Bruce Kirkpatrick

Bruce Alexander Kirkpatrick returned to his heavenly home on July 26, 2024. Bruce's life was a testament to love, service, and optimism, born on August 6, 1938, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to the late Kirk and Betty Kirkpatrick.
Bruce shared his life with his beloved wife of 63 years, Judith Kirkpatrick. Bruce and Judy spent a lifetime sharing their love and faith with all they met. He will always embody optimism to his family, represented by the nickname "Tigger." He is greatly missed by his children Anne (late Robert) McPherson, Joel (Beth) Kirkpatrick, and Joanna (Keith) Morgan, and his legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren Ryan, Jacob, Evan, Mary Kate, Abigail, and Alex and Trinity. He was preceded in death by his sister, Diane Kirkpatrick.
A graduate of Northwestern University and Hamma Theological Seminary, Bruce dedicated his life to spiritual leadership as an ordained Anglican Priest. As a worker priest, he took small groups to the Holy Land, which also helped satisfy his knowledge and connection with that area of the world. He also enjoyed working as an independent salesman. After retirement he enjoyed being a Foster Grandparent for elementary school children. Bruce was a friend of Bill W. for 61 years.
Music was vital to Bruce's life, and he enjoyed playing the guitar. His talent extended beyond personal pleasure as he trained young guitarists for church, fostering a love for music and worship in the next generation. His artistic spirit also found expression through his involvement with the theatrical group Enter Stage Right (ESR), and he was a founding member of the Will on the Water Shakespeare Festival, where he shared his love for the dramatic arts.
Bruce's faith in Christ Jesus was a beacon of love, and shelter for his family. His adventurous spirit was an inspiration to friends.
He taught his children and grandchildren to ask questions and think independently while trusting their moral compass. Bruce's presence was a source of comfort and joy to those around him, and his absence will be deeply felt by those who crossed his path.
Bruce's life was a journey of love for his Savior, Jesus Christ. We take solace and joy that he has been "promoted to Glory."
Memorials may be made to the theatrical group Enter Stage Right or the Salvation Army. Any memorials made to Enter Stage Right can be mailed to, 647 New Hampshire Ave., Marysville, MI 48040.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 1, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Grace Memorial Life Celebration Center, 4521 Ravenswood Road, Kimball Twp, MI 48074. Services will begin at 4:00 p.m. and the Rev. Fr. Terry Moore of St. John the Apostle Anglican Church will officiate.