RAYMOND LEE KIRKHAM

                                                        RAYMOND LEE KIRKHAM

The following picture is of Raymond and his sister, Bessy Laverne. 

Raymond Lee, youngest son of George and Sarah Russon Kirkham was born 24 Aug 1902 in Lehi, Utah. He was baptized 24 Aug 1910 by his father.  He received his early education in the elementary schools in Lehi and graduated from Lehi High School then continued his education at the Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.  He advanced in the Priesthood and faithfully attended his church assignments.  His schooling was interrupted with a mission for the Church to Germany where he spent thirty-six months from 1922-1925.  He served as President in three branches during his mission.

He married Mona Hindley, daughter of James Ernest and Emily Hoggard Hindley.  She was born 10 Jul 1907 in American Fork, Utah.  They were married 14 June 1928 in the Salt Lake Temple.

Raymond was employed by the Utah Woolen Mills of Salt Lake City, Utah, acting as manager in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  While in Minneapolis he was appointed as Superintendent of the MIA for the North Central States Mission.  He moved from Minneapolis to Los Angeles as California representative of the same company.  In 1936, Raymond became affiliated with the Prudential Life Insurance Company, his assignment being in Hollywood, California.  Here he served as Staff Manager Agent, and in 1951 moved to Portland, Oregon, as District Manager of the Portland North District.  After 23 years of continuous service with the company, he retired 1 February 1959 and accepted the General Agency for the Provident Life Accident Insurance Company of Chattanooga, Tennessee, with his office in Portland, Oregon.

Raymond's  church activities have been many and varied.  He advanced through the Priesthood callings in the Lehi Second ward.  After the return from his mission he was advanced to the office of Seventy being set apart by Elder Brigham H. Roberts of the First Council of Seventy.  He served as Counselor to J. Mark Clark in Hollywood Ward.  He was advanced to the office of Bishop in 1936 and served until 1942.  He served as counselor in the Los Angeles Stake High Priest Presidency.  He was later called to the Stake High Council.  After moving to Portland, he served as MIA Activity Counselor.  He served as President of the Columbia River Stake High Priests. 

He has been an active member of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers.  He was the first President of the California Chapter in Los Angeles.  He was also one of the members of the organization which participated in the 1947 trek from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah

Children of Raymond Lee and Mona Hindley Kirkham
RaeMona Kirkham Reynolds
Thomas Lee Kirkham