Neil R Kirkpatrick

Neil, son of the late David and Frances Kirkpatrick of Dover, NH, was born June 29, 1951 in Wolfeboro, NH. Growing up in Dover, Neil enjoyed music of his era, following local sports teams, and hiking in the White Mountains. He valued family time at the ocean, lakes, and camp in Maine. He was very close to his sister Susan and his parents.

Neil graduated from Dover High School in 1969. In high school, he was an honor student, played the trumpet in the band, and was on the golf team. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a major in Classics in 1973. During his college years, Neil enjoyed preaching the Gospel in area churches, while being involved with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and his local church. Excelling in classical languages, Neil was a Latin and Greek Fellow while attending Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA. He graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in 1976.

In 1976, Neil married Kathryn A. Preston of Potomac, Maryland. Together they were involved in pastoral ministry for 5 years in Ohio where two of their children were born. In 1982, Neil’s health needs brought his family back to NH. Their 3rd child was born in Concord, NH. Circumstances required Neil to need much care for his emotional health needs. Neil’s parents soon assumed care for him in Dover, while he stayed in touch as he was able with Kathy and his 3 children in Maryland. Neil stayed in Dover and eventually helped to take care of his widowed mother after 1995. Neil enabled his mom to live in her own home until she died in 2021. Much appreciation is expressed to Atlantic Homecare for their care for Neil and his mother in Dover. His caregivers, family, classmates, and friends remember Neil as kind, compassionate, and gracious.

In June 2021, Neil then moved into a lovely mobile home in Concord near his sister Susan, his caregiver. Neil received excellent care from the healthcare professionals in NH. These kind people are much appreciated. In his later years, Neil enjoyed outings to area restaurants, following golf tournaments, and listening to his favorite music. Still limited by his emotional health needs, Neil read his Bible and watched Christian programs on T.V. Neil often quoted a favorite passage, Philippians 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (NKJV).”

Neil is predeceased by his parents, David and Frances Kirkpatrick, and by his ex-wife Kathryn A. (Preston) Kirkpatrick. He is survived by his sister Susan(Mrs. Jerry Zoller), and his 3 children: Stephen Preston Kirkpatrick, Patricia Lynn (Kirkpatrick) Duffy, and Matthew David Kirkpatrick. Neil had 3 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and cousins.

There will be a graveside committal service open to all at the Old Riverside Cemetery, Main St., Alton, NH., July 6, 2023 at 11 AM. A private family reception will follow.

Arrangements are being handled by Bennett Funeral Home in Concord, NH.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bennettfuneral.com for the Kirkpatrick family.