Obituaries
Michael “Mike” Kirkham, 88
December 03, 2024
Michael “Mike” Kirkham, 88, of Millersville PA, formally of London, England, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. He was born May 12, 1936, in London, England, a son of the late Edith (Bramhall) Kirkham and Norman Caton Kirkham, husband to the late Marna (Houser) Kirkham, and father to the late Christopher Kirkham.
He was a 1951 graduate of Shoreham Grammar School and later received an associate’s degree in business from the Dale Carnegie Business School. As a young man growing up post-World War II, he moved to the north of England and spent two years in Australia. Upon returning to England, Mike served in the Royal Air Force before moving to the US in 1957.
Mike’s American tale began just outside of Pittsburgh, PA where he met the love of his life Marna who he married on September 5th, 1964. Together for over 60 years until her death in 2021, their journey took them across the east coast from New York, to Ohio, to Massachusetts, to North Carolina, and eventually to Lancaster PA where they settled in 1982. His career spanned over six decades; from working for a local grocery chain to a 20+ year career with the Weyerhaeuser Corporation. Mike also held senior sales and management positions with Junior Achievement, Quality Roofing Supply, American Olean, John Rock & Company, and Pendu Manufacturing before “unofficially” retiring from corporate life in his late sixties. Never wanting to hang up his boots, Mike continued to work up until his very last days at the Village Greens Miniature Golf Club in Strasburg where he became a fixture at the course.
A generous and passionate humanitarian, Mike loved to volunteer and spent most of his life giving back to society and his community. From his work at Junior Achievement, supporting his beloved Sertoma Club, to his long-standing commitment to the Knights of Columbus where he served as a Grand Knight, Mike was always helping others. His public service didn’t stop there, serving on the Millersville Borough Council for over a decade, including several years as the council President.
Mike was also a very spiritual man and devout Catholic. Throughout his life he was active in his parish, and for over 25 years has been a member of St. Philips Roman Catholic Church in Millersville, PA,. Mike was a reader, lecturer, eucharistic minister, and active choir member known for his heavenly baritone voice. When he wasn’t working or volunteering, Mike loved to travel; singing for the Pope in Rome, cruising the coast of Alaska, exploring the banks of the Rhine River, and enjoying the beautiful sunsets of North Carolina. He was an avid reader, loved to cook, and enjoyed spending time with his family and amazing neighbors on Thorngate Place in Millersville.
Mike is survived by his son Mark Kirkham, daughters-in-law Jennifer (Thompson) Kirkham and Heather (Steele) Kirkham, and sister and brother-in-law Pat and Ian Wright. Mike loved spending time with his beautiful granddaughters Kylie and Brooke Kirkham and was blessed with numerous nieces and nephews, especially his nephew Andrew Wright and his wife Penny who were always near to offer a helping hand.
A celebration of life with be held in his honor in the Spring at St. Philips Church in Millersville, PA, followed by a private family burial service at Twin Valley Memorial Park in Delmont, PA where he will be reunited with Marna. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice and Community Care of Lancaster, PA.
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Condolences to the Family
March 11, 2025
As time passes, this is becoming more real. We went to the Burn’s Supper this past January and I was reminded of the year before when my husband and I enjoyed the super with my Uncle Mike. It had only been 2 months since his passing and I’m still surprised that’s he’s gone 2 months later.
Uncle Mike was a big personality and he loved life! He always had a big hug and a big smile and he never met a stranger. I will miss him.
I am comforted knowing that he is reunited now with Aunt Maria and Chris.
Janice Peshek
December 12, 2024
One Sunday when Father Mark Speitel was celebrating Mass and Mike was Lector, after Mike finished the readings, Father Mark announced that Mike was “The Voice of God.” It wasn’t until the Knights of Columbus Council No. 17028 had been formed that I met Mike and Marna. As I passed their pew, I saw Mike and said “There’s the Voice of God!”… he smiled, laughed and dropped his head as if he were embarrassed. That day, Marna spoke about how she and Mike came together… Marna is an excellent storyteller. and there’s no better storyteller than Mike, so by the end of the day, I felt as if I had known them forever. Two very special people made for each other… I have no doubt they will be together for eternity… two of God’s most unforgettable characters. The pain of missing Mike is somewhat eased knowing they are together with their son.
Marianne DiPace
December 11, 2024
All I can say, is that I will miss the big guy, and GO STEELERS❣️
John Campbell
December 10, 2024
Condolences to the Kirkham family. We knew Mike from church at Saint Philips and my wife Deb and I served mass with him for many years when I was a EM. Mike was a nice man with a wonderful voice as a church lector. May Saint Michael protect him on his journey and Saint Peter greet him at heaven’s gate. GOD Bless and Rest in Peace. With deepest sympathy and prayers . Bob & Deb BODNAR
December 09, 2024
Dear Mark and your family, We got to know and love Mike and Marna thru Junior Acheivement and we’ve remained close thru the years since. The loss in ’21 of Marna was hard on Mike, but he perseverred wondefully with his many devoted friends and neighbors. We have many great memories and experiences to hold onto and will miss gathering in his ‘pub’ to listen to his endless stories! He was loved much and will be missed greatly. You all will remain in our prayers during this difficult time. God’s blessings to you all.
Sincerely, Harry and Eileen Flick
December 09, 2024
Our friendship goes back to your dating days with Marna. Our weddings, our wonderful continued friendship and visits, no matter where you lived. Dean and I stayed in Pittsburgh and raised our children there. We followed your family from state to state. You will be truly missed. Long friendships are treasures…Tina Schron
December 09, 2024
Mark and family,
We were very sorry to hear about the loss of your father, Mike. He was clearly a remarkable man who will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
Rob Blythe and family
December 08, 2024
Mark – so sorry to see your dad’s passing – he and your mom led wonderful eventful lives. I was very glad to know them!
December 08, 2024
I am so sorry for this profound loss and am so glad to have met him. Sending you all love. – Vijoy and family
December 08, 2024
Dear Mark and family,
I am sure your Dad will be, together with your Mum and brother, watching over you and never stop doing so. You are never alone!
Hold on to the many wonderful memories… they will always be there, so when in need go back in time and you will see a smile appear on your faces.
Wishing you lots of strength during these difficult times. My sincerest condolences! Warmest regards,
Sabine Selos
December 07, 2024
I spent a few years with Mike when he was on Millersville Boro Council. He served as President of Council for many of the years when I served as Mayor. We got along fabulously…but we disagreed on some issues and I can still picture him make some “passionate” comments towards me. Well, sometimes Council agreed with him, and sometimes they agreed with me. Regardless, at the end of the meeting we always left with our friendship in tact. We may have snickered a little bit as we left the building, but we also always had a smile and a wink. Those interactions are memorable. He was truly a gift to so many communities, selfless, dedicated and a friend.
Richard M. Moriarty
December 07, 2024
I was blessed to have worked with Mike for several years at JA and even luckier to have him as a friend after that. He was such a kind and generous soul who truly cared about people. May he RIP with his beloved Marna and Chris. Betsi Zikmund
December 07, 2024
On behalf of everyone at Junior Achievement, we extend our deepest condolences to Mike’s family during this difficult time. Mike was not just a part of our JA family but also a cherished presence at our annual Putt Day, where his warmth, enthusiasm, and dedication left a lasting impression on everyone. His contributions and friendship enriched our organization, and his absence will be deeply felt. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you as we remember and honor Mike’s memory.
December 07, 2024
I enjoyed my friendship and relationship with Mike for over 15+ years. He was an outgoing, caring, fun, jovial, dependable man. He also was a volunteer with the Milkersville Parade Committee, which I chaired. He was ever so devout to his loving wife. Marna. He will be missed. He loved talking about his family and his life travels. – Steve DiGuiseppe
December 06, 2024
Mike was a wonderful man with an amazing nack for embracing love and life. Our heartfelt condolences to everyone in his family and our community for a great loss. With kindness, Dave and Lynette Trout
