Sarasota native, Col. Robert(Ben) Kirkconnell, Jr., 73, son of Ben and Evelyn Tison Kirkconnell, passed away in hospice care at Bay Pines VA Medical Center on January 5, 2017. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Susan K. Coursen. Ben is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara and two sons, Robert B. III and his wife, Sara and Matthew M. and his wife, Sarah ; 5 grandchildren: Claire, Zachary, Ford, Walker, and Alistaire . In addition he is survived by his sisters: Dede Kirkconnell and Donna K. Bailey, both of Sarasota. To his nieces and nephew he was known as ‘Uncle Fun’. Ben graduated from Sarasota High School in 1961 and from University of Florida business school in 1965. He was a proud member of Sigma Nu fraternity. Ben and Barbara married in 1966 and began their Air Force career. He was the Chief of Maintenance for the 113th Tactical Fighter Wing of the D.C. Air Natl. Guard from 1974-1990. Ben then held the executive position of USP&FO for the D.C. Natl. Guard before retiring from the Air Force in 2001. His decorations included the Legion of Merit, Vietnam Service Medal with 5 devices, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with device, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with valor, Presidential Unit Citation, Small Arms Expert Marksman – Pistol, Air Force Commendation Medal with device, Meritorious Service Medal with 5 devices. A funeral service with full military honors will be held at the Sarasota Natl. Cemetery on January 23, 2017 at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers please donate to Tampa Bay Watch, 3000 Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 or a charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.veteransfuneralcare.com.
Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Nothing has happened.
Everything remains exactly as it was.
I am I, and you are you,
and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
There is absolute and unbroken continuity.
What is this death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval,
somewhere very near,
just round the corner.
All is well.
Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!
-Henry Scott Holland
Barbara, I was so sad when I heard that Ben had passed but then I remembered what a happy person he was and how much He loved life’ And how much fun you’ll had together. He loved to fish and he loved the outdoors.
Now he is at peace he will suffer no more.
Semper Fidelis,
Dennis
Dear Barbara, Very sad to hear of Ben’s passing. The memories of times spent with Ben will be with me forever. I only hope that there be a Sigma Nu Chapter in heaven so that when our time comes, we can all reunite with Ben. I will keep his memory alive by continuing to tell Ben stories whenever and wherever.
JOE
May God give peace and comfort to the family in this difficult time.
I want to send my warm thoughts of comfort and love to each member of Ben’s family. Ben was much loved by many, and he will be missed for his ability to tell stories and to find humor in most situations. His intelligence allowed him to explore his many interests both in the United States and abroad. He lived life to the fullest and for those around him, they, too, were given many memories of of those times. Ben will be missed.
Cousin Carol
Barbara, may you and your family take comfort in your many years together and the obvious love you had for each other. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Raconteur, patriot, traveler, Ben lived his life to the fullest and will be missed by all with whom he laughed. My condolences to his family and friends.
Jayne
Kirk, was sad to hear about your dad. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Ofer
Dear Kirkconnell Family, Greatly saddened by your loss. Wish the whole family peace and comfort in this difficult time.
Kirk, so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Dear Kirk and Kirkconnell Family, I was saddened to hear about your loss
Extending heartfelt condolences to all the family.
May his memories bring you comfort at this sad time
Ron
Kirk
My deepest condolences in your sad day
Reggie
Kirk, I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May your memories give you peace and comfort.
Jason
Kirk, I was sorry to hear about your father, my truly condolences to you and your family.
Yiftach
So sorry to hear of your father’s death Kirk. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
RIP. My thoughts are with you and the family.
Hi Kirk,
I am so sorry for your loss, please accept my condolences.
May his soul rest in peace.
Saman
My heartfelt condolences to his family. I served with Col Kirkconnell for many years in the DCNG. He was always personable, direct and honest. It was an honor to serve with him.
D. Dyer
Sergeant First Class, USA Retired
To the Kirkconnell Family,
I too was touched by COL Kirkconnell as a 1st Lieutenant. He assisted me early in my career and teased me about attending Penn State and he being a “Florida Gator”. My condolences to the family. My prayers are with you and he’s in a better place waiting for us.
Condolences to the family from a former DCARNG officer. May you be at peace.
He was a good person, and I knew of some of the kind things he did for people.
May God Bless You and your family, and let his soul Rest In Peace.
I served with Col Kirkonnell in the DCNG. I only have fond memories. I pray Barbara that you, your family and friends continue enjoying the memories of him. He was an exemplary officer and mentor to me.
Sheila Y. Mitchell-Williams, CSM, USA, Retired.
Sorry to hear this. Not only do we have the same name, but our Air Force careers were similar. He called me at Andrews AFB in 1975 to tell me that the Air Force was trying to deliver my household goods to him. He said, “I’m not used to this…” I told him that I wasn’t either…. We laughed and got together now and then to tell old family stories, etc. We are distant cousins. He was a genuinely nice person with a wonderful disposition. Goodbye cuz. and the best to the family.