Kim Kirkpatrick Obituary

Kim Allen Kirkpatrick On Jan. 12, 2012, Kim Allen Kirkpatrick, 74, passed away after a brief illness. A heart attack claimed the life of a man who gave freely from his heart to all. Kim was born February 7, 1937 in San Diego, Calif. He earned his doctorate at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. He came to Las Vegas, NM in 1964 to teach physics and computer science at New Mexico Highlands University. He was a devoted teacher who inspired many. He retired from NMHU in 1994. He taught at the United World College-USA in 1995. After retirement, as Professor Emeritus, Kim remained involved in ongoing research and publishing in quantum physics, interacting with scientists around the world. Kim was also a passionate activist, taking a leading role in important social and environmental justice issues, partnering with the Las Vegas Peace and Justice Center. He was Chair of the Governing Council of Rio Gallinas Public Charter School for Ecology and the Arts in West Las Vegas. In addition, he served as a driving force on the San Miguel County Oil and Gas Ordinance Task Force, advocating for strong environmental protection. Community members called him the conscience of the task force and "Our Warrior." His relationship with his beloved wife of 36 years, Percyne Gardner, was a model of companionship and connectedness. They loved camping, hiking, and exploring the beauty of the Southwest together. They built their small passive-solar adobe home with their own hands. Their large combined family added richness to their life together. Kim often said his children and grandchildren were his greatest teachers. Kim is survived by his heart partner in life and loving wife, Percyne Gardner. Also survived by a daughter and two sons, ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, four step-children (one deceased), a sister and brother, a sister-in-law, a niece and three nephews, as well as friends around the world from Denmark to Kenya. May you rest peacefully, Kim, beloved friend, lover and husband, and gentle warrior. "A great soul serves everyone all the time." --Maya Angelou A Celebration of Life for Kim will be held Sat., Feb. 11th, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., NMHU Kennedy Lounge (905 University Ave., Las Vegas, NM), followed by a reception at El Fidel Restaurant (510 Douglas Ave.) from 1-4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Las Vegas (NM) Peace and Justice Center, 719 - Sixth Street, Las Vegas, NM 87701 and Compassion Beyond Borders, P.O. Box 22991, Santa Fe, NM 87502.

Published by Santa Fe New Mexican on Feb. 9, 2012.
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