Richard Kirkham Obituary

Richard Emerson Kirkham

1945-2022

Holladay, UT - Our cherished and adored husband, loving father and grandfather, dedicated son, friend, ("Pops," "Padre," "Daddio," "Dr. K," "Special K,")- Richard (Rick) Emerson Kirkham, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on July 1, 2022, after a valiant fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

Rick was born to Emerson Dale and Virginia Koch Kirkham and raised in Holladay, Utah. He graduated from Olympus High School, attended the University of Utah, and finished his education at Brigham Young University graduating Cum Laude and receiving a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology. (He rooted for the Y in case you are wondering!) He worked at Central Utah Mental Health, Wasatch Mental Health, and Children's Special Health Services. Later in his career, he worked in private practice doing many vocational rehabilitation evaluations for the state of Utah.

Rick served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the New England States mission. He had a deep love and understanding of the gospel and for the Savior Jesus Christ. His love for the Savior was reflected in the way he lived and treated others.

Rick comes from a long line of musical talent and music was a big part of his life. From classical to rock, he had a love and appreciation for all types of music, especially 80's rock ballads! After returning from his mission, he became a member of The Mormon Youth Symphony and Chorus. We will always have sweet memories of him sitting at the piano Sunday mornings, serenading us with beautiful music.

Rick's nose was constantly in a book! He had a great love for learning and was well educated and informed. Whether it was spiritual, medical, or political matters, he was always seeking to have a greater understanding and knowledge so he could apply what he learned and use it to better himself.

He was sealed to the love of his life, Joyce Newman, in the Salt Lake Temple on August 19, 1971. Rick and Joyce raised their four children in Richfield and Sandy Utah. He deeply and unconditionally loved his family. He always made a point to be present when he was with them and made sure everyone felt valued and included. They all loved his wise and thought-provoking conversations. His understanding listening ear will be greatly missed.

Rick is survived by his beautiful, sweet wife Joyce (aka "my girl"). Cherished Children: Ryan Kirkham, Aimee (Casey) Wallace, Laurie (Shandon) Cole, Darren (Shari) Kirkham

Adored Grandchildren: Jacob (Makenna), Jaxon, Kaylen, Hannah, Bryten, Jameson, Cayce, Justice, Talon, Ellie, Sienna, Abi, Sadie, Jett and Emri

Treasured Sisters: Patrice (Bill) Wollam and Julee (Marc) Bernhisel

He is also survived by an amazing lifelong group of very loyal, and VERY mischievous friends (you know who you are)!

He was preceded in death by his parents Dale and Virginia Kirkham and niece Tammy Rogers.

Rick was blessed with the spiritual gift of unconditional love and understanding for others. The relationships he accumulated on this earth are his most prized possessions. He both leaves these behind to each of us, and takes them with him, as our hearts are knit together till we meet again…

Our family would like to thank Diane Young APRN, Dr. Stephen Miller, Ed Parry NP-C and Bryan Hoelzer MD at Southwest Spine and Pain, the doctors and staff at the Heart Center at St. Marks, and all of the doctors and health professionals who have helped him throughout the years. A special thank you to Elevation Hospice (Alissa, Miriam, Jeff, and Sherrie) for their loving care and attention and always treating us like family.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 8th at 11:00 a.m. at the Cottonwood 12th Ward at 1750 Spring Lane, Holladay, Utah. A viewing will be held that morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

There will also be a viewing the previous evening, Thursday July 7th, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens at 1950 E 10600 S. Sandy, Utah

Interment: Holladay Memorial Park

4900 S. Memory Lane, Holladay, Utah