Leonard F. "Short" Kirkland
1913 - 2001
Leonard F. "Short" Kirkland
1913 - 2001
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1913
DIED
2001
Leonard Kirkland Obituary
Leonard and Lucy’s first child, Joann, died in infancy. They later had three sons, Jesse Ben, Leroy Forrest and Danny O’Neal. They raised their sons with a strong work ethic and taught them to love God and their family.
Our “Pretty Pa” was very dear and special to all eight of his grandchildren. Pa was always a funny man who enjoyed picking at the kids, playing dominoes, farming and spending time with his family.
Some examples of Pa’s grandchildren’s fondest memories are:
Pa always told us that he wouldn’t hug us because we had garments all over us. We didn’t even know what garments were.
Pa always thanked the boyfriends for having something to do with us since we were so ugly, not as pretty as Pa.
Pa always asked us how we were. We’d say, “Pretty good.” He’d say, “You may be good, but you’re sure not pretty.”
Pa never wanted us to gossip.
Pa always wanted us to get up early and be productive.
Pa wanted us for company while he worked on the farm.
Pa had funny pet names for us that we’ll always cherish and chuckle about when we’re together.
During his year as a school bus driver, Pa wasn’t afraid to put us on the front seat of the bus.
Pa even acted as the family physician giving us advice on how to care for our babies. He taught us to bite our newborn babies’ finger nails. Pa said that if a baby sleeps with his tongue up, he’s very healthy.
Pa loved his Jesse. Many mornings Pa took Jesse home with him, and they sang “We’ll be Coming Around the Mountain” on their way to see Ma.
Pa continued to practice his good humored pestering throughout the five generations of his life. Pa’s family loves him and will carry these fond memories forever.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
kelsey adkins
September 2, 2006
i wil always miss you you were alwaysthere for me i will always miss you!!!!!!!
Carolyn Kirkland
August 1, 2006
We miss you so there isn't a day that goes by that we don't think of you.
Elyssa Reding
January 31, 2005
Hi pa I still remember you.You are still in my thoughts
I love you so much.
elyssa
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Christina Bangham
January 31, 2005
I still think about you everyday Pa. I love you very much. I miss you.
Lisa (Diffie) Grisham
February 25, 2004
So sorry for your loss.
Alice (Davis) Beatty
March 10, 2003
In Loving Sympathy to the family of "Short" KirkLand.
I lived just down the road from Short and Lucy when I was a child and visited their home often. I was always welcomed with open arms.
Always remember the good times and keep his memory alive. During this time of loss may you be assured of the comfort and guidance that await you at the gentle hand of our Heavenly Father.
God's Blessings to you and your family.
Alice Faye (Davis) Beatty
Brenda Rains
October 24, 2002
Just want to say what a wonderful way to share memories and recieive feed-back on a loved one. I wish this had been available when my Dad died, it sounds like he was very much like your "Pa", thank you.
Elyssa Reding
March 28, 2002
Hi pa. Love you pa.
Love Elyssa
Donna Pioli
October 2, 2001
Thanks for sharing with us!
Yup! sure can see Donna in Pa!
Love ya, Donna!
From the "other" Donna :)
Joy Blair
October 2, 2001
No wonder Donna has such a wonderful sense of humor! I wish I could have known her Pa. He sounds like the perfect grandfather. Thanks for sharing a touching tribute to a special man.
Vicki Doré
September 29, 2001
Thank you so much for sharing your Pa with us. I never really knew either of my Grandfathers. One of which was called "Pa" also. Yours sounds wonderful.
Kim Donovan
September 29, 2001
I never met Pa but I've seen evidence of his living in Donna. He's a good man and I am honored that Donna shared him with us.
Sally Lucas
September 29, 2001
Everyone would be lucky to have a Pa in their life. As a friend of Donna, I can attest he taught well.
Donna Kirkland Adkins
September 27, 2001
The world would be a better place if everyone had a "Pa" like ours to keep them in line. The twinkle in his eye when he'd bested one of us playing dominoes, in an arguement or with a prank was more valuable than any diamond. He believed in hard work, doing the right thing, not loving one child more than the other. He was unique. He was special. And he is sorely missed by all who knew him.
Silvia X
August 17, 2001
Thoughtful, honest, and interesting memoir. Happened to read it because it was featured on www.mempool.com. Sorry for your loss.
Kathy Hutson
May 27, 2001
To the Family of Mr. Kirkland,
Thank you very much for sharing your terrific memories of your Pa. I feel as if I knew him myself after reading his story. He sounds like he was a real character with a wonderful sense of humor. I, too, share your loss, as I lost my Dad a little over a year ago. Although I know they are in a better place, I don't think we'll ever get over missing them! Keep your chins up and remember all those good times. May they continue to bring smiles to your faces through your tears.
Sincerely,
Kathy Kilcullen Hutson
Janice Smedley
May 23, 2001
To the Family of Leonard F. Kirkland
May I offer my deepest and sinsere condolences for your loss and want to orffer some words of encouragement to the family. When death strikes no matter how prepared we might think we are we are never ready. When we lose loved ones in death we are truly broken at heart and our spirit is crushed. One thing that makes me feel better at a time like this is what is found in the bible at PsAlms 34:18 that says,"Jehovah is close to those who are broken at heart and those crushed in spririt he saves." Take heart and know that I will be praying that Jehovah God strengthens you and gives you the support that you need at this trying time.
Respectfully
Janice Smedley
Michael Deskin
May 21, 2001
I love you Pa, I miss you, I think about you everyday, your my only Pa.
Carla Deskin (Kirkland)
May 21, 2001
I never knew my mother's father but when my dad adopted me at twelve I got more than a wonderful father...I got a exceptional grandfather! I will always remember going to the farm and Pa trying to set me up with the local boys there....My son talks of Pa everyday....The other day he said Pa was a cloud in the sky and was watching us....We had to show his grandfather the cloud of his Pa...Memories like those will always be special and I will never let the memory of him leave me or my son....Thank you Pa for letting me just another one of your grandchildren....Your and Ma's love touched me and my son.....and your strength will always show....in your sons and their children....
Michael Amato
May 21, 2001
To the Kirkland family, My deepest condolances for your great loss. It is refreshing to me that in these days of corruption and confusion,a man such as Leonard actually existed. He appeared a wonderful and caring man with deep rooted family values. He lived a long and good life, although that doesn't mask the pain of such a great loss. My son Anthony died 7 months ago tomorrow, at 15. I will be mourning him for the rest of my life as I'm sure all of you will be mouring Pa. May God bless us all in this deep mourning period and allow us to live on for as long as we can. Peace, Love and inner strength to all of Len's family. Mike Amato- Hillsdale, NJ
Deanna Henderson
May 20, 2001
Isnt is wonderful to have a man like this in your life! My father passed away 2 weeks ago, and was a farmer. his humor, smile and love was unique and a treasure for us all to keep forever. Obviously this man left the same treasure. The nice thing is people like this live on in us, and his humor and specail life will pop up here and there in each of you for generations to come.
Deepest sympathys to all of you as you miss this man.
Ted Nelson
May 18, 2001
Very touching; it's obvious that he was a gentle and hard-working man with a sense of humor--a rare combination. I enjoyed the line that he used with his granddaughter's boyfriends. I wish that I could have known him. My sympathies and condolences to the family.
Paula (Kirkland) Blakemore
May 10, 2001
I have to thank God for giving me 42 years to spend with Pa. It is a blessing to have experienced his love, wisdom, & presence, and I'll miss him dearly, but smile often when I think of all the happy times we had together. There was never any doubt of his love for each and everyone of us grandkids. And of course, it went on to include the great & the great-great grandkids as well. There couldn't have been a better grandfather!
Carolyn Kirkland
May 8, 2001
21 years ago Leonard and Lucy took me and my two daughters into their family as if we were blood. I married their youngest son and became their daughter. I love both of them as if they were my own parents. Leonard death has reach so many because his love has no bounary.He was loved by everyone and will be missed by all of us.
Tina Reding
April 25, 2001
I know you are in a better place now, Pa, but I am still going to miss you with all my heart.
I love you very much.
I'll never forget about you
Love,
Tina
Tina Reding
April 25, 2001
Tina,Elyssa,& Katelyn Reding
Charlene Kirkland-Colaw
April 24, 2001
Deepest sympathy. I am so glad that we visited a few weeks ago.
Doris Gunter
April 23, 2001
Glad we visited a few weeks ago.We really enjoyed it and he seemed to also.The family is in my prayers. Best wishes and my deepest sympathy goes out to the family. Doris[Kirkland]Gunter 4/23/2001
The Staff of Westbrook Funeral Home
April 23, 2001
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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