Nolan Ray Kirkman

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Nolan R Kirkman. A revered cowboy, horseman and mentor to many made his last ride on Wednesday January 8th.

Nolan always said the measure of a man isn’t about money & possessions. It’s about the integrity and honesty that they put into day to day living. Nolan lived every day with those two qualities in mind.

Born in West Point, UT to Raymond and Mary Bennett Kirkman, he lived with brother Dean and sisters, Ora, Blanche, and Florence.

Nolan’s earliest memories of working on the farm started at the age of 12. These memories of his childhood instilled in him the strong work ethic that stayed with him his entire life.

Nolan grew up with a profound love for the outdoors and the western lifestyle. Always saying it was a passion for as long as he could remember. He developed a strong love and admiration for horses from the work horses that were used on the farm. He always admired the strong resolve they had as they plowed and later harvested the crops.

For decades Nolan was the owner, operator of Kirkman “66” full service station in Clearfield where his mechanical talents blessed the lives of so many across Davis and Weber counties. He could fix anything and was never without customers. He earned his reputation and gained respect by being dependable, trustworthy and honest.

An excellent marksman he was, he had an eagle eye to spot any animal on the mountain. He was an avid hunter which later evolved into a love of observing their natural environment.

His horsemanship grew out of that love. It amazed him to watch a horse do any discipline and do it well. And had the utmost respect for the rider that had brought them to the perfection of whatever they were doing.

He studied with and watched every trainer saying you are never too old to learn and adjust. Some of the old ways were good, those needed to be remembered and passed on. Others needed to stay in the past.

He has been a member of the AQHA for 72 years. Along with his brother Dean they brought some of the first registered quarter horses to the state. He was a member of the Davis County Sheriff’s Posse, a calf roper in the RMRA, Wasatch Slopes Cutter Racing Assoc., UTPA team penning association, the UQHA and the UPHA.

He shared his horsemanship knowledge freely, all you had to do was listen. Any he ever helped at some point was going to hear “don’t let go” whether you were going to get bucked off, drug or run over just don’t let go!

Nolan’s life was a journey of caring and sharing his cowboy wisdom. One of his mottos was if you don’t want to hear it don’t ask!

The countless number of lives that he shared his knowledge with will be his legacy for a way of life that hopefully never ends. Knowing he played a small part in their lives was what made him happy.

One of his goals was to always improve on the horses he was breeding. Always trying to update his breeding program every year when the mares foaled there was always one that was the best he ever had. “Until the next year” and there was a new best!

The Circle K brand became known as a symbol of breeding and quality adorning the hip of countless working cow horses.

He is survived by his wife, Rena, sons, Bob Kirkman and Corbin Cook and daughters Jody Taylor-Holdaway, Susie Webster, MaryJean Winn and Cindy Champneys. 17 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Also surviving are his sister Florence and ex-wife Karen.

He is also survived by a cowboy community of friends spanning 70+ years, the unique and lifetime family bond is a one of a kind relationship that instills strength, unity and camaraderie that only those that live that life that life will understand.

Even though Nolan has taken his last ride on earth he is on his favorite horse with Shorty by his side looking for what is over the next ridge. May God ride with you.

Rest in Peace, Nolan your ride here may have ended but, the trails you’ve blazed in the hearts of those you have touched are timeless.

A celebration of his riding away and Funeral services will be held Friday January 17th at 11:00 a.m. at Lindquist’s Mortuary 3333 W 5600 S Roy, UT 84067. Friends may visit with family Thursday January 16, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment West Point City Utah 80 N. 4000 W. West Point, UT cemetery after his funeral.

Services will be live streamed, recorded and available the day of services by scrolling to the bottom of Nolan’s obituary page at www.Lindquists.com where condolences may also be shared.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you take the time to make a difference in someone else’s life here on Earth, whether it be an act of kindness, a donation or simply giving your time where it may be needed. That’s what Nolan would have wanted.