Kirk D. McMichael, 89, of Pullman, WA passed away July 12, 2025 at the Robville Adult Family Home in Pullman. He left peacefully four hours before his ninetieth birthday.

Kirk was born July 13, 1935 in Schenectady, NY to Robert & Alice (Kirkpatrick) McMichael. He graduated from Shimer College at age 19 and continued at the University of Chicago where he received his PhD in Organic Chemistry. Kirk met his wife, Laura Lundorff at the U. of C.; they were married on June 21, 1958. They moved to Madison, WI where Kirk completed postdoctoral research.

The couple was delighted to move west to Pullman where Kirk had been offered a faculty position at Washington State University. Over the years Kirk earned distinction as an outstanding teacher. Kirk retired in 2001 after 38 years at WSU.

Kirk had a passion for music, especially choral singing. He sang bass in the choir at Trinity Lutheran Church and with the Palouse Choral Society for many years. Bach was his favorite. He celebrated his Scottish heritage playing bagpipes as a member of the Border Highlanders for 40 years and served for a time as the Pipe Major. The band played for many community events, and Kirk played for weddings, funerals, and the last day of class. He was a member of the Nutcrackers, a faculty book club, and enjoyed model railroading with the Latah Railway Society. The family is grateful to be rooted in the Pullman community.

Kirk's first devotion was to his family and loved spending time together with them wherever they were. Kirk is survived by his wife of 67 years, Laura; his daughter Anne McMichael of Fircrest, WA; his son Robert (Melanie) McMichael of Montgomery Village, MD; his two grandchildren, Ellie and Andrew McMichael; his sister Christina Jo Gee, "Jody"; and his many nieces and nephews. Kirk was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Sandra.

A memorial service will be held at 3 PM on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Kirk's long-time church home, Trinity Lutheran Church, 1300 NE Lybecker Street in Pullman, WA. Corbeill Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.