Tributes

John Charles Baxter Kirkpatrick 9/12/1984 – 6/17/2021 John Charles Baxter Kirkpatrick., tragically departed this life while on his commute home from work on Thursday, June 17, 2021. Charles will be deeply missed by Sara, his wife of 16 years; stepson Cody; son Gabriel, daughter Mia; his parents John Charles Sr. and Cheryl Kirkpatrick; and his siblings Greg (Stephanie) Kirkpatrick of Seattle, WA, Kathleen (Kevin) Hainsworth of Salem, Eileen (James) Tepper of Salem, and Alyse (Noah) La Monte of West Salem; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Louis Kirkpatrick and Ruth O’Donnel and Calvin and Betty White. Charles was the fourth of five children born to John and Cheryl Kirkpatrick. He was born on September 12, 1984 in Oakland, CA. By the age of two, Charles was unlocking doors, escaping the house, and could be seen running out of the cul-de-sac. The Kirkpatrick family moved between the Seattle, WA and Salem, OR areas beginning in 1993. Charles and his family were devout members of the Renton Calvary Baptist church. In his youth, Charles was a sports enthusiast and played baseball, soccer and tennis. Charles loved playing tennis with his mother. He played the trombone in his high school marching band and was a Civil Air Patrol Cadet. The Kirkpatricks moved to Salem in 2001, where Charles was in the first graduating class of West Salem High School. Charles, known by his professional colleagues as John, began his career working as a union truck driver at Food Services of America. He worked there for 15 years and was awarded Driver of the Year. He most recently worked as a delivery supervisor for US Foods. Charles met Sara, the love of his life, working together in Woodburn, Oregon. The two were married in March 2005 in Salem, OR. They enjoyed their family life together and set up their home in Hubbard, Oregon. Cody shared Charles’ enthusiasm for outdoor activities. Mia loved gardening with him. Gabe loved assisting Charles with mechanical setup and repairs. Charles had many interests and hobbies that included boating, cooking, disc golf, gardening, golfing, and especially spending time with his family. Charles was a committed and loving father and kind to everyone. A memorial service will be held at Champoeg State Park near St. Paul, Oregon at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, July 10th, with a celebration of life immediately following. Memorial donations may be made in lieu of cards and flowers to the National Motorcycle Safety Fund nmsfund.org.

Tributes

John Charles Baxter Kirkpatrick

September 12, 1984 - June 17, 2021