John E. "Jack" Kirkbride

Jack Kirkbride, age 82, passed away in Bellingham on Sunday, June 27, 2021. He was born October 26, 1938 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to John and Violet Kirkbride. Jack attended Bellingham High School and went on to serve in the US Marine Corps. He married Rose Marie Clymer on December 10, 1959. Jack was a career machinist with Georgia Pacific. Jack had an adventurous soul. He enjoyed racing sprint cars at Skagit Speedway, racing sailboats on Wednesday nights on Bellingham Bay and also raced in New Zealand, Japan and the Vic-Maui. Jack served as fleet captain of the Bellingham Yacht Club in the 1980’s. He went scuba diving, had his pilot’s license and served on mountain rescue. Jack and Rose enjoyed many road trips and cruises around the world. His family will always remember and cherish his wonderful stories of adventure! Jack was preceded in death by his sisters Violet, Shirley and Barbara. He is survived by his loving wife Rose, daughters Kathy Green (Dave) and Connie Franks, grandchildren Andy Green (Lena), Kelsey Cornish (Kyle), Brandon Franks (fiancée Savannah), Taylor Wilde (Josh), Connie’s former husband Jeff Franks, brother Bob Kirkbride (Diane), and many loving relatives and friends. Jack will be buried at sea in a family gathering at a later date. Please remember Jack the way you knew him in life! You may share memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com .