Dr. William “Brian” Kirkham of Ephrata, WA

William “Brian” Kirkham was born in Montréal to parents Larry and Francis Kirkham, Brian and his brother, Lawrie, grew up dividing their time between England and Canada. They were raised by their mother, Francis (“Manny”), her sister, their beloved Aunt Helen (affectionately known as “La La”), and their grandparents.

Brian pursued a path in science, earning a Master’s degree in chemistry from McGill University in Montréal. He worked as a chemist before returning to school to complete his medical degree and eventually open a family practice in the Ottawa area. This was accomplished with the loving support of his first wife and lifelong friend, Lynda, mother to his children Kevin (Julie) and Andrea (Donnie).

Later, Brian married his second wife and the love of his life, Noella. They moved with their two children, Jaymes (Amanda) and Taylor (Carolina), to Ephrata, Washington, where he cared for many patients as a physician at Columbia Basin Hospital. Over the years, he worked alongside many talented healthcare professionals, including Dr. Alex Brzezny, a trusted colleague and friend who provided Brian and Noella with dedicated care and support during the final months of Brian’s life. Brian loved the home he built with Noella in Ephrata and took great joy in watching Jaymes and Taylor thrive. He attended their games, helped with homework, and delighted in having a home full of their friends—even when it meant enduring paintball battles, high‑school rock band rehearsals in the basement, and an astronomical grocery bill.

He cherished visits and phone calls from Kevin and Andrea in Canada, always spoiling them—and later their spouses and children—with food and ridiculous dad jokes. Brian and Noella remained close friends with Lynda, affectionately referring to her as the “sister wife,” until her passing in 2015. Brian was the sweetest, silliest, and most devoted “Poppa” to his six grandchildren: Cole, Heather, Beatrice, Maggie, Flynn, and Sophie. Although he often debated his brother who was their mother’s favorite, and tried to convince him that he was adopted, Brian treasured his time with Lawrie and his wife, Kass. He enjoyed traveling with them to far‑flung places such as Vietnam, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. He proudly embraced his role as the “weird uncle” to Lawrie’s children, Christopher (Margaret) and Heidi, and their children Jacob, Aiden, Lily, and Scarlette.

Brian remained close with his cousin Kenny (Anda), his last link to his beloved hometown of Montréal and to the Crosbie side of his family. A Canadian to the end, Brian loved watching hockey and never gave up hope that his beloved Montréal Canadiens would one day bring home another Stanley Cup. He introduced all four of his children to Monty Python and terrible B‑movies. He always had a dog by his side and is predeceased by dogs Lady, Whiskey, and Charlie, as well as several cats he pretended not to like. A doctor who should have been an artist, Brian sketched and painted whenever he had time. He loved puttering around the house, building “creative” (and sometimes questionable) projects—often at the expense of his own safety. Ever frugal, he drove vehicles long past their logical lifespan, famously holding together his favorite van, the “Babe Magnet,” with duct tape and shoelaces. In later years, he was happiest sitting outside, working on a puzzle, and barbecuing far more food than anyone needed. Brian was loved by everyone who knew him for his humor, warmth, and genuine interest in helping others.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the American Heart Association, and take a moment to hug the people you love.