Billy Reynold Kirkbride

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Billy Reynold Kirkbride

CENTERVILLE a€" In the arms of his devoted sweetheart and surrounded by his adoring daughters, our extraordinary father, husband, brother and grandfather returned home to the open arms of a loving Heavenly Father as a faithful servant and son on September 23, 2010, at the age of 88.

Billy Reynold Kirkbride was born on July 27, 1922 in Dayton, Idaho to Martha Vinnie Merritt and Charles Franklin Kirkbride. The 8th of 11 children, his father died when he was 11 years old, leaving him to learn at an early age the value of hard work and perseverance as he helped to sustain the family farm. In 1942, Bill joined the Army and was soon chosen to train in the elite 1st Special Force Service, now known as the "Devil''s Brigade," where he received special training as a ski-paratrooper, mountaineer, and demolitions expert. He was a true patriot who embodied the spirit of "never retreat'' at its finest. He served with courage and valor, often behind enemy lines, and was awarded two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star and numerous other honors. After an honorable discharge from his service in the European campaign, he was also called up to serve in the Korean War. After returning home to Dayton following WWII, he met and married the love of his life, Mary Ann Walker, who was working in the department store in town. Daddy would often sing "I found a million dollar baby in a 5 and 10 cent store." They were married on April 15, 1946, and sealed for time and all eternity in the LDS Logan Temple in 1956. Together they had one infant son, Reynold W. Kirkbride who lived only a few hours, and five loving, boisterous daughters: Marilee and Delbert Martin of Roy, Kristie and Craig Karren of Kaysville, Leesa and Mike Washburn of Farmington, and the late Jeff Jensen, Jill and Mark Chandler of Ogden, and Holly and Bruce Reid of Bountiful. Daddy had great pride and joy in his 23 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren. Mother and Daddy have been married for 64 years and theirs is an epic love story that inspires us all to laugh harder, love deeper and enjoy the journey.

He has been a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in many capacities including: Scouting, Young Men, Bishopric, High Council, and Ordinance Worker in the Ogden Temple. He and Mary also served a full time mission in the Salt Lake City South Mission in St. George, Utah in five Church History sites. Daddy enjoyed woodworking, lapidary, puttering around his shop, traveling with Mom, and golfing. He was especially proud of achieving a "Hole in One" while playing golf at the age of 73. He retired from Hill Air Force Base after 30 years where he received numerous awards and honors.

He is survived by his sweet companion and best friend Mary, his five daughters, as well as his remaining siblings: Ardella Bosworth, Vera Pinson, Ron Kirkbride, and Lorus Kirkbride. He is a well-loved man whose absence will leave an irreplaceable void in our hearts His legacy of quiet dignity and love will continue to inspire us and light our way "til we meet again."

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 27, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the Porter Lane 2nd Ward, 437 W. Porter Lane, Centerville. Friends may visit family at a viewing Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Road, and Monday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to services at the church. Interment will follow at the Syracuse City Cemetery where military honors will be accorded.