Our loving husband, father, brother and friend, Ronald Fred Kirkwood, 78, passed away April 18, 2021 in the comfort of his home.
Fred was born December 3, 1942 in Provo, Utah to Dean C. and Catherine Lombardi Kirkwood. He graduated from Carbon High in 1961 and wasted no time before starting his career with Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad.
He first saw the love of his life, Pamela Gentry, while on his way to his girlfriend’s house in Castle Gate. After some conversation, it’s safe to say he never quite made it to his original destination; and on November 18, 1961 he married Pamela in Elko, Nevada. In the years to come, he would jokingly tell his granddaughters that he had many girlfriends throughout his life; but really, from that day on, his true love was always Pamela. They spent 59 incredible years together.
He’s the proud father of Quenten Kirkwood who, along with his wife Bonnie, gave him two beautiful granddaughters; Hailey Kate and Aubrey Rose. They were truly the greatest blessing in his life.
Fred was an avid outdoorsman who found joy in life’s greatest pleasures: boating, fishing, hunting, and golf. He was a chartered member of the Helper Gun Club and was a past president of the Utah State Bass Federation, of which he was the state champion in 1988. “Fast Freddie” was known in his younger years for racing cars and having the fastest boat on the lake. Throughout his life he enjoyed snagging monster 10-pound bass in Lake Powell, going for joy rides with his son in the GT500 and, while he said that God didn’t give him any grandsons, he was blessed with two granddaughters that could drink a cold beer and take a shot of whiskey with him all the same.
Fred is survived by his loving wife Pamela; son, Quenten (Bonnie) Kirkwood; grandchildren, Hailey (Lorenzo) Thayn, Aubrey Kirkwood; brother, Lanny Kirkwood; and his buddies and second family from the Castle Country Bass Club.
Preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Wallace and Bill; and sister, Catherine Jo Kirkwood.
Fred will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him. The family would like to thank Robert and Lisa Dimick for always lending a helping hand and Dr. Larsen and his staff for their thoughtful care and kindness. As a member of St. Anthony’s Parish, Fred and the entire Kirkwood family encourage donations to the church in lieu of flowers.
Funeral service Friday, April 23, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Interment, Mt. View Cemetery in Helper, Utah. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome and may share memories online at www. mitchellfuneralhome.net.