Terry Kirkwood, a longtime resident of the Tri-Cities passed away at the age of 81 on January 5, 2026. He was born in Belleville, Illinois. And shortly thereafter he and his mother relocated to Richland, WA joining his father who was employed on the Hanford Project.

They moved to Pasco when Terry was in grade school. After graduating from high school in 1963, he moved to Seattle for several years working in the shipyards. He returned to the Tri-Cities, married Sandra Schmelzer and settled in Kennewick.

Terry was an incredibly talented welder. He was a member of Local 598 Plumbers and Steamfitters and retired while working for PNNL. He and Sandra also owned and operated an autobody and repair shop and a fabrication business. He had many interests; including hard work, horses, snowmobiling, boating, anything to do with hotrods and classic cars (especially Corvettes), vacationing at the Oregon Coast and spending time with his family and friends.

He also had a very deep faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Terry and Sandra regularly attended South Hills Church until his health declined. Terry was preceded in death by his father and mother. He is survived by his wife Sandra, sons Shane (Michele), Scott (Mandy) 5 grandchildren and his sister Tanya Bunch (John), his niece, two nephews and their children.

Graveside inurnment service will be held Friday, March 27, 2026 at 1:00pm at Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Kennewick, Washington.