Comments for My 19th, 20th and 21st Birthdays http://lci222.com/wardiary The War Diary of Dale Kirkham 1944-1946 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:08:49 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Comment on Dale Kirkham 1925 – 2012 by Resa WARCHICK Kirkland http://lci222.com/wardiary/?p=949#comment-33 Resa WARCHICK Kirkland Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:08:49 +0000 http://lci222.com/wardiary/?p=949#comment-33 Rich, just happened across this while visiting ISJ. I write military history and conservative commentary, and until 7 years ago, lived in Pocatello. I remember Bro. Kirkham, and wish I'd known about his site. Your write up on his final day touched me deeply, and I'm so sorry we have lost him. We are less for having done so now. Father in Heaven is an old Marine General, and I have no doubt he welcomed a Navy warrior like your dad personally. Please email me, I care -- WARCHICK Rich, just happened across this while visiting ISJ. I write military history and conservative commentary, and until 7 years ago, lived in Pocatello. I remember Bro. Kirkham, and wish I’d known about his site. Your write up on his final day touched me deeply, and I’m so sorry we have lost him. We are less for having done so now. Father in Heaven is an old Marine General, and I have no doubt he welcomed a Navy warrior like your dad personally. Please email me, I care — WARCHICK

]]> Comment on Dale Kirkham 1925 – 2012 by Ron Clayson http://lci222.com/wardiary/?p=949#comment-32 Ron Clayson Sat, 18 Feb 2012 18:12:18 +0000 http://lci222.com/wardiary/?p=949#comment-32 Rich, My deepest condolences for you and all of the Kirkham family. I only met your father once, out at Miradel Park at the Republican picnic last year. I could easily see the greatness of the man. Thank you so much for sharing your story. It reminds me of the passing of my parents. But, in spite of the heart-wrenching emotions the passing of a loved one brings to us, your stories, not only of his life, but of his last few days and even his passing, is inspiring to me personally. Thank you for your honesty and openness in a difficult situation. I'm sure I speak for many people when I say we love and appreciate the Kirkham family. Ron Clayson Rich,
My deepest condolences for you and all of the Kirkham family. I only met your father once, out at Miradel Park at the Republican picnic last year. I could easily see the greatness of the man.

Thank you so much for sharing your story. It reminds me of the passing of my parents. But, in spite of the heart-wrenching emotions the passing of a loved one brings to us, your stories, not only of his life, but of his last few days and even his passing, is inspiring to me personally. Thank you for your honesty and openness in a difficult situation. I’m sure I speak for many people when I say we love and appreciate the Kirkham family.

Ron Clayson

]]> Comment on Dale Kirkham 1925 – 2012 by Randy Anderson http://lci222.com/wardiary/?p=949#comment-31 Randy Anderson Sat, 18 Feb 2012 17:36:06 +0000 http://lci222.com/wardiary/?p=949#comment-31 Richard, Kirk and family Dale was a wonderful man. I know this even though I didn't know him well. Although almost 25 years have passed your story brings me back when I said goodbye to my father like it was yesterday. Thanks for sharing and my condolences. Richard, Kirk and family
Dale was a wonderful man. I know this even though I didn’t know him well. Although almost 25 years have passed your story brings me back when I said goodbye to my father like it was yesterday. Thanks for sharing and my condolences.

]]> Comment on Dale Kirkham 1925 – 2012 by Shelby Azzola Hess http://lci222.com/wardiary/?p=949#comment-30 Shelby Azzola Hess Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:21:15 +0000 http://lci222.com/wardiary/?p=949#comment-30 Kirkham Family-What an amazing man your father was. The story of his passing is heartbreaking. Prayers to your families as you deal with the loss of such an important person in your lives. Thank you for sharing your story. Kirkham Family-What an amazing man your father was. The story of his passing is heartbreaking. Prayers to your families as you deal with the loss of such an important person in your lives. Thank you for sharing your story.

]]> Comment on Dale Kirkham 1925 – 2012 by Terry & Kim Turner http://lci222.com/wardiary/?p=949#comment-29 Terry & Kim Turner Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:19:16 +0000 http://lci222.com/wardiary/?p=949#comment-29 Dear Richard & all of the Kirkham Family, I am Jaquel's mother, (Steve's Wife) I wanted to thank you for sharing this time with others. It was very difficult for you and the others who were there and not there. I am sure that your father is grateful for your decision. I met your dad when we came out for Steve & Jaquel's wedding. He impressed me with his realm of knowledge and his experiences. He was a delight and I never knew him really. I do remember his kindness & love for my daughter quite distinctly. He was generous and kind. He even danced with her in his home. I think he was special man with so much to offer, he wanted our family to know him. He wrote on my facebook a few times and made an effort to know Jaquel's family. I saw in him a special love for others and intelligence. He had a great love for his family as well. Even though you don't know us really well, I remember you all at the wedding. It was a great day to see all of your family there. Thanks for being a family that sticks together, and supporting one another... you are a great example, just as your father. I enjoyed what you wrote and felt the spirit strongly. I know your father is with your mother. I have lost both my parents and was with them during their deaths. It was very bittersweet. I understand your loss. They will always be in your heart. We love you and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Our deepest sympathies. The Turner Family, in Roxboro, North Carolina Dear Richard & all of the Kirkham Family,

I am Jaquel’s mother, (Steve’s Wife) I wanted to thank you for sharing this time with others. It was very difficult for you and the others who were there and not there. I am sure that your father is grateful for your decision. I met your dad when we came out for Steve & Jaquel’s wedding. He impressed me with his realm of knowledge and his experiences. He was a delight and I never knew him really. I do remember his kindness & love for my daughter quite distinctly. He was generous and kind. He even danced with her in his home. I think he was special man with so much to offer, he wanted our family to know him. He wrote on my facebook a few times and made an effort to know Jaquel’s family. I saw in him a special love for others and intelligence. He had a great love for his family as well. Even though you don’t know us really well, I remember you all at the wedding. It was a great day to see all of your family there. Thanks for being a family that sticks together, and supporting one another… you are a great example, just as your father. I enjoyed what you wrote and felt the spirit strongly. I know your father is with your mother. I have lost both my parents and was with them during their deaths. It was very bittersweet. I understand your loss. They will always be in your heart. We love you and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Our deepest sympathies. The Turner Family, in Roxboro, North Carolina

]]> Comment on Dale Kirkham 1925 – 2012 by Bridger West http://lci222.com/wardiary/?p=949#comment-28 Bridger West Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:36:53 +0000 http://lci222.com/wardiary/?p=949#comment-28 Brother Rich, You have been such an example to me and I cant even begin to imagine what you and your family are going through. As I read through your message I couldn't help but cry. Every tear was a very fond memory of the man who would always greet me with a smile. I can remember an cool summers evening in your cabin where Bryce Eggiman and I were sitting at the piano. We were each sharing song that we had either learned or made up. Your father came up to us and with a Christlike smile, poured out countless compliments to two young boys. He used words like amazing, talented, and blessed. I will never forget the spirit and love of that tender moment. On another occasion my brother and I were with my wonderful grandmother helping her with some errands. After running around town we headed up to Kirkham Ranch. There we were met by the loving smile of Brother Dale Kirkham. He had a truck-full of items that he was giving to the Relief Society. The entire time we loaded the car he was thanking us and expressing his love for the church, the Relief Society, and those of us that were there to help. After the job was finished we were about to leave when Brother Kirkham lovingly invited us back inside to share some of his history. He told us stories, shared pictures, and let my brother and I play our luck on his slot-machine. I will always remember the spirit that resided there as my brother and I were betting our nickels. We left and once again we were thanked. I could go on and on about all of the wonderful memories that your dad gave me. This last sunday I didn't bear my testimony. I had the impression, but for some reason I struggled to stand. So I would like you to know that I know without a doubt that this church is true. Christ Lives. President Monson is the true and living prophet. Joseph Smith restored the gospel. And the wonderful plan of happiness is very real. I don't think I can say it better than the Lord said to Joshua, "Be strong and of a good courage; Be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." I send my prayers to you and your family. Thank you again for your shining example, Bridger Arise and Shine Forth Brother Rich,
You have been such an example to me and I cant even begin to imagine what you and your family are going through. As I read through your message I couldn’t help but cry. Every tear was a very fond memory of the man who would always greet me with a smile. I can remember an cool summers evening in your cabin where Bryce Eggiman and I were sitting at the piano. We were each sharing song that we had either learned or made up. Your father came up to us and with a Christlike smile, poured out countless compliments to two young boys. He used words like amazing, talented, and blessed. I will never forget the spirit and love of that tender moment. On another occasion my brother and I were with my wonderful grandmother helping her with some errands. After running around town we headed up to Kirkham Ranch. There we were met by the loving smile of Brother Dale Kirkham. He had a truck-full of items that he was giving to the Relief Society. The entire time we loaded the car he was thanking us and expressing his love for the church, the Relief Society, and those of us that were there to help. After the job was finished we were about to leave when Brother Kirkham lovingly invited us back inside to share some of his history. He told us stories, shared pictures, and let my brother and I play our luck on his slot-machine. I will always remember the spirit that resided there as my brother and I were betting our nickels. We left and once again we were thanked. I could go on and on about all of the wonderful memories that your dad gave me. This last sunday I didn’t bear my testimony. I had the impression, but for some reason I struggled to stand. So I would like you to know that I know without a doubt that this church is true. Christ Lives. President Monson is the true and living prophet. Joseph Smith restored the gospel. And the wonderful plan of happiness is very real. I don’t think I can say it better than the Lord said to Joshua, “Be strong and of a good courage; Be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” I send my prayers to you and your family.

Thank you again for your shining example,
Bridger

Arise and Shine Forth

]]> Comment on Dale Kirkham 1925 – 2012 by Rana Russell Strasser http://lci222.com/wardiary/?p=949#comment-27 Rana Russell Strasser Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:45:54 +0000 http://lci222.com/wardiary/?p=949#comment-27 Richard---------we only met once. You, me and your dad. It was about a year ago and I came over to Pocatello with your Sister Karol. I don't know if you remember me. I had looked forward to meeting your dad for a long time. I am so very happy now that I took that opportunity. He was my dad's 1st cousin and I never even knew he existed and never would have except for a real miracle when Karol and I discovered quite by accident that her grandfather and my grandmother were brother and sister. I have a feeling that my dad and Dale will be swapping a lot of war stories shortly. My dad was a Navy pilot in WWII and flew off the carrier "Boxer" in the south Pacific. Your Dad was a genuinely wonderful person and I loved him immediately. He affectionately called me "Strasser" the whole time I was there. I was able to share some pictures of my dad and his mother (Dale's aunt Maude) with him. I had a feeling that it was pretty likely that I would not see him again in this life but I was so touched by how kind and warm he was and I was impressed by how much his children and grandchildren loved him and watched out for him. I could not believe how independent he was or how many, many hobbies he had and such a zest for life. I can't even begin to know how much you will miss him. My heart is with you all and I look forward to a time that I will be able to sit down and talk with him again and really get to know him as I never had the opportunity to in this life. Richard———we only met once. You, me and your dad. It was about a year ago and I came over to Pocatello with your Sister Karol. I don’t know if you remember me. I had looked forward to meeting your dad for a long time. I am so very happy now that I took that opportunity. He was my dad’s 1st cousin and I never even knew he existed and never would have except for a real miracle when Karol and I discovered quite by accident that her grandfather and my grandmother were brother and sister. I have a feeling that my dad and Dale will be swapping a lot of war stories shortly. My dad was a Navy pilot in WWII and flew off the carrier “Boxer” in the south Pacific.
Your Dad was a genuinely wonderful person and I loved him immediately. He affectionately called me “Strasser” the whole time I was there. I was able to share some pictures of my dad and his mother (Dale’s aunt Maude) with him. I had a feeling that it was pretty likely that I would not see him again in this life but I was so touched by how kind and warm he was and I was impressed by how much his children and grandchildren loved him and watched out for him. I could not believe how independent he was or how many, many hobbies he had and such a zest for life. I can’t even begin to know how much you will miss him. My heart is with you all and I look forward to a time that I will be able to sit down and talk with him again and really get to know him as I never had the opportunity to in this life.

]]> Comment on Dale Kirkham 1925 – 2012 by DEL ATKINSON http://lci222.com/wardiary/?p=949#comment-26 DEL ATKINSON Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:57:39 +0000 http://lci222.com/wardiary/?p=949#comment-26 Richard: With the help of a box of kleenex I was able to read your message of Dale's passing. As expected, it was well done, and wonderful to read in great detail the events of your dad's last hours. The loss of a parent, no matter the circumstances, is emotionally traumatic and difficult. My prayers are constant for the Kirkham Family, as you mourn his loss and go thru the process of preparing for his memorial service. I'm sure it will be a great one! Dg Richard:
With the help of a box of kleenex I was able to read your message of Dale’s passing. As expected, it was well done, and wonderful to read in great detail the events of your dad’s last hours. The loss of a parent, no matter the circumstances, is emotionally traumatic and difficult. My prayers are constant for the Kirkham Family, as you mourn his loss and go thru the process of preparing for his memorial service. I’m sure it will be a great one!
Dg

]]> Comment on Welcome Aboard! by Mark Krautmann http://lci222.com/wardiary/?p=21#comment-4 Mark Krautmann Mon, 18 Jul 2011 19:44:38 +0000 http://lci222.com/wardiary/?p=21#comment-4 Hi, Dale. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE to our country. my uncle was a tail gunner over Germany - one of the very few who survived that experience. He also kept a war diary. I noted your article on the Diamond T. do you have it for sale? I am restoring one and need the chrome, etc. If yours is for sale, I would appreciate hearing from you, please. I am building a woodedn bed on mine for a camper to take the grandkids out on weekend trips to Central OR to go stargazing and fishing. Respectfully, Mark Krautmann Hi, Dale.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE to our country. my uncle was a tail gunner over Germany – one of the very few who survived that experience. He also kept a war diary.

I noted your article on the Diamond T.

do you have it for sale? I am restoring one and need the chrome, etc. If yours is for sale, I would appreciate hearing from you, please. I am building a woodedn bed on mine for a camper to take the grandkids out on weekend trips to Central OR to go stargazing and fishing.

Respectfully,

Mark Krautmann

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