Ray Kirkwood

Funeral Services for Raymond W. Kirkwood, 63, of Ekalaka, MT will be at 2:00 p. m. on Thursday, June 10, 2010, in the Chapel of Stevenson Funeral Home in Ekalaka, MT with Pastor Wallace Fox officiating. Interment will follow in the Beaver Lodge Cemetery at Ekalaka with Military Rites by the Ekalaka VFW Post #7885, Ekalaka American Legion Post #60 and the Montana Army National Guard Honor Guard. Visitation will be 6:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m. on Wednesday, June 9th, and will continue on Thursday, from 9:00 a. m. until the time of service at Stevenson Funeral Home. Ray Kirkwood, beloved son, brother, father, husband, and friend passed away on June 6, 2010 at his home. He was working along side his wife, Sandi doing what they loved- yard work. Ray was born on February 4, 1947 in Ekalaka, MT to Bill and Nona Kirkwood. He was the youngest of four children, and was the only son born to Bill and Nona. In 1966, he joined the army and spent some time in Korea. Upon returning home, he charmed Sandi Johnstone of Ekalaka, MT. They married on May 3, 1969. They gave birth to two boys, Dave and Doug, who were their pride and joy. Ray worked for the Cenex Co-op, local repair shops, and eventually retired from the Carter County road crew. Ray enjoyed many things, but first and foremost spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, working in the yard, gardening, spending time with friends, woodworking, playing pinnacle, helping others, and spending time with his wife. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Nona Kirkwood; his special grandmother, Belle Sheldon; sisters, Florence Walker and Beth Dean; father-in-law, John Johnstone and two of his most favorite hunting and fishing buddy?s: George Kittelmann and Billy Daye. Ray is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sandi Kirkwood; his sons and their wives: Dave and Heidi, Doug and Jodi; 5 grandchildren: Alexis, Quinton, Trace, Gage, and Hunter; his oldest sister and husband, Marcella and Lloyd Meldrum; mother-in-law, Dorothy Johnstone; his 3 brother-in-laws and their wives: Don and Ginger, Ken and Nellie, and Dave and Alice Johnstone and one brother-in-law, Larry Dean and numerous nieces and nephews. Ray will be missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing or even coming into contact with him. He was kind, considerate, had a great sense of humor, was a hard worker, and seemed to find significant pleasure in giving his daughter-in-laws grief at every possible opportunity. He will be remembered as a man who loved helping others out (more than himself at times), who treasured every minute that he spent with this grandchildren-teaching them skills, the joys of hunting, etc. , and as someone who knew, believed, valued, and stood by the meaning of his wedding vows.


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Burial Date: June 10, 2010
Funeral Home Ekalaka, MT

Funeral Service: Thursday, Chapel of Stevenson Funeral Home, Ekalaka, MT.