Former Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority director Travis Kirkpatrick dies

Travis Kirkpatrick, a longtime Oklahoma civil servant and former director of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, died Tuesday.

Kirkpatrick, 40, spent nearly 18 years serving in a variety of roles of state government, working for agencies including the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority, the Office of Juvenile Affairs and the State Department of Health.

He was named director of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority in January 2020, and worked in that role for nearly a year. During that time, the industry saw considerable growth in licensed businesses and medical marijuana cardholders. By the time he left the role, the agency oversaw nearly 400,000 licensees.

Kirkpatrick served as the health department representative on Gov. Kevin Stitt's COVID-19 task force, and would later go on to become the deputy commissioner for the department. He continued working in state government until this summer, when he left for a job within the private sector.

Kirkpatrick died of what is believed to be sudden cardiac arrest, his family told The Oklahoman.

Known for having an exuberant and outgoing personality, he often paired colorful socks or basketball shoes with his suits and elaborate ties.

"He has one of those larger-than-life personalities, and he's really driven, and he wants to be the best at anything he puts his hands on," said Kirkpatrick's wife, Daryn Kirkpatrick.

Brandon Kirkpatrick praised his brother's ability to build friendships and support those he cared about or worked with.

"He loved building them up," Brandon Kirkpatrick said. "He was such a good advocate for anyone he had a relationship with."

His daughter, Madi Kirkpatrick, 16, said her father used to regularly write her weekly notes of encouragement.

After attending high school in Edmond, Kirkpatrick got a degree at the University of Central Oklahoma, and his master's of public administration from the University of Oklahoma.

He was an avid sports fan and singer and loved attending sporting events for his kids — Madi and Connor Kirkpatrick, 12.

The funeral service for Travis Kirkpatrick will be 3 p.m. Friday. Services will be at OKC First Church of the Nazarene, 4400 Northwest Expressway.