Robert H. Kirkland

On Saturday, January 9th, 2021, Robert H. Kirkland rejoined his beloved parents in their heavenly home. On January 7th, 1943 Robert was born to Jennie Fadelis (Dougherty) and Irvin R. Kirkland. Growing up, Robert attended Southfield Public Schools and was enthralled with anything that had an engine-from changing truck tires, to racing cars, to helping his father with his semitrucks at home, there was no bounds. As time rolled forward, Robert’s infatuation with engines continued so much that he didn’t have anything left to learn when it came time for driver education. In fact, he drove himself to his first day! As his high school years rolled by, he oftentimes found himself on the football field or hockey rink. Shortly after graduating high school, he attended Detroit Bible College for two years where he met the love of his life, Margaret Mathena. They didn’t even allow a year to pass before marrying on May 15th, 1965. His marriage to Margaret introduced him to Calvary Baptist Church where he became a member and participated on their hockey team and bowling league. Their marriage brought about three beautiful daughters: Kelly Kay, Jennifer Carole, and Megan Eileen. Robert carried a proud career in refrigeration for many years which brought about his own business, Kirkland Refrigeration. Even though he devoted many hours to his livelihood, his love for baseball was undeniable. After mustering up the courage, he eventually tried out for the Detroit Tigers, ultimately not making it. The rejection didn’t dim his passion though, he went on to coach his oldest daughter's softball team and then later attempted to get his eldest granddaughter, Samantha, interested in the sport. Unfortunately, Samantha didn’t share the same love so he moved onto his grandsons, Brandon and Jeffrey. Brandon fondly enjoyed tossing the baseball around with his grandfather and hearing him cheer from the stands at his various games. As Brandon matured and took on other hobbies, the torch was passed to Jeffrey. Each time Jeffrey was on the field, Robert found himself as one of the assistant coaches on his various teams. When not on the field, he could be found on his beloved property in Alpena partaking in his other passions, hunting and fishing. Apart from his hobbies and careers, Robert was a pure family man, devoted to providing each family member with way more than they actually needed. As his eight grandchildren grew, it became obvious that each and every one was simply the apple of his eye. Once 2015 rolled around, the first of his two great-grandchildren was born, thus the beginning of an unbreakable bond with his “two little loves.” Robert is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret Kirkland; three daughters, Kelly Kirkland-Doyle, Jennifer Kirkland, and Megan Kirkland-Chavaux; eight grandchildren, Brandon (Kaitlin), Samantha (Joshua), Alexandria (Domenic), Jeffrey, Madison, Shelby, Chelsea, and Aidan; and three great-grandchildren, Mason, Ava and Tristan. Funeral services for Robert will be held on January 15th, 2021 at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home. Public visitation will start at 12:00 PM with a 1:00 PM service to follow. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Smile Train would be greatly appreciated. Share a memory at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com.

Robert H. Kirkland

January 7, 1943 - January 9, 2021