Tributes

Cecil Earl Kirkpatrick, a brilliant and kind man, with an unwavering conviction that love and unity must reign above all else, departed for his eternal home on July 1st, 2023. He was a loving father, grandfather, husband, brother, friend, and mentor. However, words cannot capture all that he was to so many people that loved him. He is with God now, but we must always remember that he has not left us. Cecil was born in Waco Texas on January 8th, 1953, to Milton Dennis Kirkpatrick and Georgia Ann Burse. The youngest of eight children, he was adored and deeply loved by four brothers (Milton, George Ray, Dennis, and Charlie) and three sisters (Nola, Mary, and Gloria). A young man of many talents, he developed a particular passion for music with the trumpet being his signature companion. Like all of his brothers, in adulthood, Cecil settled in Northern California. In 1978, he met and married the love of his life, Patricia Longmire. The two created a life together defined by resilience, love, and commitment. From this matrimony, they had three children: Kenyeua, Rachmon, and Jonna-Lynn. The two shared 45 years of marriage that prevailed through the tests of time, and as Matriarch and Patriarch, demonstrated the Power of Love. Cecil earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Sacramento State University. All while raising three children and working full time in Napa, leaving no question of his resolve and determination to provide for his family and model true tenacity. After retiring from Napa State Hospital, Cecil reunited with his music full-time and created a jazz band, “Living the Dream” in which he led an ensemble of talented friends and family, performing regularly at various venues. He played many instruments: harmonica, steel drums, his beloved trumpet, and several others. He also fed his passion for mentorship as an educator for Napa Valley College’s Psychiatric Technician program. During his retirement, he enjoyed being with his four grandsons (Brandon, Izaiah, Adrian, and Rachmon Jr.) and three granddaughters (Draemoni, Riley, and Rochlan), beaming with pride at their every milestone and achievement, and teaching them lessons that will last a lifetime. Let us all Celebrate the Life of this remarkable man and allow his presence to continue through our Remembrance and Love for him. Let us Love each other the way that he loved all of us. Let us Honor him with a sense of Gratitude for the Blessings that his life has bestowed upon us.

Tributes

Cecil E. Kirkpatrick

January 8, 1953 - July 1, 2023