ROBERT WALES KIRKLAND
05/10/1964 - 11/16/2022
Robert Wales Kirkland died peacefully at home on Wednesday, the 16th of November 2022, at the age of 58. Bobby was born in Houston on the 10th of May 1964, to Ann Wales and John Kirkland, and he lived in Houston most of his life. Bobby attended St. John’s School from kindergarten until high school when he left Houston to attend the Dublin School in Dublin, New Hampshire as a boarding student. After graduating from Dublin, Bobby attended Washington & Lee University and obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas in Houston.
Out of college, Bobby started in oil and gas as a landman, working first in Alabama and then moving home to Houston. During his career, Bobby worked as Executive Vice President of Wapiti Energy, LLC and later as the founder and CEO of Huntington Oil & Gas, LLC.
Bobby married Alicia Crawford in 1996, and they had two children, Katherine Ross Kirkland, born in 1992 and Pierce Wales Kirkland, born in 1997. Bobby was devoted to Alicia, and he was deeply saddened by her death in 2009.
Alicia’s death galvanized Bobby, reinforcing his deep dedication to his children with whom he remained very close.
Often putting others before himself, Bobby dedicated much of his time and passion to philanthropic service. Bobby served for many years on the board of Trustees of Dublin School, which had become a core part of his life when he was a student there. The school was so meaningful to him that Bobby purchased a beautiful piece of land in the nearby New Hampshire hills where he planned to build a vacation home. Bobby also served on the board of the Neuhaus Education Center in Houston, supporting its efforts to overcome obstacles to literacy. In addition, Bobby was an active member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church where he served as an usher.
Bobby is preceded in death by his wife, Alicia, his older brother J. David Kirkland, Jr., and his father John D Kirkland.
Bobby is survived by his children, Katherine and Pierce; his mother, Ann Elizabeth Wales; his sister, Solace Kirkland Southwick; his nieces, Virginia Southwick and Diana Kirkland and husband Dallas Hansen and their son David; his nephews, William Kirkland, and James Southwick. Bobby was predeceased by his wife, Alicia, his older brother J. David Kirkland, Jr., and his father John D Kirkland.
A memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Monday, the 28th of November 2022, in the sanctuary of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston, where The Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr, Rector is to officiate.
Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family and share remembrances of Bobby during a reception at a venue to be announced during the service.
In lieu of customary remembrances, please consider memorial contributions to be made in memory of Bobby to the Dublin School, Advancement Office, 18 Lehmann Way, Dublin, NH 03444; the Neuhaus Education Center, 4433 Bissonnet, Houston, Texas 77401; or St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, Houston, Texas 77056
Please visit Mr. Kirkland’s online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com where memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.