R. Dean Kirkland, DVM

It is with sorrow that the family of R. Dean Kirkland, DVM share the sad news of his passing on August 4, 2022, at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, Wash. His two sons were at his side. He was born October 26, 1946 in Tecumseh, son of the late Eddie and June (Maynard) Kirkland.

A graduate of Clinton High School, Dean attended Michigan State University and was accepted into veterinary school after two years of undergraduate work, rather than the average four years. His ability was recognized by the university when he was hired to teach in the veterinary school immediately after he received his DVM.

  
“Doc” Kirkland was a well-known and highly respected veterinarian in Lenawee County and beyond. As the founder of Wayside Veterinary Clinic in Clinton, he practiced large and small animal surgery and medicine in the area for 50 years prior to his retirement seven years ago.  Dr. Kirkland was committed to the community, his clients and the animals he cared for.  A lifelong resident of Clinton, he was known and earned the title “Doctor,” and more familiarly, “Doc.”  He was also called, “husband,” “friend,” “brother,” and of course “Dad.” But for the last 13 years, his absolute favorite honorific was “Papa” to his five grandchildren.  

After the passing of his wife, Marie (Timm) Kirkland, Dean chose to retire and make the extended family his main priority. He worked to maintain close relationships with his sons and their families, travelling back and forth from Clinton to Seattle on a regular basis. The trip to Seattle in January, 2020, just as the COVID pandemic was starting, forced him to make Seattle his main residence, with only one trip back to Michigan last summer. In February of this year, he travelled to Florida with his sister and brother to a reunion with his Maynard cousins.

Dean is survived by his sons, Aric (D’Ann) Kirkland, Andrew (Kylie) Kirkland and grandchildren: Jameson Dean, Aralyn Marie, Hudson Wayne, Landon Cooper, and Amelia June. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Kirkland, (Mitchell Leibowitz); brother, Kevin (Carolyn) Kirkland; nephews, Austin and Ethan; several sisters- in-law, a brother-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Dean’s life is being planned to be held in Clinton later in the fall. The family requests that memorial donations be made to Therapeutic Riding, Inc. TRI’s mission is to provide a therapeutic environment, horseback riding, and other activities for people with disabilities or other challenges. TRI’s website is therapeuticridinginc.org.