Bill Knepper

Yesterday we attended the memorial service for our neighbor, Bill Knepper, who died last month from Parkinson's disease. It was a simple and dignified service, attended by thirty or forty friends and relatives. Bill's two grown sons both shared memories about their father, a University of Kansas graduate who worked in the Foreign Service Corps for 35 years. He lived in numerous countries and was known and respected by presidents and heads of state around the world. He did what he could to serve his country and make the planet safer.

Though Bill's disease had already taken much from him when we first met five years ago, I could see his quick wit and easy style even as it was increasingly difficult for him to express himself. It made me wish I had known him before Parkinson's began to erode his abilities but I'm happy to have known him for awhile.

Rock Chalk, Bill.