John Mathie Kirkwood

John Mathie Kirkwood, age 67, passed away Monday, January 1, 2018 at his home in Vancleave, MS. John was born in Kilmarnock, Scotland to David and Mary Kirkwood. He attended Kilmarnock academy then proudly graduated from the University of Glasgow, obtaining his Aeronautical Engineering degree in 1974. He traveled the world while working for British Aerospace (BAE) as a regional sales manager for sixteen years before retiring to the U.S to be with his children. He went on to work another seventeen years at Lowe's in Gautier, MS in Electrical both as the Department Manager & Electrical Pro. John enjoyed occasionally attending rock concerts, as well as evenings out with friends, but was most content relaxing at home. He also loved watching soccer matches (Liverpool being his favorite), playing on his computer, and crossword puzzles. John enjoyed family gatherings held weekly with his family that were full of "love, food & sarcastic conversation." He is preceded in death by his parents; by dear friend and mother to his children, Cynthia Gale Lokey; and his granddaughter, Kiera Gale Kirkwood. Survivors include his children, Jennifer Anne Kirkwood and David John Kirkwood; grandson, Kaden Paul Smith; brother, Dr. Daniel (Alison) Kirkwood; son-in-law, Daniel Smith; special friends of many years, John & Sheileagh Schofield; and his beloved pet, "Puss Cat." John was a man of humor with a huge heart and will be missed by several close friends, colleagues, and customers all to whom were like family. A memorial service will be held March 4, 2018 at 7:00 p.m., with a visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., all at the Vancleave Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home.