Robert (Bob) Leland Kirkendall

Robert (Bob, “Papa”) Leland Kirkendall was born on September 30, 1935 in Los Gatos, CA to Clyde and Imogene Kirkendall.

He is survived by his children Greg (Brenda) Tom (Debbie) and Kristine, seven grandsons, and six great-grandchildren.

He graduated from Los Gatos High School in 1953 and Oregon State University in 1958 where he studied pharmacology. From 1953 to 1961 he served on inactive reserve for the U.S. Navy. He met his wife-to-be, Laurie, at Oregon State. They were married on June 13, 1959 at St. Therése Catholic Church in Portland, OR. Laurie’s winsome and cheerful personality drew Bob into a happy and loving marriage of 65 years.

After marriage Bob and Laurie settled in Los Gatos. He received Christian Baptism at Los Gatos Christian Church in May of 1977. He sought Jesus Christ as his divine Lord and Savior, and was often found reading Scripture in the backyard. The Christian faith shaped him as a father, husband and businessman. Bob managed the family-owned “Kirk & Bob’s Drive-In Pharmacy,” founded with his father Clyde (“Kirk”). Bob and Laurie were known for their devotion to physical health through Weight Watchers, although Bob was known to sneakily take extra helpings of chocolate turtles.

The pharmacy was built on the front lawn of Bob’s childhood home along Los Gatos-Saratoga Road. His friendly care for customers made the family business a staple of the local community for decades. The pharmacy’s award-winning float appeared annually in the Los Gatos Christmas parade—a giant Christmas-tree in a truck-bed with grandchildren towed behind in wagons.

Upon retirement, Bob devoted himself to family, golf with old friends, and travel with Laurie. He passed on financial wisdom, golf lessons, and 49ers fandom to his children and grandchildren, and showed them unfailing love and support. He cared tenderly for his beloved wife Laurie until her passing in July 2024.

Bob passed away peacefully on November 4th, 2025 at the Terraces of Los Gatos surrounded by loving family and caretakers after patiently enduring prostate cancer.

He is dearly missed and prayerfully cherished by his family who humbly strive to carry on his example as a man of faith, family, service, and integrity.

A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on Sunday, December 21st at the Terraces in Los Gatos, 800 Blossom Hill Road. He will be interred privately at the Los Gatos Memorial Park.