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“The man. The myth. The legend. Men wanted to be him and women wanted to be with him. Brian Douglas Kirkland, aka, “Hoppy” died on May 20, 2018. He was 71.
Brian was born January 23, 1947 in Wichita, KS to his parents, John and Mildred Kirkland. He graduated as an accomplished athlete from Wichita North High School in 1965, and then attended Wichita State University on double scholarships for Track and Basketball. Then in 1968, he joined the United States Army as a Green Beret. After serving in Vietnam with honors, he left the military and started his career as a restaurant and club entrepreneur.
Brian was the life of the party. His fun, exuberant nature made him popular in all his social circles. An avid chef, he was certain to fee you an incredible meal and an even bigger story. He was a proud father and grandfather.
Brian is proceeded in death by his father; John Douglas Kirkland; his mother, Mildred Maxine Kirkland (sur’ Herring); and his granddaughter, Nataly Grace Elmitt. He is survived by his brother, Rodney Kirkland (Juanita) of Wichita; son, Brian Kirkland Jr (Chelsea) of Wichita, daughters Ami Kirkland (Ryan) of Augusta, Carri McCoy (William) of El Dorado, Kimberly Kirkland (Cole) of Wichita, and Katie Elmitt (Aaron) of Anthony. Grandchildren are Kaitllynd, Camryn, Ava, Audrina, Brooklyn, Michael, Madisyn, Courtney, Noah, Bentley, Reid, Sadie, and Lyric.
The family has opted for a private cremation. A memorial will take place on June 1st, 2018, from 5 pm to 8 pm at Minisa Park Recreation Center. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Brian’s life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.
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James Lee Jemmerson
Brian, was our friend and brother who will be missed but not forgotten. He was a great athlete at North Hi and one of the best in track that walked the halls. I played basketball and ran track with him for three years. He used to take me home with him so that she could feed us a snack before our basketball games. He was one of our fastest 440 yard dash men that we had on the track team. And he could dunk a basketball with ease. It was always a joy to be around Brian as he always made you laugh. He was my brother and good friend. Prayers for the family. RIP my friend. Jimmy Jemmerson
Gary S. Shreve
Brian and I and little brother Rodney for over 50 years! Was always a good time when ever and wherever, Rest in piece big guy!!
Sherry Gail Skillman-Skillwoman
Brian's death is another lesson in Carpe Diem for me, in that I did not go up & introduce myself at last summer's reunion. Granted it had been 50 yrs since I'd seen almost everyone there & I was still in shock from my mother's death - I couldn't recognize him & had to ask someone who he was. All that was OK, except then I got too shy to go over & say Hello. You never know if you will get another chance. Good Bye, Brian.
J Sharon Powell (Quincy)
Brian and I were good friends off and on, starting in High School, of course. He was always a sweet and kind person, fun to be around, and thoughtful. Like many others today, I found him normally a very positive person through his posts on social media. I also know he struggled with health issues and general issues of life these last years, but.....he continued to be positive in his interactions and expressed gratitude for living and his life. That's what is most memorable to me about Brian. Regardless of difficulties, he kept a positive face forward and appreciated all that came to him. He was a regular at our reunions! I know coming and being positive was not an easy path to follow, but that was Brian. His friendly and upbeat exterior was something I counted on each time I saw him. Peace, Brian, at last!
Tim Greenshields
Rest in peace my dear friend Brian. You were one of the very good guys. Everyone loved you.
Tim
Mike Moreno
What a shock...just saw Brain the other day the at store...we had a good conversation about life!!!...
May he rest in Peace!!!...he was a military brother to me!!!!...
A Soldier’s Final Inspection
The soldier stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his soldiers and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
Nancy Marie Sprague (Gates)
I am so sorry to hear this but not totally suprised with the recent health problems he has been having. I have been praying for him and now he is totally healed. I will continue with prayers for the family at this very difficult time. May God give the family and friends the peace and comfort only HE can give.
Revelyn Kay Satterlee (Alpaugh)
Brian was a great friend and fun guy. I know how deeply he loved his family and how devoted he was to North and our class of '65. Loved sharing classes at North with him and watching him on the basketball court. He will be missed at reunions and I'll miss his messages on Facebook. Revelyn
Harold Richard Hoffman
Brian was one of those kind of forever friends. And even though I had lost track of him after I left Wichita in 1969 I would think of him and the times we had together good and not so good. I remember when he first transferred to John Marshall junior high in ninth grade . We became inseparable friends to the point a lot of people thought we were family. I had not seen him for many years until our 50th reunion and it was sure good to get reacquainted with him. We had a lot of fun with sports and other things. My friend you will be sorely missed by all who knew you. You and your family are in my prayers brother. God bless