Kirkwood, Gerald N.

Gerald (Jerry) Nelson Kirkwood, 89, took his final journey May 2, 2022, in Spokane, Wash. Jerry was born in Spokane, July 1932, to William and Lillian Kirkwood.

Jerry was raised in Davenport and graduated from Davenport High School in 1950. Jerry and his beloved wife Lois (James) married Sept. 12, 1951. Lois was also raised in Davenport and attended Davenport High School, graduating a year behind Jerry. They would have celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary Sept. 12, 2022.

Jerry attended Eastern Washington University and began his career at Washington Water Power/ Avista in March of 1952 while living in Davenport. He worked as a journeyman lineman in Othello, Wash. and Clarkston, Wash. until moving to Spokane in 1972 where he was the Safety Director for the company. He retired after 43 years working for WWP/ Avista. He was a proud member of the Trailblazer’s club and met with fellow retirees regularly for lunch and attending annual dinners.

Jerry loved spending time at the cabin he built on Sacheen Lake. Many memories were made while boating, fishing, skiing and sitting on the deck by the fire. Hours were spent jigging for brook trout, pulling accomplished and new skiers around the lake, taking sundown boat rides, and feeding the ducks from the dock. He and Lois loved traveling and cruising to Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal. Jerry was always learning about the history, the culture and the people wherever he traveled, adding even more knowledge to his always curious brain.

Jerry and Lois loved to entertain and hosted many parties over the years. Some remain legendary in the retelling of those memories. It was not unusual to gather 30 or more friends and family around the table for a fabulous meal and conversation.

Jerry was an avid runner. He ran many running events, including at Bloomsday where he won numerous times in his age group. Over the years Jerry was a respected and loved youth basketball and track coach. Jerry had a positive influence on many young people and their families.

Jerry could fix almost anything or “jerry-rig” it when necessary. He was a partner in many family projects, helping problem-solve, build, give advice and helping family move across country or across the state. Jerry was the “call a friend” for the family, whether it was math, science, geography, history, or construction questions.

He was always available and always had the answer. Many homework assignments were completed after a consultation with Grandpa. He was an avid reader and sports fan, rarely missing a Gonzaga basketball game, Mariner’s game, or college football game from his recliner or wherever else he might have been.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lois. Together, they made a welcoming and loving home for their family and for each other. He leaves behind two daughters Cinda (Curt) Johnson and Calla (Sam) Rodell and his brother Kenneth (Helen) Kirkwood.

He leaves behind grandchildren Jordan Swain (Cliff), Linea Johnson (Josh Koopman), Maja Rodell and his two great-grandchildren, (Thomas Swain and Harper Swain).

Jerry was also close to and loved by his many nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his son Steven Kirkwood, sister Myrtle Jean Miller and brother William Kirkwood.

A memorial for Jerry will be planned for later in the summer. Jerry wanted every child to be able to participate in sports regardless of their resources. To honor Jerry please consider donating to the Boys and Girls Club.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.strate-funeral.com for the Kirkwood family.