Kerry Hardy Kirkland's Obituary
Kerry “John” Hardy Kirkland was born into a rodeo family on February 6, 1949, in Sacramento, California. He was raised alongside his siblings in the town of Woodland, where he spent his childhood and formed lifelong bonds rooted in family, hard work, and community.
Kerry was a true jack of all trades, known for his wide range of skills and fearless spirit. In his younger years, he played music with his high school band, a passion that stayed with him throughout his life. He built motorcycles, rode horses, and remained closely connected to the rodeo life of his family, traditions that shaped his character and work ethic. He also spent time bartending, always surrounded by good stories and even better company. Ultimately, Kerry’s work as a Merchant Marine drew him to the ocean and became the path that led him to Jewelynn Lee, whom he met in 1988 while she was working with the Ocean Salmon Project. Their shared connection to the sea brought them together, and they were married later that year on December 3, 1988. Kerry later went on to become a salmon fisherman along the northern coast of California, a livelihood that reflected his independence, resilience, and love for the outdoors.
For the last 35 years, Kerry made his home in Nānākuli, Hawaiʻi, with Jewel and Kaʻena where he found comfort in ocean life, community, and family. He loved playing music, spending time with his loved ones, and enjoying a drink with friends and family. He will be remembered for his easy-going nature, his stories, and the joy he found in being surrounded by those he cared for.
Kerry passed away on December 8, 2025.
Kerry is survived by his wife, Jewelynn Kirkland; his daughters, Kristi-Marie Flanagan (Tom) and ʻOāokaʻena Kirkland; his grandson, Tommy Flanagan; his granddaughter, Katie Flanagan; his sisters, Kathleen “Kathy” Kirkland Farnham (Tim “Willie”) and Karen Kirkland Richter (William “Marty”); and his brother, Joe Walker (Ginger). He is also survived by the family of his late brother, Jeffrey Kirkland, including his niece, Tara (Matt) Gaines; his nephews, Eric Farnham, Jeffrey Kirkland Jr., and Chase Richter; as well as his grand-nephews and grand-niece.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Nānākuli Beach Park. A formal service will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., followed by the spreading of ashes at 12:00 p.m. Live music will continue from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with lunch served beginning at 12:00 p.m.
Kerry will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
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