Six years ago today, we lost one of the greatest wildlife advocates of our age: Dr. Jay Kirkpatrick.
I’ve never known a more intelligent, compassionate, big-hearted human being. When friend and inspiration Marty Felix, champion for the Little Book Cliffs horses for more than four decades, suggested I contact him, early in my advocacy years, it was like she’d told me to call up a rock star. And when I did call him, he was just … so … kind. When I met him in August 2010, when I went to the Science and Conservation Center in Billings, Montana, for the training and certification to become a PZP darter, the first thing I did was ask if I could hug him. 🙂 The memory makes me smile and cry in equal measure.
It’s still true: I honor him and his legacy to preserve wild horses (all wildlife) with every dart I fire. He is one of our mustang angels over Spring Creek Basin. He is missed, never forgotten.
(Sun halo seen yesterday over Spring Creek Basin and Disappointment Valley.)
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
Perfect picture to remember him. You took the step to learn exactly what you needed in your life to help the wild horses. And just think of the hood he taught you to succeed. You are amazing
Dr. Jay was amazing! I’m grateful to have known him and learned from him!
What a spectacular photo to honor Dr. Kilpatrick! He’s watching!
I’m pretty sure he is. 🙂
We’re all lucky that you found Dr Kirkpatrick !
So many of us owe so much to Dr. Jay!
What a great picture!
It was a wild sight! I had to fish out my cell phone from under multiple layers, then point and hope I caught the whole halo. 🙂
TJ, what a wonderful tribute to a great friend of horses and people 💗
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He was all of that and more. 🙂
I am so glad you had such a wonderful mentor, TJ. When they leave us, the gaping hole left behind becomes filled with wonderful memories just like the one you described. Your photo is stunning and speaks to the inspiration he was in your life.
I hope so. There’s no way in any language to convey what he meant to me and to all of us who learned from him and carry his legacy forward. Thanks. 🙂