Roderick Richard Kirkwood

My great grandfather was Roderick Kirkwood, and I remember when I was small and young I found that he was the man who helped build Seattle an amazing building. I remember every year going up that elevator and sitting at the top of the space needle. My great grandfather was a very kind and important man to me family and my life.
-Parker J Kirkwood
Son of Jeff A Kirkwood.

I worked with Rod for a year before he retired. One thing I always loved and remember fondly about Rod, was how he never got tired of talking about The Space Needle. I would hear new employees ask him a question about it and it was always brand new to him. He was so proud of The Space Needle, as he should have been. We had his retirement party there in 1998 and it was amazing being there with him. He helped shaped this city that I love so much and I will never forget him.
Rest In Peace...

Rod was a great man who will be missed by so many. I will always remember my conversations with him at owners meetings and events at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel. It was fascinating to hear him describe in vivid detail the history of the hotel and the Space Needle. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Rod was a staunch supporter and life-long friend of the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Washington. He served on our Visiting Committee for many years, and helped arrange displays and other activities associated with the ME Centennial Celebration in 2006. He will be missed by the Mechanical Engineering Community at the UW.

UW Mechanical Engineering Department

Rod was a really good man and a great engineer. He was really fun to be with. I worked with him when he was with John Graham & Co. Most of our time was on the conceptualization of the Seattle Sheraton Hotel. We also worked together on a project in Houston, Texas. He was a great guy and a capable builder/engineer/developer with a really nice sense of humor. I always looked forward to my next meeting with Rod. He will be missed. Robert M. Helsell