Charles Kirkpatrick

Darrington - Charles Kirkpatrick 88 years old passed away February 12, 2022, in a Seattle hospital.

Preceding his death: his mother and father, Roy and Gladys Kirkpatrick and stepfather Grant Bates, 3 brothers Leonard, Roy Dale, Jack and 2 sisters, Ann and Betty and his best friend (his dog Sophie).

He is survived by 1 sister and brother-in-law, Charlie and Joanne Brawley, his 4 children, Lori, Greg, Ellen and Tracy Kirkpatrick. 5 grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and his beloved mule Floyd. Charles grew up in Sedro-Woolley, WA.

Charles served in the Army paratroopers following his older brother Roy Dale Kirkpatrick's example of a strong faith filled soldier who also served as a paratrooper in the Netherlands (Holland). His brother was killed in action in World War 2, received a purple heart medal, September 1944 at the age of 19. Buried in our U.S. cemetery at Margraten, Netherlands.

Charles has been close to death several times in his life. First time as a young teenager drowned in clear Lake but was revived.

Second time, as a sky diver when asked to jump during the hydroplane race in Seattle in August 1991 (he decided to do the jump to show his skills as a skydiver). He had started a school in Snohomish as an instructor because of his love of skydiving in the military. When jumping over water he needed to get out of the chute in order to not be dragged under when hitting the water. (He could free fall 80 feet and be safe). So, he decided to make it a thrilling show and fall 100 feet but misjudged the height because the water was so still on such a beautiful day, he got out of his chute and did the free fall at approximately 150 feet. When hitting the water, "was like a bomb went off in his body," with injuries of a ruptured spleen, punctured lung, jarred his heart and esophagus damage and told he would never be able to eat normally again. The doctors had to do surgery while he was in shock, he also developed pneumonia, but God's work wasn't finished, and Charles survived ALL odds. He jumped again in December for the Seattle Santa Clause Parade to show he was fearless.

Third time, when again in later years living in Eastern Washington, while training his horses to kneel so disabled children who needed help could get on the horse. (Charles knew the healing power a horse's gait is healing to humans). While training the horses he fell off his horse and taken to the hospital, diagnosed with an in-operable cancer at the base of his head where the nerves and spine connect. he continued his training for a few months realizing he couldn't continue his project. He had bought several beautiful, designed teepees for parents with disabled children to have a place to stay while children were in natural treatment on the horses, but had to give that project up. So, he and brother-in-law Charlie worked with KOA in Vantage, Washington, high above the Columbia River with a beautiful view of the mountains and river building pads for the teepee for rentals until he would have to eventually give up that project too. When the time came for him to REST, he finally moved to Bow Hill (outskirts of Burlington, Washington) with his horses and mule to live with his sister and her husband for his last days.... BUT GOD's WORK WAS STILL NOT FINISHED and HEALED HIM.

Charles then moved to Darrington. Washington to work in the high country along with the forest service using his horse and mules to pack supplies and equipment into high country where vehicles weren't allowed. He loved working with and caring for his animals and packing people and their camping supplies, who wanted to take camping trips into the high mountain country.

Charles always said how much closer God can you get, but on the highest most beautiful mountains. His faith has been astounding and God has given him PEACE, LOVE, and GLORY he DESERVE in HEAVEN. AMEN.

He will be cremated; a family and friends gathering will be on Saturday, February 19, 2022. For more information please call.