Captain I – OCD
Deceased:
January 20, 2023
Appointed:
04/27/1975
Pensioned:
06/28/2008 – OCD
Services:
TBA
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
The Relief
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Bob and I entered the Drill Tower together in 1975. I was one of the youngest in the class. He was one of the oldest. We became the best of friends. Our families did many things together and he taught me so much about life, construction, patience, and how to be a better person. We didn’t get a chance to work together until we were both assigned to DT 89 as peer instructors. As usual, he was the backbone of the Drill Tower. Always had a great attitude, willing to fix anything, and a pleasure to work with. Bob was truly one of the good guys. Everyone loved him. I never saw him get angry. He was a roll model for all of us.
My thoughts and love go out to Sharon, their boys, and the rest of the family.
Terry Waters: “He was a roll model for all of us.”
You’ve sure got that right. When our Dad died suddenly in 1993 Bob became our family patriarch, always leading by example with kindness and service to others. He was my hero.
Bob was my relief at OCD, from 2000 to 2006. We had a great time and a real growing time bringing OCD back into the modern world. It was a real fun time talking to Killer about his boys and my boys. He was so proud of you all and was a lot of fun to work with. He will be missed by all!!
I worked with Bob in Recruit Training. We would have fires in the drill tower and there would be quite a bit of water left in the basement at the end. Bob took the rotary saw with the diamond blade and cut up a small section of the floor and put a pump in the hole so he could pump out the water. Unbeknownst to all of us Joe Longan would come in early and fill up the basement with water. Bob would pump out the water but Joe would fill it up the next day. Joe convinced Bob that he had hit the water table under the tower. Poor Bob felt so bad thinking he had really screwed up. He went to Chief Gillis and confessed his mistake. I think that’s when he found out Joe had set him up. As Terry said above Bob truly was one of the “Good Guys”.
My condolences to all the Kilpatrick’s.
As stated previously, Bob was truly one of the “Good Guys.” My condolences to his family, especially RJ and Rodney.
I worked with Bob at FS 54. I was a young Engineer and this was his first assignment as a rookie. Always wore a smile and blended in with the crew. He worked hard and his maturity was an asset throughout his career. So sad to hear of his passing.
REST IN HIS PEACE!
As Bruce stated….Bob came into 54’s as a rookie. I was there, and had just under 4 yrs on the job. I couldn’t help liking the guy. He seemed kind and sincere. We messed with him a little bit, but of course Bob took it all in stride. My condolences to the family.
I was sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. My condolences to Sharon and the family. I worked with Bob in Battalion 5 and again in the Drill Tower. He was a great example to the young recruits he came in contact with during his time in Recruit Training. I recall the incident with water in the basement of the drill tower and his actions when he thought he had messed up (which I think speaks to his character/integrity). I also recall that “Killer” gave as good as he got. He was a pretty good “why don’t you” artist too from what I remember. My wife still recalls Bob and Sharon keeping her well supplied with soggy napkins to hurl at neighboring tables one evening during a staff dinner. Rest in Peace my friend!
Chief, My memory told me it was Chief Gillis, now I realize it was you . Stage 1 Alzheimer’s..LOL
In 1986, I was a new recruit at DT-89. Then Engineer Kilpatrick, kept me on duty after I smashed my finger between the drivers side door of a Crown Triple and a metal I-beam post holding up shed on the south-side of the drill yard. I was able to finish the day, but as the night wore on, I knew that I was going to be in big trouble the next day.
That next morning while doing housework in the kitchen, Bob noticed that I was favoring my left hand and asked me what was wrong. I showed him my swollen finger and black and blue nail. He looked at it, took me over to the GAS STOVE and pulled out a pair if channel locks and a finishing nail. blood shot out and I felt instant relief. He bandaged it up and told me to put on my gloves, you’ll be just fine. I remembered that day my entire career.
Years later, RJ and I were assigned together on Special Duty. I think I told him that story on the first day, but in typical Kilpatrick fashion, humbly shrugged it off as no big deal. “That’s my Dad!” Bob Kilpatrick was a true gentleman and a testament to the reputation of the LAFD.
My prayers and condolences go out to my friend RJ, and the entire Kilpatrick family.