RICHARD KIRKMAN

Richard L. Kirkman, Jr. Mar. 24, 1966 - July 8, 2015 SOUTH BEND - Richard Lee Kirkman, Jr. (49) lost his courageous battle with cancer on July 8, 2015 at 7:21 in the morning. Rick was born on March 24, 1966 in South Bend, Indiana to Stella and Richard Kirkman, Sr. and attended LaSalle High School.

He was a highly experienced mechanic and worked at various companies, most recently at Mechanic Inc. On November 23, 1990, Rick married Laurie Buscoe and together they had two healthy and very active children. Rick was the epitome of a gentle giant. He was a man of few words which made every conversation with him cherished. Much like his giant stature, his heart was quite big and he had so much love for the family and friends that he has left behind. His passionate personality was materialized primarily as the driver of the yellow and red #12 stock car at the South Bend Motor Speedway. Off the track, he kept busy building model cars, attending model car shows and meeting with his friends to build as well.

He leaves incredible memories to be cherished by his wife Laurie and their two children Kathrynn (21) and Travis Kirkman (17) and his beloved dog Molly of South Bend, his parents Richard Sr. and Stella Kirkman of South Bend, and his brother James Kirkman (Kortney Williams) of Elkhart.

Rick was preceded in death by his nephew and niece, Victor Alan and Victoria Alaina Kirkman.

Visitation is Sunday, July 12, 4-8 p.m. and Monday, July 13, 10-11 a.m. The funeral is Monday, July 13 at 11 a.m. Visitation and service will be held at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive in South Bend. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Center for Hospice Care. "I have fought the good fight- I have finished the race." 2 Timothy 4:7a

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jul. 11, 2015.

09/04/2022 EJS