Walter Kirkpatrick

Beloved father, grandfather, and friend, Walter Gerald Kirkpatrick, resident of Bellaire/Harlingen, TX, passed away March 14, 2007 at his home surrounded by the loving arms of his Heavenly Father and his devoted family and caregivers. Walter was County Agricultural Extension Agent for Antrim County Michigan for 30 years. He was instrumental in establishing many important programs in Antrim County. He served on many Rural Area Development County planning commissions. Established 4-h spring Achievement Days, August Livestock Days. He was Past President of the Michigan Association of County Agricultural Agents. He served on the Bellaire State Bank Directors board and Bellaire Village commission for several years. He chaired the Antrim Co. Muscular Dystrophy Assoc. for 50 years. He belonged to the Gideons International for 40 years. He believed that God works in mysterious ways and "saving souls is fun". He supported many building mission programs around the world. Rotary, Michigan Farm Bureau and his beloved Michigan State Alumni Association were all passions of his life. He traveled to many countries and took many pictures both slides and 16 mm film which are now considered classically historical of the change in farming during the 30's, 40's and 50's. He published a book of his travels in Europe, on European Farming, 1949. Golf became one of his passions after retirement and he made two hole-in-ones in his eighties. His golf buddies found him a formidable opponent at the age of 94. He leaves many family and friends to celebrate hi life. He is survived by his former wife Aline Kirkpatrick, daughter Elaine Kirkpatrick of Harlingen/Bay City, MI, Son john (Fay) Kirkpatrick of Bellaire, grandchildren Cheryl (Tony) Kirkpatrick, Linda (Greg) Parsons, John (Kelly) Kirkpatrick, Shaila Kirkpatrick, Marcy (George) Sparks, 13 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandson, Nephews, Rex(Nona) Seiting, John(Fran) Koeple, David(Kathy) Koeple. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reed and Estella Kirkpatrick, wife Corn Kirkpatrick, son Walter Kirkpatrick. Visitation will be held Friday, April 13, 2007 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will take place Saturday, April 14, 11 a.m. at the Bellaire Wesleyan Church with interment to follow at Lakeview Cemetery under the direction of Mortensen Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers the family request that a memorial be made to the "Walter G. Kirkpatrick 4-H Scholarship Fund", made to MSU Extension Dee 4-H Office, 205 Cayuga, Bellaire, Michigan 49615.