated from Mansfield High School.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Electrical Engineering in 1975 from Ohio State University, using one of the country’s earliest computers.  He was excited about the latest Ohio State University football win over the University of Michigan.

He received several engineering job offers after finishing his degree but chose one in Spokane, Washington where he enjoyed its beautiful, sweeping landscapes and access to outdoor adventures.  He was a member of the Spokane Mountaineers for many years and liked hiking and volunteering with trail groups such as Friends of the Bluff and Dishman Hills Conservancy.  He also enjoyed other activities like soccer, sailing, astronomy and aviation.

Bob worked for many years as an electrical and computer engineer for several companies including, Watchdog, Olivetti/Wang and Lifestream Technologies.  He also owned his own business Northwest Microsystems. One of the components he designed was used on Apollo spacecraft during missions and can be seen in Air and Space museums such as the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. He began a second career in the early 2000’s with his wife, Mary, and at one time owned three Baskin Robbins stores in the Spokane area (Northtown Mall, Grand Boulevard and Lincoln Heights).  His daughter, Monica, purchased their Lincoln Heights location, and many of his grandchildren have contributed to working in the family business founded by them.

Often, one of the last to leave a social gathering, Bob loved people and was known for his cheerful, warm greetings and positive disposition. He loved God and lived his Christian faith, volunteering for organizations like Big Brothers and Meals on Wheels. He adored his family and was a devoted father and grandfather faithfully attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events and taking them on fun adventures. He was very proud of his grandchildren, often saying, “He hit the jackpot!” To his wife and children he was a dear friend. He was sincerely loved by those that knew him well, and he will be missed immensely.  

Bob is survived by his wife of 37 years, Mary Ostrem Kirkpatrick, his brother Charles “Tim” Kirkpatrick (Pat), daughters Monica Carr (Phil), Cynthia Tasaki (Chikara), and Marilee Bailey, step-son, Eric Fehr (Elin), step-daughter Jill Payette (Marc Corney), as well as 13 grandchildren, Patrick Bailey, Bryanna Bailey, Marissa Bailey, Kayleen Archibald (Scott), Phillip Carr, Emily Thomas (Nicholas), Sarah Toombs (Silas), Benichiro Tasaki, Sayuri Tasaki, Amanda Fehr, Heidi Fehr, Lane Payette, Ruby Payette and sister-in-law Martha Kirkpatrick.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Faye Craig Kirkpatrick, two brothers, Donald Kirkpatrick (Dee) and Virgil “Jim” Kirkpatrick, and a sister, Marilyn Kirkpatrick.

Bob’s memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, 1926 W Chelan Ave, Spokane, WA 99205, on Saturday, December 13, 2025 - visitation at 10:30 am -service at 11:00 am with a reception to follow.   Livestream is available for the service.  The burial will be at 2:00 pm at Queen of Peace Cemetery, 6910 S Ben Burr Rd, Spokane, WA 99223.

Flowers or charitable donations to Bob’s favorite non-profits are welcome.  Flowers can be accepted at 8:30 am at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church.

Recommended organizations for donations in honor of Bob include:

Emmanuel Presbyterian Church: http://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZWNV/home?source=qr

Spokane Symphony Associates: https://spokanesymphonyassoc.org/donate/

Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest: https://nwbigs.org/

Live Stream Link for Roberts Services: https://www.youtube.com/live/TOaMSsBZgWY