Mount Union men’s and women’s golf coach Bill Kirkwood dies

The University of Mount Union has announced the passing of head golf coach Bill Kirkwood at age 65.

Kirkwood, who joined the Mount Union community in 2014, was diagnosed with CLL/SLL, a form of lymphoma/leukemia. Even while receiving treatment, he continued to coach on a daily basis.

Earlier this year, Kirkwood was diagnosed with CNS, another rare form of lymphoma/leukemia. He died this week.

A Cleveland native, Kirkwood coached the Mount Union men’s and women’s teams for several years. He led the women’s team to nationals three years in a row.

In making sure his players had all the tools and advantages to be winners, Kirkwood headed up the fundraising effort for a golf center at Mount Union, located in Alliance, Ohio. The Melvin J. Snode Golf Center opened in 2022.

Kirkwood married his wife Sue in 1997. Mugsy is their beloved pet and mascot of the golf teams.

There will be no calling hours. To remember Kirkwood, the family asks people to sit quietly or in a group on Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Instead of cards and flowers, donations can be made to the Life Care of Wooster and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.