IN MEMORIAM

At age 63, Tom was poised to retire, complete his PAT (Players Aptitude Test) and play and teach golf. However, that was not to be. Tom was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in February of 2007. Receiving both diagnosis and treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, he followed an aggressive, non-surgical course of chemotherapy. He was not a candidate for surgery as is true many patients diagnosed too late. Throughout treatment he stayed on the golf course. As fatigue set in, he surrendered to riding in a cart when he would normally walk. In August of 2007, Tom played his last round of golf in Danbury, Wisconsin on his home course of Voyager Village. It was only 9 holes. He passed away two weeks later. 

Tom’s daughter, Dr. Lisa Goodman founded the Kingsbury Open in 2015 in Tom’s Memory. Tom loved to visit and golf in Colorado. Every time we golf we think about Tom and know he is with us; from tee to green. We hope you will join us to honor his memory and to lend a hand to this important cause.

Born in East Paterson, New Jersey, Blanche raised a family on military bases throughout the United States as the wife of a U.S. Marine officer.  She was the heart, soul and life force of her family, friends and everyone who knew her. Three months after losing her son, Victor, to pancreatic cancer, Blanche was diagnosed with the same disease and passed away just months later in 2010.  Blanche, like her son Victor, was the epitome of grace and courage throughout the most difficult of circumstances, and it is in her memory as well WINGS OF HOPE was founded by her daughter, Maureen Shul.

Born in Quantico, Virginia and lived most of his life in Seattle, Washington, where he excelled as a semi-pro tennis player, entrepreneur and founder of several international businesses.  His lasting legacy is in the many lives he touched and impacted through his generous heart, loving soul and extraordinary mind. WINGS OF HOPE FOR PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH was founded in his memory by his sister, Maureen Shul, after Victor lost his 4 year battle with pancreatic cancer in 2009.  He lives in all those who knew him, loved him and will benefit from the pancreatic cancer research being funded by WINGS OF HOPE in his memory.

Kathy was born in St. Paul, MN where she married Steve May and raised their three children together.  Kathy loved being a wife and mother, she was the ultimate hockey mom, loved boating on the lake, sunbathing, was the life of the party, and cherished every moment with her kids and grandkids.

She had such a good sense of humor, loved to laugh and her laugh was contagious.  She was full of life, making jokes even up to her last days with us. Kathy was a truly caring person that asked many questions because she cared and wanted to know about the person she was interrogating.  Her constant questioning was her trademark. But also, her gift. She asked because she genuinely cared. She had an unbeatable zest for life!

Kathy left us in 2017 after almost a 3 year battle with pancreatic cancer.  She was a warrior in her battle against her cancer and she fought everyday to stay here with her husband Steve and her beautiful children and grandchildren.

Geary Eugene Keeton was a Vietnam Veteran, proud Marine, dedicated civil servant of almost 50 years.  His most cherished role was that of "dad" to his beloved daughter, Cassie. Geary was generous, kind, and thoughtful.  He is missed tremendously.

Nickoletta (“Nicky”) Antoniou, was a wife (Dr. Christos Antoniou, passed away in 1992), mother (Bessie Conty, Pamela Brennan, Tom Antoniou, and Vanessa Antoniou), grandmother, sister (she had 8 brothers and sisters), daughter, entrepreneur (she owned and ran a Greek Restaurant “The Greek Gourmet” for 20 years) and philanthropist. She was president of her church (St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox church) among many other roles at her parish.  She led the construction of the Family Life Center in Town and Country. She was hardworking, loving, and passionate about her family, friends and the church. She had many friends from all walks of life and brought everyone together. She was very special and is missed dearly.

When James was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in 2016, the progress that has been made to combat this disease enabled him to live for two years beyond his diagnosis date—and Pancreatic Cancer did not win! With an early diagnosis and leading-edge surgery and treatment at UCLA, James was declared cancer-free. For another year and a half, he thrived and lived a healthy, energetic life. Last year, we decided to celebrate James and share his story of hope by sponsoring a hole in his honor at the Kingsbury Open. Sadly, he passed away of a heart attack before we had the chance to let him know. 
 

James had an incredible spirit. After his diagnosis, he made the decision to not allow this disease to define him. He lived his final year to the fullest and, in doing so, taught us to truly value our health, families and friends. Although his sudden passing was intensely sad for those of us who loved him, we have solace in knowing that progress is being made to beat Pancreatic Cancer. We know that James would want others to have the chance he had, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support the fight against this disease in his name.

Thomas Joseph Walter was born Feb. 27, 1949, in Watkins, Iowa. He was raised on an Iowa farm with 12 brothers and sisters whom he adored. He started riding calves at the age of 10, bulls at age 13, and bareback horses at 14. His career with the rodeo spanned from competing in 12 National Finals Rodeos in bareback bronc riding to earning a gold medal when he coached the USA Rodeo Team to victory in the 1988 Olympics. He was as tough as they come and broke just about every bone in his body over the years. He was a family man, ladies’ man, and stubborn as hell. A real-life mysterious cowboy. After this rodeo career, he enjoyed his retirement guiding elk hunters in northern New Mexico each fall and helping his brother, Johnny Walter, of Mid States Rodeo Co. during the summers. 

In March of 2011 he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He beat the odds and battled for over 4 years. He passed away on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, at the age of 67, in Indio, California. He was survived by his three children, Shawna Slaughter, Raymond Walter and daughter Julie Carrillo who recently passed away from colon cancer. He was also survived by many grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nephews and nieces. He was recently honored by the PRCA (of which he was the president of for many years) for a Celebration of Life.  His family loves him and misses him dearly and will never forget his humor, dedication, and charm. 

Elizabeth (Lizzo) was passionate about teaching children with learning disabilities and worked as an educator at Park Hill Elementary. She loved music, a legacy of her parents Nancy and Bob who were both professional opera performers and educators. She took great joy in family, friends, and her cats Tiptoes and Ankou. She is survived by her children, Anna & Robert; ex-husband, Benjamin; mother, Nancy Gay; brother, Jim Gay; students and fellow teachers of Park Hill Elementary, and Lizzo's Legion of friends and family members.

After a short 6 weeks Elizabeth lost her battle with Pancreatic Cancer on March 2, 2015. Lizzo is forever with us, she lived her life well and fully, with purpose. Her love touched us all, her laughter remains in our hearts, her wit still makes us smile, and her children remain in our loving care. It is our job to take up her causes, her kindness, and her joy, so that the world will not suffer her loss for long.

Ann McDermott died at home in the early morning hours of April 17th after a heroic fourteen-month battle against pancreatic cancer. She was a 30-year career civil servant who achieved membership in the Senior Executive Service and subsequently received the Presidential Rank Award. Her many civilian assignments in the Air Force and Marine Corps culminated in her final duty as Deputy Assistant Commandant for Programs and Resources and Comptroller of the Marine Corps at HQ USMC in the Pentagon. She retired from that position in October 2017. Ann graduated from Basic High School. She then went on to graduate from the University of Southern California, received a Master's degree from the National Defense University and was a Certified Public Accountant. 

Vanessa Lewis-DeBoer was born and raised in a small town in central New York surrounded by a large number of loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. She and her sister Gerry were 14 months apart in age and were the closest of family and friends. Vanessa loved to travel and explore the world, particularly to those countries with deep cultural roots and history. She made several trips from the time she was diagnosed to the time of her passing (2 years), including a trip to Bali! Her last trip was with her immediate family just 4 weeks before her death.

Her professional career was filled with daily gratitudes. She was an oncology social worker at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.  She was so gifted in helping patients and their families work through their individual cancer journeys. Vanessa specifically loved helping children deal with their losses. The world is a better place because of Vanessa’s impact on so many people (coworkers, patients, families, and friends), with her love, wisdom and generosity of spirit. She taught her family how to live with meaning every day and how to die with dignity. 

She left behind a loving family but most cherished were her two nephews. They were the children she never had. She loved Rob and Joe unconditionally and eventually their families. Their love for each other was an unbelievable bond, like no other. Her family misses her so much each and every day. We are thankful for so many loving memories. Vanessa’s spirit lives on in all of those she loved.

In loving memory of Nancy B. Sokol. We never step on a golf course or enjoy some ice cream, without remembering the love and hugs you gave to so many everyday! A one of a kind Mom, Wife, Grandma, Sister, Aunt and friend to all!

Rob spoke at the Kingsbury Open in 2019 after surviving Pancreatic Cancer for 5 years. He passed away on October 13, 2020. He was born on January 3, 1962, in New Haven, Connecticut. He was a 1980 graduate of Platt Regional Vocational Technical School. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in February 1981 and honorably served his country for 28 years. During this time, he was an aircraft maintenance technician and space systems operator. Rob then went on to earn a MS and MBA from Regis University and two Associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force as well as earning his CPA certification. After his retirement from the USAF, he was employed by the US Department of Interior’s Office of Natural Resources Revenue as a senior staff auditor and retired in September 2019 due to illness. Rob loved skiing, snowshoeing, biking, hiking, camping, deep sea fishing and the Colorado outdoors.

“A renaissance man” in the words of one of his closest colleagues, Dr. Bennett was tirelessly devoted to his patients, a researcher whose discoveries helped save the lives of countless people with coronary artery disease, and a professor whose example many young doctors sought to emulate.

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“Joel’s extraordinary contributions to the field of hematology and as a researcher are awe-inspiring,” said Charles S. Abrams, Penn vice chair for research and chief scientific officer at Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine. “His clinical acumen and his exquisite and thoughtful care of his patients was a lesson in grace and all that it means to be a doctor. Joel was the one who we all sought advice from about our most pressing cases.”

On Thursday, March 10, 2022 William “Bill” Phillip Young, 75 years of Wichita, loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, friend, and KSU Wildcat fan went to be with his Lord and Savior.
Bill was born on August 19, 1946 in Topeka, KS. Bill was the loving son of Merle “Bud” and Gladys Young. Bill enjoyed golf, watching sports, pickleball, meeting up with his Wednesday evening “Bigs” group, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a KSU Football season ticket holder since 1969. That began his lifelong love of the Wildcats and his love of the color purple. He belonged to the Delta Chi Fraternity. While at KSU, he met his true love, Kay Marie Rader, and they were wed on November 30, 1968. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2018 with a trip to Maui with family.
His career was working in financial institutions. He retired after 32 years in September 2007 with Commerce Bank, formerly Union National Bank. He also mentored new pastors through the Great Plains UMC Transition into Ministry program.

“Big Don”, was born and raised in St. Louis, MO. After a successful athletic career in high school and college, he married the love of his life, Kay Dulle who he had been with since 16. The other love of his life was selling beer, even was known as the Bud man to many. He ultimately ended up in Northwest Montana.  He would be upset that it took this long into his bio to talk about his three kids: Donnie, Bobby, and Mary. It is not an exaggeration that he would have, and sometimes did, go to the ends of the earth for them. His kids were his life. Sadly in 2010 after experiencing weight loss and fatigue, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Despite chemo and radiation, experimental trials, surgery, blood transfusions, he ultimately succumbed to his disease on April 13, 2012. He is survived by 8 grandchildren that he most certainly would have spoiled rotten.  Landon, Hudson, Jack, Sam, Mateo, Elena, Zoey, and Tucker have a guardian angel. He is missed everyday by his family who feels blessed to have been loved by him.

John was born in Omaha, NE and grew up shuttling between his parent's ouse in Omaha and his grandparents' ranch in Crawford, NE. He graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in Geology and married his high school sweetheart, Donna Rigg. They moved to New Orleans, LA. After 2 years and 2 kids, the family moved to Denver where he and Donna had 2 more kids and spent the next 40 years. John has spent his career in oil & gas, working for Davis Oil and then starting his own Exploration Company. He loved what he did and was still working when he was diagnosed in 2003 with pancreatic cancer at the age of 65. Unable to find any treatment options in Colorado, he sought treatment at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. Unfortunately, his cancer was very advanced and he was not a candidate for surgery. He lost his battle after a mere 3 months. John was loved and respected by all who knew him. He is missed everyday.