Franklin Carl Kirkham

Carl Kirkham, 92

F. Carl Kirkham of Spokane, WA, was born August 3, 1930 and passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2023.  He is survived by his loving wife of almost fifty years, Linda Kirkham, his son Cory (and Luann), five grand-children, his sister June Rolf and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Carl was the youngest of four children born to Thomas and Agnes Kirkham.  Orphaned in 1932, Carl lived at the Spokane Children’s Home until he was ten years old.  In 1940 he entered foster care where he had some good, and some tragically bad experiences.  

At seventeen Carl joined the Navy, was stationed in San Diego on the USS Salisbury Sound, eventually serving as a helicopter mechanic.  

Carl left the Navy, joined the Air Force Reserves, and worked various jobs until going to Vietnam as a civilian contractor providing maintenance for Army helicopters.  He returned to Spokane around 1971, where he was a helicopter Maintenance Supervisor for the Army National Guard as a full time civil servant.  Carl excelled at this job until his retirement in 1989.

In 1973 Carl married Linda, adopting her son Cory in 1976.  

After his retirement, Linda and Carl enjoyed traveling, gardening and a succession of dogs - almost all named Liberty.

Carl will be missed by all who loved him.