Cody Kirkland Obituary

Cody Joseph Kirkland of Colorado Springs succumbed to a life long heart condition on April 27 in Atascadero, CA. He had just celebrated his 21st birthday two weeks prior. Cody was a native of Colo Spgs. Two days after he was born, he underwent two heart surgeries. Although he was under a doctor's care, he had a fairly normal childhood. Cody loved playing soccer, skiing, skateboarding, and especially snowboarding. Just two weeks after his 13th birthday in 2002 he received a heart transplant. After spending several weeks as a guest of the Ronald McDonald House in Denver, he was allowed to resume his life. During one of his summer trips to CA to visit Grandma and Aunt Keri he got his scuba diver certification. Cody graduated from Mesa Ridge in May of 2007. Two months later he was off to Houston, TX to attend UTI where he received an Associates Degree in Auto Body and Paint. Cody then pursued his life long dream of moving to CA where he landed a job with a cable communications company as a technician. Cody loved his job, and in the short time he was there, he made dozens of friends and earned the respect of his co-workers. Cody was dealt some bad cards throughout his life, but he always ended up with a winning hand. He had a great sense of humor, an open, friendly personality, incredible charm, and a big heart. Cody leaves behind his parents Kimberly and Jeff, his older brother Kyle, his Grandmother Mary Jo and his Aunt Keri from CA, along with numerous relatives on both coasts. Cody also leaves behind his loving girlfriend Mandy, who was never far from his side. Cody touched all our hearts in his short time with us; he will be dearly missed and never forgotten. We love you son. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Cody's name to Children's Hospital or Ronald McDonald House. If you wish to share memories of Cody or just leave the family a message to to //stei-23678.tributes.com