Mearl Ira Kirkland, 79, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at his home in Kalispell surrounded by family.
He was born in Kalispell to Clarence and Dorathy (Verley) Kirkland on February 6, 1936. He was raised in the Flathead Valley and went to Flathead High School.
He joined the National Guard and was a reservist for 11 years. He married the love of his life, Judith Roberts, on February 9, 1957 in Kalispell.
He drove log truck most of his life as well as dump truck before retiring. He loved his family, the outdoors, camping, gardening with Judy, horses, hunting, and fishing. He worked 12 years at Plum Creek and T-Bend Construction.
He was preceded in death by his wife Judy of 38 years, his parents, sisters-in-law Lyda Buchman, Doris Roberts, and Bonnie Roberts, brother-in-laws Vern Roberts, Ray Roberts, Rick Roberts and Hank Roberts.
He is survived by his brother Virgil Kirkland and wife Sandy of Kalispell; sister Virginia Roberts of Kalispell; brother Fred Kirkland and wife Connie of Belgrade, MT; his uncle Archie Kirkland of Kalispell; daughter Dorathy (Dottie) Nelson and husband Ken of Kalispell; son Don Kirkland and wife Michelle of Kalispell; son Dean Kirkland and wife Tammy of Columbia Falls; daughter Diana Kirkland and Bob Ferrell of Kalispell; granddaughter Gina Smith of Kalispell; grandson Jayson Nelson and wife Serina of Kalispell; grandson Jeff Nelson and wife Britney of Kalispell; granddaughter Whitney Kirkland and Chad Lee of Kalispell; granddaughter Michaela (Tiny) Kirkland of Kalispell; grandson Michael Kirkland and Melissa of Kalispell; grandson Byron Kirkland and Cheyenne of Kalispell; granddaughter Kayla Kirkland and Josh of Kalispell; grandson Johnathan Kirkland and Brooke of Kalispell; grandson Shelby Sanford and Katie of Kalispell; grandson Harley Jud Sanford of Kalispell; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of life potluck will be at Birch Grove Grange Sunday, June 7, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will be at Glacier Memorial Gardens Monday, June 8, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.