Daily Sitka Sentinel

Robert J. Kirkman Dies; Lifelong Sitkan was 80

Robert Jerome Kirkman

Robert Jerome Kirkman, a lifelong resident, died Dec. 3 in Sitka at the age of 80.

He was born in Sitka June 2, 1941, the son of Lila and Kenneth Jerome Kirkman Sr. His mother was of the Eagle moiety, the Kaagwaantaan clan, and the Box House. His Tlingit name was Saa’ xaa.

He loved his Native culture, his family said. He attended Sealaska Celebration, loved Native dancing, foods, crafts, events and parades.

“He spent a lifetime of subsistence fishing, hunting deer, clamming, herring egg harvesting, and cooking Native foods, all the while providing elders with Native foods,” a daughter said.

He attended Sitka schools, was  a fisherman, and worked as a longshoreman, a hatchery boss, and for Southeast Stevedoring.

“He was most happy while out on the water,” a family member said. “His knowledge of this area has literally saved lives, lost hunters, hikers ... friends in trouble.”

He was a member of the Greater Sitka Pool League, playing for Ernie’s AA team. He was a fan of the Mt. Edgecumbe High School Braves basketball team, and loved rooting for them, exchanging high fives with the kids.

Gold Medal Tournaments in Juneau were a must, and he loved the Seattle Seahawks.

He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, and Sons of American Legion.

The many Facebook tributes that came in after his death showed how he brought so much joy to people’s lives, his love, his laughter, compassion and kindness, and how much he will be missed, his family said.

Bobby was preceded in death by the love of his life, Muffett, LeNora Notti Kirkman.

He is survived by his daughter, Robin LeMay of Kenai; his son Dustin Patterson of Juneau; stepsons William and Robert Notti of Anchorage; and stepdaughters Kayla Patterson of California and Michele Kupers, of Ketchikan.

His grandchildren are Rick Busch, Truckee LeMay, Nyle Ley, Alaska, and Christian Patterson, Shaylanna Kirkman, Lily and Cia Notti, William Oleson, Isabella Valdez, Sean and Colin Durant, Nick Rowe, and Saleigha Miller.

His great-grandchildren are Savannah, Isabelle, Gavin, Connor, Kanyon, Kasyn and Olivia Ley, 

Also surviving are nieces and nephews including Sherry Daub of Washington, Ramona Kirkman of Sitka, Eva Eliason of Wasilla, Lila Holliday of Washington, and Martin, Lisa, Tinaa, Marty, Phillip, Reba and Albert Dundas, Lena Lauth, and LeAna Vanderbilt.

Services will be held next summer, and his ashes will be scattered at Goddard Hot Springs.

Honorary pallbearers will be Charlie Skultka Sr., Charlie Skultka Jr., David Skultka, Sid Carle, Frank Brantley, Woody Widmark, and Ernie’s AA Pool League members Stan Filler, Herman Davis Sr., Martin Dundas Sr., Marty, Phillip and Albert Dundas, Bruce Lemke, David LeMay, Rick Busch, Truckee LeMay and William Noth.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Sitka Pool League, c/o Gary Winger, 103 Burkhart St. E33,

Sitka, AK 99835.

Memorials may be sent to Robin LeMay, 3055 Kim-N-Ang Court, Kenai, AK 99611.