MESCO mourns the passing of Don Kirkland
Donald H. Kirkland of Devon, PA passed away at home suddenly at the age of 90 on September 30th, 2016. Don was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Walter and Elizabeth Stillman of Syracuse, NY, for nearly 66 years.
Don was born in Kirklyn, PA and was the son of Ida Kathryn and William Kirkland and the brother of the late Dr. William G. Kirkland. He was the father of sons Donald H. Kirkland Jr and David R. Kirkland (deceased). His family includes two grandsons, Donald H. Kirkland III, Andrew R. Kirkland, daughter in-law Carol A. Kirkland and nieces Brenda and Barbara.
Deployed to the Pacific Theater, Don served in the Navy on the destroyer USS Mertz during World War II. Upon discharge he joined the family business, Marine Equipment and Supply Company (MESCO) of Thorofare, NJ, where he served as owner and CEO for over 65 years.
All who knew him were inspired and amazed by his many interests, accomplishments and passion for life. Don had a life-long interest in hiking and the outdoors, completing the entire Appalachian Trail, climbing Mt. Katahdin, Mt. Rainier, Longs Peak, and numerous other mountains throughout the country.
An accomplished woodworker, his many detailed projects grace his home as well as those of numerous family members, friends, his church and hiking clubs.
His interests included boating, reading, gardening, tennis and politics. He served as president of the National Marine Distributors Association and volunteered for the Horse-Shoe Trail Conservancy, the Berwyn United Methodist Church, and various other organizations.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Horse-Shoe Trail Conservancy (P.O. Box 2226, Southeastern, Pa 19399), Berwyn United Methodist Church (140 Waterloo Avenue, Berwyn, PA) or The Main Line Animal Rescue (P.O. Box 89, Chester Springs, PA 19425.)
