Robert James Kirkbride

Robert "Bob" James Kirkbride, age 83, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2026.

Bob was born on November 18, 1942, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, to John and Violet (Lain) Kirkbride. When he was five years old, his family moved to Bellingham, where he would make his home for the rest of his life. He attended Bellingham High School and later proudly served his country in the United States Air Force.

He married the love of his life, Dianna-Lynn, in January 1977. Together, they faced the challenges of caring for their son, who was battling cystic fibrosis, while also raising their young daughter. The struggles they faced could have tested even the strongest of marriages, but their love and commitment to one another endured.

Bob worked several different jobs before finding his place in Maintenance and Operations at Western Washington University. He retired from WWU after 36 years.

His grandchildren were a significant highlight of his life. The many adventures "Papa" shared with them will forever be treasured.

Bob was a creative man with many gifts and talents. He always had a hobby or a new project underway, whether it was sailing, rebuilding old cars, metal detecting, woodworking, or riding motorcycles. But there was never any doubt that his favorite pastime was working with dogs.

Bob joined the Chuckanut Dog Training Association (CDTA) in Bellingham in 1992. He began with his Standard Schnauzer, Chaz, and together they competed in agility, obedience, and tracking.

Bob was an active CDTA member, serving on the board for seven years and as club president in 2000 and 2001. He also served on the equipment, agility, obedience, awards, and tracking committees. His involvement extended beyond the local club when he became an American Kennel Club (AKC) judge.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Barbara, Shirley, Jack, and Violet; and his precious son, Christopher James Kirkbride.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Dianna-Lynn; sister-in-law, Rose Kirkbride; daughters, Debbie Moore and Tanya Kirkbride; grandchildren, Nicholas Heutink, Austin Heutink, Samantha Heutink, Brevin Heutink (Renee), and Ethan Chamness; and his great-grandchildren, Wilder and Willow Heutink.

In Bob's final moments, his love for the family he was leaving behind was so evident. But when we spoke of him going "home" to his son, Christopher, he softly whispered, "Oh, it has been such a long wait." The magnitude of those words was not lost on us and will never be forgotten.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Bob's birthday, November 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Westford Funeral Home in Bellingham.