TED KIRKPATRICK: The Passing of a Legend

If musos ever get together and pontificate on assembling the ultimate supergroup of Christian musicians (and this probably happens frequently), there is no doubt that Ted Kirkpatrick of Tourniquet would show up on most people’s list as THE drummer. He is so talented, so innovative, so driven, and so creative.

The bad news (for us) is that he has died and gone to heaven. The good news, however, is that we can still speak of him in the present-tense, because he is undoubtedly alive in Christ.

The Christian rock and metal world was shocked to learn of his death last Friday. In an amazing example of forethought, Ted actually wrote us (his friends and fans) a goodbye letter, which his beloved wife Cristy shared on Facebook:

“This is Cristy, Ted’s wife.  I have some very sad news to share.  My beloved husband went to be with the Lord today, August 19, 2022.  He was surrounded by his family and loved ones. It was a blessing to see first-hand Ted’s amazing passion for so many things that captivated him for life, and it was humbling to stand by and witness his genius, creativity and seemingly never-ending natural talent.  I know many of you are broken-hearted and certainly Ted’s wish would be to celebrate his memory through his music through Tourniquet.

About 4 months ago, Ted was experiencing chest pain and unusual shortness of breath.  Up until this point, Ted had not been in a hospital in 40 years and all covid tests came up negative, to the end.  After several doctor visits to a general practitioner, Ted was referred to see a pulmonologist who conducted many tests and an accurate diagnosis was made of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a rare terminal lung disease of which there is no cure.

IPF is a serious disease that causes irreversible scarring of the lungs and progresses, or gets worse, over time.  This scarring makes it difficult to breathe and eventually the lungs can’t inhale enough oxygen for the body to function properly.  Typically, IPF causes severe shortness of breath to where the simplest activities of walking across a room seem nearly impossible.

Ted was able to share a few thoughts the night before he passed.”

“My life has been so full of adventure and wonderment and for the past 30 years all of you have been a great source of joy as you shared your love for our music, my passion for animals, and my desire to share the love of God with all of you.  I’m forever grateful for the unending loyalty so many have shown through the years and support of whatever talents the Lord gave me on this earth.

I leave behind so many wonderful friends, my wonderful family, the greatest family anyone could ask for, my brothers, Doug & Jim, my sister Sue, and my wife Cristy, my forever soul mate, my best friend and the most beautiful person I’ve ever known.

Thank you and I’ll see you sometime on the other side.  Love, Ted”

I’ll appreciate your prayers, Cristy

If you would like to help with Ted’s expensive medical bills, a Go Fund me account has been set up.

https://gofund.me/b64becd2

About Author